Recent developments in Indiana traffic law, particularly regarding right turns at red lights, have created confusion among drivers. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what’s changing, what remains the same, and how these rules affect drivers across the state.
Current Statewide Law on Right Turns at Red Lights
- Indiana law generally allows drivers to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a posted sign prohibits the turn.
- Before making the turn, drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other vehicles using the intersection.
- The rule applies to both solid red lights and red arrows, provided there is no sign explicitly forbidding the turn.
- The same law allows left turns on red only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop and yielding as required.
Key Requirements for a Legal Right Turn on Red
- Complete Stop: You must come to a full stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection.
- Yielding: Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and any other vehicles lawfully in the intersection or crosswalk.
- No Prohibitive Sign: Ensure there is no sign posted that prohibits a right turn on red at that specific intersection.
- Cautious Entry: Enter the intersection cautiously and complete the turn only when it is safe.
Recent Changes and Local Variations
Indianapolis Downtown Ban
- In response to a rise in pedestrian fatalities, Indianapolis passed a measure to ban right turns on red at approximately 190 intersections in the downtown core.
- The ban was based on a five-year study showing that nearly 57% of pedestrian crashes downtown involved vehicles failing to yield while turning.
- The affected area includes intersections bounded by 11th Street/Oscar Robertson Boulevard/10th Street, White River Parkway West Drive, Interstate I-70, and Interstate I-65. State highways are not included in the ban.
- The Indianapolis City-County Council approved the proposal, but its implementation has faced political pushback at the state level.
Statewide Legislative Response
- A state senator introduced a bill aiming to reverse the Indianapolis right-turn-on-red ban and prevent other Indiana cities from enacting similar restrictions.
- The proposed legislation would prohibit local governments from installing signs that ban right turns on red, effectively centralizing control of this traffic rule at the state level.
- As of now, this bill has not become law, so the Indianapolis ban remains in effect at designated downtown intersections.
Special Considerations
- Motorcycles and Bicycles: Indiana law allows operators of motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, or bicycles to proceed through a red light after waiting at least 120 seconds, if it is safe, due to issues with signal sensors not detecting smaller vehicles.
- Left Turns on Red: Permitted only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding as required.
- Approach and Execution: When turning right, drivers must approach as close as practical to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
Enforcement and Safety
- The main goal of these rules and local bans is to protect pedestrians and reduce intersection crashes, particularly in busy downtown areas.
- Enforcement may vary by jurisdiction, especially as state and local governments debate authority over traffic regulations.
What Drivers Should Do
- Always come to a full stop and check for signs prohibiting right turns on red.
- Yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic before turning.
- Be especially cautious in downtown Indianapolis, where right turns on red may be banned at certain intersections.
- Stay informed about ongoing legislative changes that could affect these rules statewide.
Right Turn on Red in Indiana
| Location | Right Turn on Red Allowed? | Exceptions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide (outside local bans) | Yes | Must stop, yield, and no prohibitive sign present |
| Downtown Indianapolis (select intersections) | No | Ban at ~190 intersections; check for posted signs |
| One-way to one-way left turn | Yes | Only from left lane, after stop and yield |
Drivers in Indiana should remain vigilant for posted signs, stay updated on local ordinances, and follow safe driving practices—especially as the debate over right turns on red continues at both the city and state levels.
Sources
- https://www.planetizen.com/news/2024/01/126988-indianapolis-right-turn-red-ban-faces-challenge
- https://www.in.gov/bmv/licenses-permits-ids/files/Drivers_Manual_Chapter_6.pdf
- https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-9-motor-vehicles/in-code-sect-9-21-3-7/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Indiana/comments/17hrtdi/turning_right_on_a_red_arrow/
- https://www.indyjustice.com/blog/criminal-defense/turn-right-on-red-in-indiana/
