Connecticut drivers: take note—starting in 2025, the state has overhauled the rules for making right turns at red lights in response to mounting concerns over pedestrian safety and increasing intersection accidents. Here’s a full breakdown of what’s changed, who’s affected, and how to stay on the right side of the law.
What Was the Old Rule?
For decades, Connecticut allowed drivers to make a right turn at a red light after making a complete stop, unless a posted sign specifically prohibited the maneuver. Yielding to both pedestrians in crosswalks and oncoming traffic was always required.
What’s Changing in 2025?
Prompted by rising pedestrian fatalities and a wave of similar measures in cities nationwide, Connecticut enacted new legislation in 2025 (notably, Senate Bill 1377) that fundamentally alters the default approach to right turns on red:
Right turn on red is now prohibited by default at intersections in many urban, downtown, and high-pedestrian corridors—unless a sign specifically says “Right Turn on Red Permitted.”
In suburban and rural areas, the traditional rule may still apply, but more municipalities are authorized to post additional restrictions or outright bans as warranted based on local traffic and safety data.
This marks a reversal of the longstanding rule, meaning drivers must now assume a right turn on red is not allowed in cities and downtowns unless signs actively permit it.
Why Did This Rule Change?
Pedestrian safety is the primary motivator. Since 2020, pedestrian deaths and injuries have been sharply rising both in Connecticut and nationally. Studies have found that collisions and “near-misses” at crosswalks often involve vehicles turning right on red while pedestrians have a walk signal.
Data from cities that adopted bans (like New York and San Francisco) show dramatic reductions in “close calls” and sidewalk blockages after limiting right-on-red turns.
Where Does It Apply?
Urban Centers: Most city cores—Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, and others—now ban right turns on red unless otherwise posted. Signs at permitted intersections display “Right Turn on Red Permitted.”
School Zones, Downtown Corridors, Busy Intersections: These locations are prioritized for the restriction.
Rest of the State: In less dense areas, the traditional rule remains common, but drivers are urged to watch for both new “No Turn on Red” and “Turn Permitted After Stop” signs.
Other Key Points for Drivers
Complete Stop Required: Even where right turn on red is permitted, you must stop completely and yield to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles before turning.
Fines and Enforcement: New camera enforcement at select intersections may issue citations for violations, alongside traditional police enforcement. Fines range from $100 to $250 for a first offense in restricted areas.
Education Campaign: The DMV is conducting awareness campaigns and signage updates statewide, but drivers are still responsible for obeying local rules.
How to Stay Compliant
Always look for signage: Before turning right on red, check for “No Turn on Red” or “Right Turn on Red Permitted” signs.
When in doubt, wait for green: If signage is unclear or missing, do not make a right turn on red.
Yield to pedestrians: This rule never changes; those crossing have the legal right of way.
Connecticut’s new rules are a notable shift—drivers in cities should now expect right turns on red to be banned unless signs say otherwise, reflecting a statewide commitment to pedestrian safety and smoother intersections. Make it a habit to check for signs and prioritize caution at every red light in 2025—failure to do so could mean hefty fines and increased risk for vulnerable road users.
Sources
[1] https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-14/chapter-249/section-14-299/
[2] https://codes.findlaw.com/ct/title-14-motor-vehicles-use-of-the-highway-by-vehicles-gasoline/ct-gen-st-sect-14-299/
[3] https://portal.ct.gov/dmv/-/media/dmv/dmv-pdfs/drivers-manual-english.pdf
[4] https://citizenportal.ai/articles/2898497/Connecticut/Connecticut-proposes-new-traffic-signal-regulations-to-enhance-pedestrian-safety
[5] https://www.etags.com/blog/new-connecticut-traffic-laws-for-2025/
