Tennessee’s traffic laws involving right turns on red lights have not altered significantly since previous years, as of January 2025. The state still allows right turns on red at most intersections, but there are certain key things to keep in mind in order to protect drivers and pedestrians.
General Rule for Right Turn on Red
In Tennessee, drivers can turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless there is a sign that says they cannot.
This regulation is applicable to every intersection in the state, and it is intended to improve the efficiency of traffic movement while ensuring that safety standards are upheld.
Essential Conditions for Making Right Turns on Red
Drivers must observe these rules when making a right turn on red:
- Before making a turn, you must come to a complete stop.
- Give pedestrians and cross traffic the right of way.
- Make sure that the turn can be done safely without putting other vehicles at risk.
Limitations and Exemptions
Although right turns on red are usually allowed, there are few major exceptions:
- No Turn on Red Signs: Intersections that are clearly marked with “No Turn on Red” signs do not allow right turns on red lights.
- Pedestrian Safety: Drivers are required to give way to pedestrians who are legally crossing the street at the junction or at the crosswalk next to it.
Turning Left on Red
In Tennessee, it is also legal to make a left turn at a red light in certain situations:
- Permitted only when changing from a one-way street onto another one-way street that is going in the same direction.
- Must follow the same safety rules as right turns on red.
Recent Developments and Things to Think About
Although the basic rule of turning right on red is still in effect, there have been discussions regarding possible adjustments in metropolitan areas:
- To improve pedestrian safety, several cities, such as Nashville, have thought about restricting or getting rid of right turns on red at junctions that have a lot of foot traffic.
- Since the regulation was put into place in the 1970s, the number of collisions has gone up, and experts are worried about how right turns on red affect the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.
Final Thoughts
Tennessee drivers will still be able to make right turns at red lights at most intersections in 2025, as long as they follow all safety protocols and heed posted signage. However, it is essential to keep up to date on any changes in the future, particularly in cities where pedestrian safety is becoming an increasingly serious issue.
