Right turns at red lights have long been a staple of Indiana driving, but recent changes and ongoing debates are reshaping the rules—especially for drivers in urban areas. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the current law, recent updates, and what drivers should expect in 2025.
The Basics: Right Turn on Red in Indiana
Statewide Rule: Indiana law generally allows drivers to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a posted sign specifically prohibits it. Drivers must yield to all cross traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.
Left Turn on Red: Drivers may also turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping, unless otherwise posted.
Yielding is Mandatory: Even when a right turn on red is permitted, drivers must always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and any oncoming vehicles with the right of way.
2025 Update: What’s New?
Local Restrictions in Urban Areas
Indianapolis Ban: In response to a surge in pedestrian injuries and fatalities, Indianapolis enacted a ban on right turns on red at nearly 190 downtown intersections. This measure is intended to improve pedestrian safety and reduce crashes caused by drivers failing to yield.
Temporary Pause on New Bans: As of mid-2024, a compromise between state and city officials put a pause on installing new “No Turn on Red” signs in Indianapolis until July 2025. The city will not expand the ban to more intersections until after this date.
State Legislative Actions
Statewide Preemption Proposed: Some state lawmakers have pushed for legislation that would prevent cities from enacting their own right-turn-on-red bans. As of July 2025, these efforts have not resulted in a statewide law, so local bans remain in effect where posted.
Why the Change?
Pedestrian Safety Concerns: Studies and crash data revealed that a significant portion of pedestrian accidents in Indianapolis occurred when drivers failed to yield while turning right on red. The city’s new restrictions are part of a broader “Vision Zero” initiative aimed at eliminating traffic deaths.
National Trend: Indiana’s changes reflect a wider movement in U.S. cities to limit or ban right turns on red in high-traffic pedestrian zones to make streets safer for everyone.
How to Comply
Always Stop First: Before turning right on red, come to a complete stop at the stop line or before entering the crosswalk.
Check for Signs: Look for “No Turn on Red” signs, especially in downtown Indianapolis and other urban centers. If a sign is present, turning right on red is illegal.
Yield to Pedestrians and Traffic: Proceed only when the intersection is clear of pedestrians and oncoming vehicles.
Be Aware of Local Rules: Rules may differ between municipalities. Stay alert for local ordinances or temporary restrictions.
Quick Reference Table
| Scenario | Is Right Turn on Red Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide (no sign posted) | Yes | Must stop and yield first |
| Where “No Turn on Red” sign is posted | No | Obey signage, especially in Indianapolis |
| Downtown Indianapolis (designated areas) | No | Ban at ~190 intersections |
| Left turn from one-way to one-way | Yes | Unless posted otherwise |
Penalties for Violations
Traffic Citations: Turning right on red where prohibited can result in a traffic ticket, fines, and points on your license.
Accident Liability: Failure to yield to pedestrians or other vehicles while turning on red may result in liability for any resulting accidents.
Key Takeaways
Right turns on red remain legal in most of Indiana, but always check for local restrictions and posted signs.
Indianapolis drivers must be especially vigilant downtown, where many intersections now prohibit right turns on red.
Expect possible expansion of local bans after July 2025, depending on city and state legislative outcomes.
Staying informed and attentive to signs and local ordinances is the best way to avoid penalties and help keep Indiana’s roads safe for everyone.
Sources
[1] https://www.indyjustice.com/blog/criminal-defense/turn-right-on-red-in-indiana/
[2] https://codes.findlaw.com/in/title-9-motor-vehicles/in-code-sect-9-21-3-7/
[3] https://www.pilawyers.com/blog/right-turn-accident-liability/
[4] https://www.ckflaw.com/blog/the-who-what-when-and-where-of-turning-right-on-red/
[5] https://www.planetizen.com/news/2024/01/126988-indianapolis-right-turn-red-ban-faces-challenge
