Kansas drivers have long relied on the ability to turn right at red lights, but confusion often arises—especially when facing a red arrow or encountering new signage. As of 2025, the rules governing right turns on red in Kansas remain largely unchanged, but it’s crucial to understand the specifics, exceptions, and best practices to stay compliant and safe.
What the Law Says in 2025
Kansas law allows drivers to make a right turn at a steady red light—including a red arrow—after coming to a complete stop, unless a posted sign specifically prohibits the maneuver. This rule applies to both standard red lights and red arrows, which are sometimes misunderstood as stricter prohibitions.
- Complete Stop Required: Drivers must stop at the marked stop line, before the crosswalk, or before entering the intersection if no markings exist.
- Yielding: After stopping, drivers must yield to all other vehicles and pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or crosswalk.
- Signage Supersedes: If a sign is posted at the intersection stating “No Turn on Red,” right turns on red are strictly prohibited, regardless of the signal type.
- Proceed with Caution: Even when allowed, drivers must enter the intersection cautiously, ensuring the way is clear and safe before turning.
Red Arrow vs. Red Light: Is There a Difference?
A common misconception is that a red arrow forbids right turns more strictly than a circular red light. In Kansas, both signals are treated the same for right turns: after stopping and yielding, a right turn is permitted unless otherwise posted.
“According to Kansas statute, a steady red arrow signal has the same purpose as a steady circular red light. That means drivers must stop when they see it, but can then proceed to turn right as long as they yield to other vehicles and pedestrians.”
Left Turn on Red: Special Case
Kansas also allows left turns on red, but only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding to all cross traffic and pedestrians. This exception is not as widely known but is important for drivers navigating urban areas with one-way grids.
Key Exceptions and Restrictions
- No Turn on Red Signs: Always obey posted signs. These override the general rule and are common at busy or high-risk intersections.
- Pedestrians: Yielding to pedestrians is mandatory. Even if the way appears clear, check crosswalks carefully before proceeding.
- Approach and Execution: Kansas City’s municipal code specifies that drivers must approach and complete the right turn as far to the right as possible, turning from the right lane into the right lane.
- Bicycles and Motorcycles: If a signal fails to detect a bicycle or motorcycle, and the red light remains after a reasonable wait, the rider may proceed with caution after stopping and yielding, provided it is safe.
What’s New in 2025?
There have been no substantive changes to the core right-on-red law in Kansas for 2025. The statute, as updated in January 2025, continues to allow right turns on red after a full stop and proper yielding, unless signage prohibits it. However, ongoing public education and enforcement efforts are emphasizing:
- Increased awareness of pedestrian and cyclist safety at intersections.
- Stricter enforcement of “No Turn on Red” zones, especially near schools and high-traffic pedestrian areas.
- Reminders that both red arrows and circular red lights are treated identically for right turns.
Kansas Right Turn on Red (2025)
| Scenario | Is Right Turn on Red Allowed? | Conditions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steady red light | Yes | Stop, yield, no prohibiting sign |
| Steady red arrow | Yes | Same as above |
| “No Turn on Red” sign posted | No | Must wait for green |
| Pedestrian or cross-traffic present | No | Must yield until clear |
| Left turn from one-way to one-way | Yes | Stop, yield, only if both streets are one-way |
Best Practices for Drivers
- Always come to a complete stop before the crosswalk or intersection line.
- Look for and obey any posted signs regarding right turns on red.
- Yield to all vehicles and pedestrians before proceeding.
- Treat red arrows the same as red lights for right turns.
- Be especially vigilant in school zones and high-pedestrian areas.
By following these rules and staying alert to any posted restrictions, Kansas drivers can safely and legally make right turns on red in 2025.
Sources
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/turn-red-arrow-signal-kansas-182535767.html
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/turn-even-left-red-missouri-110000261.html
- https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_015_0008.html
- https://www.kslegislature.gov/li_2020/b2019_20/statute/008_000_0000_chapter/008_015_0000_article/008_015_0008_section/008_015_0008_k/
- https://codes.findlaw.com/ks/chapter-8-automobiles-and-other-vehicles/ks-st-sect-8-1508/
