Delaware’s 2025 traffic regulation update continues to clarify the rules surrounding right turns on red lights—a frequent source of confusion for drivers. Here’s what you need to know about the current law, its application, and the penalties for violations.
Legal Framework and Basic Rule
Under Delaware Code Title 21, Section 4108, drivers facing a circular red traffic signal must come to a complete stop before proceeding. After stopping, you may make a right turn on red unless a posted sign specifically prohibits it. This rule also applies to left turns from a one-way street onto another one-way street, provided there is no sign forbidding such a turn.
Key Requirements for Right Turn on Red
- Full Stop: You must come to a complete stop before the stop line, crosswalk, or, if neither is present, before entering the intersection.
- Yielding: After stopping, you must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians and other vehicles lawfully within the intersection or crosswalk.
- Signage: Always check for “No Turn on Red” signs. If present, turning right on red is strictly prohibited at that intersection.
- Special Cases: Left turns on red are only permitted from a one-way street onto another one-way street, and only if not prohibited by signage.
Practical Considerations
- The traffic signal controlling the right-turn lane does not need to be directly above that lane. If there is no striped or concrete island separating the right-turn lane, the red signal applies, and a full stop is required.
- The absence of a stop line does not remove the obligation to stop. Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) signage often reinforces that a full stop is mandatory before turning right on red, even if the signal is not directly overhead.
Penalties for Violations
Violating Delaware’s right turn on red rule can result in fines ranging from $75 to $115 for a general violation. Running a red light—including failing to stop before turning right on red—can lead to a fine of $75 to $230 for a first offense, with higher penalties for repeat violations within two years.
Table
| Action | Allowed in Delaware? | Condition/Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn on Red | Yes | Unless “No Turn on Red” sign present |
| Left Turn on Red (two-way) | No | Not permitted |
| Left Turn on Red (one-way) | Yes | From one-way to one-way, if allowed by signage |
Delaware’s 2025 update maintains that right turns on red are generally allowed after a full stop and yielding to others, unless signage indicates otherwise. Drivers should remain vigilant for posted restrictions and always prioritize the safety of pedestrians and other vehicles when executing a right turn on red.
Sources
- https://thewrangler.com/delaware-traffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule/2025/06/07/
- https://codes.findlaw.com/de/title-21-motor-vehicles/de-code-sect-21-4108/
- https://delawaredefensivedriving.org/delaware-traffic-signals/
- https://delawaredefensivedriving.org/stopping-when-turning-right-in-delaware/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/delaware/title-21/chapter-41/subchapter-ii/section-4108/
