As of 2025, the rules governing right turns on red lights in Los Angeles remain a topic of significant discussion, reflecting both ongoing safety concerns and the evolving landscape of California traffic law. While several new traffic laws have taken effect statewide, the specific regulations and debates surrounding right turns on red are particularly relevant for drivers, pedestrians, and city planners.
Current Law: Right Turn on Red in California and Los Angeles
- Legal Status: In California, including Los Angeles, drivers are generally permitted to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a posted sign specifically prohibits it.
- Requirements: Before turning, drivers must:
- Come to a full stop at the marked limit line, crosswalk, or intersection.
- Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
- Only proceed when it is safe and clear to do so.
- Exceptions: Some intersections may display signs stating “No Turn on Red,” in which case turning is not allowed.
2025 Updates and Local Considerations
- No Statewide Ban Yet: As of early 2025, there is no statewide ban on right turns on red in California or Los Angeles. The law remains unchanged from previous years, allowing the maneuver unless otherwise posted.
- Growing Debate: However, there is increasing momentum in major California cities—including Los Angeles—to reconsider this rule due to rising pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
- Local Initiatives:
- San Francisco is actively moving toward banning right turns on red at many intersections, and West Hollywood (within Los Angeles County) is considering similar measures at its busiest intersections.
- Los Angeles city officials and pedestrian safety advocates are discussing the possibility of targeted bans, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic or near transit hubs.
Safety Concerns and Research Findings
- Pedestrian Risk: Research from the Mineta Transportation Institute and other studies highlights that right turns on red increase risks for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially when drivers fail to come to a complete stop or do not adequately check crosswalks.
- Crash Data:
- A statewide review found 98 pedestrian fatalities in California from 2011 to 2022 related to right-turn collisions, with higher rates near busy intersections and transit stops in Los Angeles.
- However, a separate analysis indicated that actual deaths caused specifically by right turns on red are relatively rare—approximately one pedestrian death and less than one bicyclist death every two years in California.
- Vehicle Type: The risk of fatality is higher in collisions involving larger vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs, which now dominate new car sales.
Arguments For and Against a Ban
| Argument For Ban | Argument Against Ban |
|---|---|
| Improves pedestrian and cyclist safety, especially at busy intersections | Could increase traffic congestion and wait times at intersections |
| Reduces impulsive or unsafe driving decisions under pressure | Right turns on red provide convenience and efficiency for drivers |
| Makes traffic flow more predictable and intersections safer for vulnerable users | A ban could cause confusion if not uniformly implemented across the region |
| Addresses risks posed by heavier, faster-accelerating vehicles | Education and better intersection design may be more effective than a blanket ban |
What Drivers Should Know in 2025
- Obey Posted Signs: Always check for “No Turn on Red” signs at intersections.
- Stop Completely: Rolling through a red light before turning is illegal and dangerous.
- Yield to Pedestrians: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in crosswalks.
- Stay Informed: Local rules may change, especially in certain neighborhoods or near schools and transit stations.
Future Outlook
While right turns on red remain legal in Los Angeles as of 2025, the city is part of a broader conversation about pedestrian safety and urban mobility. Targeted bans at specific intersections or in certain districts could emerge in the coming years, particularly as data-driven safety initiatives gain traction. Drivers should stay alert to evolving signage and local ordinances, as well as ongoing public debates about the best ways to balance convenience and safety on city streets.
- Right turns on red are still permitted in Los Angeles unless prohibited by signage.
- Safety concerns are prompting discussions about targeted bans, especially in high-risk areas.
- No citywide or statewide ban is in place as of 2025, but local changes could be implemented in the near future.
- Drivers must always stop fully and yield to pedestrians before turning right on red
Source:
- https://www.ticketcrusherslaw.com/blog-2025-traffic-law-changes/
- https://www.chihaklaw.com/blog/2023/11/can-banning-right-turns-at-red-lights-reduce-california-pedestrian-fatalities/
- https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/right-turns-on-red-light-put-pedestrians-at-risk-mineta-study/738332/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
- https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/california-news/new-2025-california-driving-laws-rules/3585704/
