Changes to right-turn-on-red rules have drawn attention in several U.S. states and cities. In Wisconsin, understanding the new regulations for 2025 is essential to avoid fines, ensure road safety, and protect pedestrians and cyclists.
Core Rule: What Has Changed?
Wisconsin still generally permits drivers to make right turns at a red light after coming to a full stop, but updated clarifications and local enforcement in 2025 emphasize several critical requirements:
Full Stop Required:
Drivers must stop completely before the crosswalk or limit line before considering a right turn at a red light.
Check for Signs:
Right turns on red are only allowed where no sign prohibits the maneuver. Many intersections, especially in urban centers or near schools, now display “No Turn On Red” signs.
Yield Law Emphasized:
Drivers must yield to all cross-traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, and those using crosswalks before turning. This also includes yielding to those lawfully making U-turns or traveling through the intersection.
Additional Details and Clarifications
Dual Right-Turn Lanes
When intersections have two right-turn lanes, drivers can turn right on red from either lane, provided they stay within their lane and traffic laws are followed.
Special Restrictions
No Red Turn for Crossing Traffic:
Right turns on red cannot be made if doing so requires crossing moving traffic lanes, unless using the leftmost of two right-turn lanes as permitted by law.
No Turn Where Prohibited:
New signage and enforcement in some city centers are increasing the number of intersections where right-on-red is not allowed.
Yielding to Vulnerable Road Users:
You must yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and personal mobility devices lawfully within the crosswalk, regardless of your right to turn.
Fines and Liability
Fines for Violations:
Failure to obey right turn on red laws can result in tickets ranging from $20–$100, plus three demerit points on your record for each offense.
Crash Liability:
If a driver causes an accident when turning right on red (especially by failing to yield), they are usually considered at fault and may be subject to increased civil or criminal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Special Cases
Key Takeaways
Always Stop First
Obey All Signs and Lane Markings
Yield to All Crossers and Traffic
Expect Stricter Enforcement in Urban Areas
Watch for Local Changes as Cities Update Intersections
Staying updated and cautious with right-turn-on-red rules will help you avoid costly citations and contribute to safer roads across Wisconsin in 2025.
Sources
[1] https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/346.34
[2] https://www.mysclaw.com/can-you-turn-left-at-a-red-light-in-wisconsin/
[3] https://www.hupy.com/faqs/right-turn-on-red-is-not-always-the-right-turn.cfm
[4] https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/teen-driver/teen-sfty/traffic-lights.aspx
[5] https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/education/drv-behavior/fail-yield.aspx
