In 2025, Hawaii is updating its traffic laws concerning right turns at red lights to enhance road safety and pedestrian protection. These changes reflect a growing national focus on reducing accidents at intersections and ensuring safer conditions for all road users. Understanding Hawaii’s new rule is essential for drivers navigating intersections across the islands.
What Is the Right Turn on Red?
Right turn on red (RTOR) is a common traffic rule in the United States allowing drivers to turn right at a red traffic signal after coming to a complete stop—provided it is safe to do so. The rule helps reduce wait times and improve traffic flow at intersections.
In Hawaii, RTOR has been generally allowed where not prohibited by signs, but new regulations emphasize caution and clearer yielding obligations for drivers.
Changes in Hawaii’s Right Turn on Red Rule for 2025
The state has introduced changes aimed at minimizing conflicts between turning vehicles and pedestrians or bicyclists crossing intersections. The key elements include:
Mandatory full stop: Drivers must come to a complete stop at the red light before turning right.
Yield to pedestrians: Drivers must carefully check for pedestrians in crosswalks or about to cross and yield the right-of-way to them without exception.
Increased signage: New signs are being deployed in high-pedestrian areas where RTOR is prohibited to alert drivers.
Focus on pedestrian safety: The new rule places pedestrian visibility and safety at its core, recognizing increased pedestrian traffic and past incidents where turning drivers failed to yield.
Where Are Right Turns on Red Prohibited?
In certain locations on Oahu and other islands with heavy foot traffic, such as near schools, parks, and busy shopping districts, RTOR is now banned or heavily regulated with clear signage. Honolulu city officials are considering expanding these restrictions in the future to protect vulnerable road users.
Why the Change?
Studies have shown a rise in pedestrian accidents involving vehicles turning right on red lights. Hawaii’s update reflects these concerns and aligns with a nationwide trend of reevaluating RTOR laws to prioritize safety over traffic flow efficiency.
The state law revision supports the “Complete Streets” initiative, aiming to create streets safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike.
What Drivers Should Do
Always come to a complete stop at the red light before making a right turn.
Look carefully for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles before proceeding.
Obey all posted signs forbidding right turn on red.
Exercise patience, especially in busy urban and school zones where pedestrian presence is high.
Hawaii’s new 2025 rule on right turns at red lights emphasizes safety for pedestrians and other non-motorized road users by tightening RTOR regulations and increasing driver responsibilities. Motorists must fully stop, yield clearly to pedestrians, and respect no-turn-on-red signage. Staying informed about these changes ensures compliance with the law and contributes to safer Hawaii roads for all travelers.
Sources
(https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/title-17/chapter-291c/section-291c-32/)
(https://www.hawaiipolice.com/use-caution-at-intersections-04-12-12)
(https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/safe-communites/walkwisehawaii/faq/)
(https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2230/720?npage=20&arch=1)
(https://www.civilbeat.org/2019/01/if-mayor-caldwell-has-his-way-you-couldnt-turn-right-on-a-red-light-anymore/)
