The laws for making right turns on red lights in New York differ between the state and New York City. The guidelines will be updated in 2025. This is the information you need to be aware of.
In New York State, you can turn right on red.
- General Rule: In most parts of New York State, cars are allowed to turn right at a red light when they have come to a complete stop. This is dependent on the absence of any indications that such a turn is not allowed.
- Essential Requirements
- When the light is red, you must come to a complete stop.
- Before going, drivers must give way to people and vehicles that are approaching.
- At the crossroads, there should be no signs that say “No Turn on Red.”
Turning Right on Red in New York City
- Prohibition: In contrast, New York City has stronger laws, where right turns on red are generally not allowed unless clearly designated by signage. The main purpose of this rule is to improve pedestrian safety in areas with a high population density.
- Exceptions: In Staten Island, there are a few situations when right turns on red may be allowed because of reduced traffic volumes. However, this does not apply to other boroughs, such as Manhattan.
Things to Keep in Mind for Safety
The discussion about the law that allows drivers to turn right on red lights generally focuses on the safety of pedestrians. Those who want stronger limits believe that allowing such maneuvers can raise the danger of accidents involving pedestrians and bicycles, especially in metropolitan areas where visibility can be hindered.
Final Thoughts
To summarize, New York City has a ban on making right turns on red lights in order to protect the safety of pedestrians. However, the majority of New York State allows right turns on red lights under certain conditions. Drivers should be aware of these differences and make sure that they follow local traffic regulations in order to avoid penalties and improve safety for everyone on the road. These regulations are still essential for controlling the flow of traffic and keeping pedestrians safe in crowded city areas as of 2025.
