Wisconsin’s right turn on red rule remains largely consistent with previous years, but the 2025 update emphasizes specific safety requirements and clarifies certain scenarios, especially for intersections with multiple right-turn lanes and interactions with pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users.
When You Can Turn Right on Red
Under Wisconsin law, drivers facing a steady red signal must first come to a complete stop before the crosswalk or intersection. After stopping, a right turn on red is permitted only if there is no sign posted at the intersection specifically prohibiting such a turn.
If allowed, the driver may cautiously enter the intersection and turn right into the nearest lawfully available lane for traffic moving to the right.
Special Rules for Multiple Right-Turn Lanes
If the roadway provides two right-turn lanes, a right turn on red is allowed from either lane. However, drivers must remain in their respective lanes during the turn.
Notably, vehicles in the leftmost right-turn lane may turn into the second-to-rightmost lane for traffic moving to the right. Except for this specific situation, right turns on red are not allowed if the maneuver requires crossing lanes of moving traffic.
Mandatory Yielding and Safety Requirements
Regardless of the situation, all drivers making a right turn on red must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, electric scooter riders, and others lawfully within the crosswalk or intersection.
Drivers must also yield to vehicles making lawful U-turns and any other traffic lawfully using the intersection. The law is clear that safety is paramount: a right turn on red is only permitted when it can be made safely and without interfering with other road users.
When Right Turn on Red Is Not Allowed
A right turn on red is strictly prohibited if a sign at the intersection indicates “No Turn on Red.” Additionally, except for the special case of the leftmost right-turn lane on a two-lane right-turn approach, drivers may not turn right on red if doing so would require crossing lanes of moving traffic.
Key Takeaways for 2025
Always come to a complete stop before turning right on red.
Right turn on red is only allowed if not prohibited by posted signage.
Yield to all pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles lawfully in the intersection.
Stay in your lane if turning from a dual right-turn lane configuration.
Never turn right on red if it requires crossing moving traffic lanes, except from the leftmost right-turn lane as specified.
Safety and yielding the right-of-way remain top priorities.
The 2025 update reinforces Wisconsin’s commitment to intersection safety and ensures all drivers understand their responsibilities when making a right turn on red.
Sources
[1] https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/346.37
[2] https://law.justia.com/codes/wisconsin/chapter-346/section-346-37/
[3] https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/teen-driver/teen-sfty/traffic-lights.aspx
[4] https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/346.34
[5] https://codes.findlaw.com/wi/vehicles-ch-340-to-351/wi-st-346-37/
