As of June 2025, Arizona law continues to allow drivers to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless there is a posted sign prohibiting the turn. The driver must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other vehicles lawfully using the intersection before proceeding.
Key Provisions of the Law
- Complete Stop Required: Drivers must come to a full stop at the red light before turning right.
- Yield to Pedestrians and Traffic: You must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to any other vehicles proceeding through the intersection as directed by the traffic signal.
- Prohibitive Signage: If there is a sign at the intersection that specifically prohibits right turns on red, you must obey it and wait for a green signal.
- Turning into Closest Lane: The turn must be made into the closest available lane, unless that lane is blocked.
- Left Turn on Red: Arizona also allows a left turn on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless prohibited by signage.
Recent Developments & Misinformation in 2025
There has been significant confusion in 2025 due to misinformation circulating online, falsely claiming that Arizona had banned right turns on red unless signage allows it. This is not accurate. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has confirmed that the law remains unchanged: right turns on red are permitted unless a sign prohibits it.
Legislative Update
In early 2025, the Arizona Legislature considered a bill to restrict when local governments can prohibit right turns on red. If enacted, cities would only be able to post “No Right Turn on Red” signs after an engineering study determines it is unsafe to allow such turns. As of the latest update, this bill was awaiting action from the governor and had not yet become law.
Penalties for Violations
- Running a red light (without stopping before turning) is a serious violation, typically resulting in a fine of about $250 and two points on your license, with mandatory Traffic Survival School for offenders.
Quick Reference Table
| Rule/Scenario | Allowed? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Right turn on red | Yes | Full stop, yield to pedestrians/traffic, no prohibitive sign |
| Right turn on red (sign posted) | No | Must obey posted sign |
| Left turn on red (one-way to one-way) | Yes | Full stop, yield, no prohibitive sign |
Arizona’s right turn on red rule in 2025 remains consistent with previous years: you may turn right on red after stopping and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it. Recent online rumors about a statewide ban are false. However, legislative efforts may soon require cities to justify prohibitive signage with safety studies, but as of June 2025, this is not yet law
Sources
- https://www.kgun9.com/news/local-news/misinformation-online-leads-to-confusion-about-right-turn-on-red-law
- https://www.kjzz.org/2024-04-08/content-1876469-legislature-approves-tighter-rules-when-city-can-prohibit-right-turns-red-lights
- https://arizdui.com/arizona-dui-defense/penalties-for-running-red-lights-and-stop-signs-in-arizona/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/arizona/title-28/section-28-645/
- https://codes.findlaw.com/az/title-28-transportation/az-rev-st-sect-28-645/
