Current Law: Right Turn on Red in Illinois
For nearly 50 years, Illinois drivers have been allowed to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to all traffic and pedestrians, unless a posted sign specifically prohibits it. This rule, adopted widely across the U.S. in the 1970s, was initially intended to save fuel and reduce idling during the oil crisis.
How the Rule Works
- Drivers must come to a complete stop before turning right at a red light.
- Drivers are required to yield to all other vehicles and especially to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- If a sign at the intersection prohibits a right turn on red, drivers must obey the sign and wait for a green light.
- Illinois law also distinguishes between a standard red light and a red arrow: a right turn on a red arrow is always prohibited, even if the way appears clear.
Local Variations and Enforcement
- Local authorities in Illinois can pass ordinances to ban right turns on red at specific intersections, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.
- Chicago’s city administration has announced plans to “restrict right turns on red,” but as of mid-2025, no city-wide ban or detailed implementation has been finalized.
- Drivers should always check for posted signs and be aware of local rules, as these may override the general state law.
Why Change Is Being Considered
Rising Pedestrian Fatalities
- The push for tighter restrictions or bans on right turns on red is driven by a sharp increase in pedestrian deaths. In 2022, more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed nationwide, the highest number since 1981.
- Studies show that the risk of a pedestrian being killed by a vehicle turning right is significantly higher with larger vehicles like pickups (89% higher) and SUVs (63% higher), due to blind spots and greater force on impact.
Safety Concerns
- Right turns on red often coincide with pedestrians having the right of way, creating potential conflicts, especially when drivers fail to yield or have limited visibility.
- Higher turning speeds and inattentiveness-drivers focusing on oncoming traffic rather than pedestrians-are additional risk factors.
Where Bans Are Being Implemented or Considered
- Other U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, and Ann Arbor have already implemented or are considering bans at selected intersections, particularly downtown or near schools and parks.
- Chicago is evaluating similar restrictions, but as of now, there is no statewide ban in Illinois.
Arguments For and Against the Ban
Supporters argue that banning right turns on red will reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities, especially in urban and high-foot-traffic areas.
Opponents contend that the actual number of pedestrian deaths caused by right turns on red is relatively low, and that blanket bans may unnecessarily slow traffic and inconvenience drivers. Some see the movement as part of a broader push to discourage driving in cities.
What Drivers Should Do Now
- Always come to a complete stop before turning right on red.
- Yield to all pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
- Watch for and obey any posted “No Turn on Red” signs.
- Be especially cautious near schools, parks, and in downtown areas where local bans may be in effect.
- Stay informed about local ordinances, as city-specific rules may change before statewide laws do.
Looking Ahead
While right turns on red remain legal in most of Illinois as of May 2025, the trend is toward increased restrictions in urban areas, particularly in response to pedestrian safety concerns. Drivers should expect more intersections-especially in Chicago and other large cities-to prohibit right turns on red in the coming years.
Staying alert, following posted signs, and yielding to pedestrians are key to both compliance and safety under the evolving rules.
Sources:
- https://1440wrok.com/will-illinois-ban-right-turn-on-red/
- https://1440wrok.com/banning-right-turn-on-red-in-illinois-heres-why-it-could-happen/
- https://mitchellhoffmanwolf.com/blog/legal-implications-of-right-turns-on-red-lights-in-chicago/
- https://www.kfkllaw.com/illinois-injury-lawyers/should-illinois-ban-the-right-on-red-law
- https://www.sjtpolaw.com/blog/2019/06/is-it-always-legal-to-turn-right-at-a-red-light/
