Pennsylvania’s right turn on red (RTOR) rule underwent notable changes in 2025, bringing both greater clarity and new restrictions to an everyday maneuver familiar to drivers statewide. If you’re navigating the roads this year, here’s what you need to know to stay safe and within the law.
What Is the Right Turn on Red Rule?
In Pennsylvania, as in most states, drivers are generally permitted to make a right turn at a red light—after coming to a complete stop and ensuring the move is safe. This basic rule remains, but the 2025 update introduces more limitations and increased signage, especially in areas with high pedestrian and bike traffic.
What Changed in 2025?
The 2025 Pennsylvania traffic rule update does not completely ban right turns on red, but does add new requirements and expands the number of intersections where such turns are prohibited:
Expanded “No Turn on Red” Zones: Many intersections, particularly in urban areas like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg, near schools, hospitals, and busy pedestrian crossings, are now clearly marked with new, more visible “No Turn on Red” signs. In these places, turning right on red is strictly forbidden—even if you believe it to be safe.
Improved signage: New signs and some pavement markings make it easier for drivers to know where right turns on red are not allowed.
Specific attention to pedestrian and cyclist safety: The rule update is designed to reduce accidents involving people on foot or on bicycles, which have risen in recent years at intersections during turns on red.
Current 2025 Right Turn on Red Requirements
Drivers must follow these updated guidelines:
Stop First: A full, complete stop is required before attempting a right turn on red.
Watch for Signs: Always look for new and existing “No Turn on Red” signs. If such signage is present, right turns on red are illegal and violations can result in tickets and fines—penalties are harsher near schools and during school hours.
Yield to Pedestrians and Cyclists: The law emphasizes a pedestrian-first policy. If anyone is crossing or about to cross, drivers must wait.
Check for Bike Lanes: Look for cyclists in bike lanes before turning; you must yield to them as well.
New Enforcement Measures: Police are on heightened alert at intersections with new restrictions and during heavy pedestrian hours.
Penalties for Violations
If you make an illegal right turn on red (such as ignoring a posted sign or failing to stop), you may face:
A traffic ticket and associated fines (higher in some zones)
Points on your driving record
Potential increases in insurance premium
Why the Update Was Made
The rule change was prompted by multiple incidents and studies showing increased pedestrian and cyclist injuries where drivers turned right on red without fully checking their surroundings. The aim is to make Pennsylvania’s roads safer and less confusing for all users—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
Key Takeaways
Right turn on red is still allowed where permitted, but the number of “No Turn on Red” intersections has increased.
Obey all signs and road markings.
Always stop and yield to pedestrians and cyclists.
Penalties for non-compliance have become steeper in 2025.
Staying alert to new signage and maintaining safe driving habits will keep you on the right side of the law and help protect every Pennsylvanian sharing the road.
Sources
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/24/pennsylvania-traffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule/
[2] https://www.roadreview.com/right-turn-signal/
[3] https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual/online-drivers-manual/signals.html
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
[5] https://wilklawfirm.com/blog/pennsylvania-right-of-way-laws/
