As of 2025, Washington State law still allows right turns on red after a complete stop, unless posted signs indicate otherwise. Here’s what drivers need to know about the current rules and proposed changes:
Current Law (Statewide)
Right on Red Is Permitted: Drivers may turn right at a steady red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to all oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists in the intersection or crosswalk.
Exceptions: If a sign is posted prohibiting right turns on red at a specific intersection, drivers must obey the sign and wait for a green signal.
Red Arrow: The same rules apply to red arrow signals—right turns are allowed after stopping, unless a sign prohibits it.
Proposed and Local Changes
Statewide Restrictions Under Consideration: In 2023 and 2024, Washington lawmakers considered bills that would ban right turns on red within 1,000 feet of sensitive areas like schools, libraries, hospitals, and transit centers. As of mid-2025, these proposals have not become law, but the debate continues due to concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Seattle’s Policy: Seattle has adopted a policy making “No Turn on Red” the default for all new or modified traffic signals. This means that, over time, more intersections in Seattle will prohibit right turns on red, with signage installed as signals are updated. However, this is not yet a citywide ban at every intersection.
Safety and Enforcement
Drivers Must Yield: Even where right turns on red are allowed, drivers must yield to pedestrians and cyclists in the crosswalk. Failure to do so can result in fines and increased risk of collisions.
Signage Is Key: Always look for “No Turn on Red” signs, especially in urban areas and near schools or public facilities.
Right Turn on Red in Washington (2025)
| Area/Rule | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide (general rule) | Yes, after stop & yield | Unless posted otherwise |
| Where “No Turn on Red” sign posted | No | Must wait for green light |
| Near sensitive areas (proposed) | Possibly restricted soon | Law not yet in effect statewide as of 2025 |
| Seattle (new/modified signals) | No (default) | “No Turn on Red” is default for new/updated intersections |
In most of Washington, you can still turn right on red after stopping and yielding, unless a sign says otherwise. Seattle is moving toward more widespread restrictions, and statewide bans near schools and other sensitive areas are under consideration but not yet law. Always check for local signage and stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists.
Sources
[1] https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/feb/01/right-turns-at-red-lights-could-soon-be-banned-for/
[2] https://app.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=468-95-250
[3] https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/right-turns-on-red-could-soon-be-limited-in-wa/
[4] https://www.theurbanist.org/2023/05/04/no-right-turn-on-red-is-now-the-default-in-seattle/
[5] https://wjla.com/news/local/dmv-new-laws-2025-washington-dc-bans-right-turns-at-red-lights-ddot-drivers-january-1-council-transportation-traffic-signage-public-education-campaign-cars-vehicles-police-accidents-crashed-pedestrian-cross-walks-tickets-fines
