Across Georgia, drivers are generally allowed to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop. Before proceeding, you must yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk. However, if there is a posted sign that says “No Turn on Red,” you are prohibited from making the turn at that intersection.
This rule is outlined in Georgia Code § 40-6-21, which also allows for left turns on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street, provided there’s no sign prohibiting it and you yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Major Change: Atlanta’s Targeted Ban
In February 2024, the Atlanta City Council passed a new ordinance that bans right turns on red lights in three key neighborhoods: Downtown, Midtown, and Castleberry Hill. This decision was driven by safety concerns, as studies showed that over 40% of crashes at signalized intersections in these areas involved drivers turning right on red.
The ordinance is part of Atlanta’s Vision Zero initiative, aiming to reduce pedestrian deaths and serious injuries in the city’s most walkable and high-traffic neighborhoods.
Implementation Timeline and Enforcement
The Atlanta Department of Transportation is tasked with installing “No Turn on Red” signs at about 250 intersections in the affected neighborhoods. The ban will be fully implemented by December 31, 2025. Once the signs are in place, drivers caught violating the rule could face a $70 fine. Until then, right turns on red remain legal in Atlanta unless a specific intersection already has a posted prohibition.
Why the Change? The Safety Rationale
The push for this ban comes amid a significant rise in pedestrian fatalities in Atlanta, with a 50% increase since 2020 and 38 pedestrian deaths reported in 2022 alone. Research shows that right turns on red can be especially dangerous for pedestrians, as drivers often focus on oncoming traffic and may not see people crossing the street or using bike lanes. The ban is intended to reduce these conflicts and make city streets safer for everyone.
What Drivers Should Do
Drivers throughout Georgia should continue to observe all traffic signals and signage. Always come to a complete stop before turning right on red, yield to pedestrians and oncoming vehicles, and pay close attention to “No Turn on Red” signs, especially in Atlanta’s Downtown, Midtown, and Castleberry Hill neighborhoods.
Local ordinances can override state law, so staying informed about city-specific rules is essential for safe and lawful driving.
In summary, while right turns on red are still allowed in most of Georgia, Atlanta is leading the way with new restrictions in high-traffic pedestrian areas, reflecting a growing trend toward prioritizing pedestrian safety in urban environments.
Sources
[1] https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-40/chapter-6/article-2/section-40-6-21/
[2] https://www.tedlaw.com/can-you-turn-right-on-red-in-georgia-understanding-the-rules-and-risks/
[3] https://www.gpb.org/news/2024/02/20/atlanta-city-council-approves-measure-limiting-right-turn-on-red-lights
[4] https://www.planetizen.com/news/2024/10/132219-banning-right-turns-red-lessons-atlanta
[5] https://www.mg4law.com/can-you-turn-right-on-red-in-atlanta/
