Wisconsin’s right turn on red law has long allowed drivers to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, provided certain safety and right-of-way conditions are met. As of 2025, the core rules remain in place, but there are important clarifications and updates every Wisconsin driver should understand to stay compliant and safe.
Key Provisions of the 2025 Right Turn on Red Law
- Complete Stop Required
Before making a right turn on red, drivers must come to a full stop at the marked stop line, before entering the crosswalk, or, if there is no crosswalk, before entering the intersection. - Right-of-Way Must Be Yielded
After stopping, drivers may cautiously enter the intersection to turn right into the nearest lawfully available lane for traffic moving to the right. However, they must yield the right-of-way to:- Pedestrians, bicyclists, and riders of electric scooters or personal mobility devices lawfully within a crosswalk
- Personal delivery devices
- Vehicles making lawful U-turns
- Other traffic lawfully using the intersection
- No Turn Where Prohibited
If there is a posted sign at the intersection stating “No Turn on Red,” turning right on red is strictly prohibited. Ignoring this restriction can result in a citation and fines. - Special Lane Provisions
On roadways with two right-turn lanes, drivers in the leftmost right-turn lane may turn right on red into the second-to-rightmost lane, provided it is lawfully available and safe to do so. However, except for this specific scenario, no right turn on red may cross lanes of moving traffic.
Additional Considerations and Safety Updates for 2025
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Emphasized
Recent updates reinforce the need for drivers to be vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists. Wisconsin law now explicitly requires yielding to all users lawfully in the crosswalk, including those using electric personal assistive mobility devices and personal delivery devices. - Responsibility for Accidents
Even if a right turn on red is legal, drivers can be found liable for any accidents caused by failing to yield or driving negligently. If a driver causes a crash while turning right on red, they may face civil liability and, in serious cases, criminal charges. - Left Turn on Red
Wisconsin also permits left turns on red, but only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding to all other road users. - Flashing Red Lights
Treated like stop signs, flashing red lights require a full stop and adherence to right-of-way rules before proceeding, including for right turns.
Penalties for Violations
- Fines and Points
A first offense for violating stop light laws (including improper right turns on red) can result in a fine of $20–$40, with subsequent offenses within a year rising to $50–$100. Each violation adds three demerit points to the driver’s record, and accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension2. - Increased Enforcement and Liability
With heightened focus on pedestrian and cyclist safety, law enforcement is expected to be more vigilant in 2025. Drivers who cause injuries or fatalities may face severe penalties, including criminal charges and substantial civil damages.
Why the Law Matters
The right turn on red rule was originally introduced to improve traffic flow and reduce fuel consumption. However, studies have shown that it can increase risks for pedestrians and cyclists. In Wisconsin, right-turn-on-red-related collisions increased significantly after the rule’s adoption, prompting ongoing debate and stricter enforcement of right-of-way requirements.
Wisconsin Right Turn on Red (2025)
| Rule/Condition | 2025 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Complete stop before turning | Mandatory at stop line/crosswalk/intersection |
| Yield to pedestrians/cyclists/devices | Required; must not enter crosswalk if occupied |
| No turn if sign prohibits | Strictly enforced; watch for “No Turn on Red” signage |
| Two right-turn lanes | Leftmost right-turn lane may turn into second-to-rightmost lane only if safe and lawful |
| Accident liability | Driver may be found liable for negligence, even if turn was otherwise legal |
| Penalties for violations | Fines ($20–$100), 3 demerit points per offense, possible license suspension, criminal/civil liability |
| Left turn on red | Only from one-way to one-way, after stop and yielding |
Final Advice for Wisconsin Driver
- Always come to a complete stop at red lights before turning.
- Check for and obey any posted signs prohibiting right turns on red.
- Yield to all pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles in or approaching the intersection.
- Be especially cautious in areas with high pedestrian or cyclist traffic.
- Remember that being legally allowed to turn does not absolve you of responsibility if a crash occurs.
Stay alert, follow the updated rules, and help keep Wisconsin’s roads safe for everyone.
Sources:
- https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/346.34
- https://www.mysclaw.com/can-you-turn-left-at-a-red-light-in-wisconsin/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-346/section-346-37/
- https://www.planetizen.com/news/2023/06/123962-right-red-deadly-policy
- https://www.hupy.com/faqs/right-turn-on-red-is-not-always-the-right-turn.cfm
