Alaska, like most U.S. states, has traditionally permitted drivers to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless specific signage or traffic signals prohibit it. However, recent discussions and legislative proposals in Anchorage have brought renewed attention to the nuances and future of this rule in Alaska’s largest city and potentially beyond.
Current Statewide Law on Right Turn on Red
Alaska’s traffic regulations allow drivers facing a steady circular red signal to turn right after stopping, unless a sign or a steady red arrow specifically prohibits the maneuver. The law states:
“Except when a traffic control device is in place prohibiting a turn on red or a steady RED ARROW signal indication is displayed, vehicular traffic facing a steady CIRCULAR RED signal indication is permitted to enter the intersection to turn right, or to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street, after stopping. The right to proceed with the turn shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a STOP sign.
This means that, unless you see a “No Turn on Red” sign or a red arrow at the intersection, you are allowed to turn right after stopping and yielding to all other vehicles and pedestrians.
Exceptions and Special Signal Indications
- Red Arrow Prohibition: If a steady red arrow is displayed, you may not make the turn indicated by the arrow, even after stopping, unless a specific traffic control device allows it.
- Yielding Requirements: Drivers must yield to all other traffic and pedestrians before making the turn, following the same rules as at a stop sign.
- Permissive Left on Red: Alaska is one of the few states that allows left turns on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after stopping and yielding.
Recent Developments: Anchorage’s Downtown Proposal
In early 2024, the Anchorage Assembly considered an ordinance to ban right turns on red in the Central Business Traffic District—an area bounded by 3rd and 9th Avenues and Gambell and L Streets. The proposal was motivated by concerns for pedestrian safety, especially as jaywalking had recently been decriminalized in the city.
Assemblyman Daniel Volland, who introduced the ordinance, argued that drivers making right turns on red often focus on oncoming traffic and may overlook pedestrians crossing from the right. The goal was to create a safer, more walkable downtown environmen.
If enacted, the ban would have required new signage at every affected intersection and was scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2024. However, after public debate and significant opposition, the Assembly ultimately voted against creating the no-right-on-red zone in downtown Anchorage.
Key Points from the Debate
- Safety vs. Convenience: Proponents cited increased pedestrian safety, while opponents questioned the need for the change and pointed to a lack of supporting data.
- Public Opposition: The Downtown Community Council and many residents opposed the ordinance, arguing it would create confusion and unnecessary restrictions.
- Enforcement Concerns: Critics noted that enforcing such a rule would be challenging for local police, who are already stretched thin.
How the Rule Stands in 2025
- Statewide: Right turn on red is still legal throughout Alaska, except where prohibited by signage or a red arrow.
- Anchorage Downtown: The proposed ban on right turns on red in the Central Business Traffic District did not pass, so the rule remains unchanged in Anchorage as of 2025.
Alaska Right Turn on Red (2025)
| Rule/Area | Allowed? | Exceptions/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Yes | Unless “No Turn on Red” sign or red arrow is present |
| Anchorage Downtown Proposal | No (proposed, failed) | Would have banned right on red in central district |
| Red Arrow Signal | No | Cannot turn on red arrow unless sign permits |
| Left on Red (One-way to One-way) | Yes | After stopping and yielding |
Practical Guidance for Drivers
- Always come to a complete stop before turning right on red.
- Check for signs or red arrow signals that may prohibit the turn.
- Yield to all pedestrians and cross-traffic.
- Be especially cautious in urban areas with high pedestrian activity.
- Stay updated on local ordinances, as city councils can propose changes even if statewide law remains unchanged.
Alaska continues to allow right turns on red after stopping and yielding, except where specifically prohibited. While Anchorage considered restricting this rule downtown for pedestrian safety, the measure was not enacted, so the traditional right-on-red rule remains in effect across the state in 2025
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
- https://mustreadalaska.com/assembly-made-jaywalking-legal-in-october-and-now-may-make-right-on-red-in-downtown-anchorage-illegal/
- https://mustreadalaska.com/anchorage-assembly-decides-against-no-right-on-red-zone-in-downtown-business-district/
- https://dot.alaska.gov/stwddes/dcstraffic/assets/pdf/atm/current/part4_highwaysigns.pdf
