Kansas drivers take note—a recent legislative update has clarified the rules for right turns at red lights across the state. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changed and what you need to do to stay legal in 2025.
Right Turns on Red: The Classic Law
Kansas has long allowed drivers to make a right turn at a steady red light or red arrow, provided:
This means, after stopping and ensuring it’s safe, you may cautiously enter the intersection and turn right—even if facing a red arrow. As always, you must yield to pedestrians and any cross-traffic with the right of way.
2025 Update: Uniformity and Clarification
The 2025 session of the Kansas Legislature clarified (rather than overhauled) the existing rules, emphasizing:
Red Arrows Are Treated Like Red Lights: If you face a red arrow while intending to turn right, you may proceed after stopping and yielding, unless signage says otherwise.
Exceptions Exist: If the intersection has a “No Turn on Red” sign, you must obey it—no right turn allowed until the light turns green.
This addresses earlier confusion over right turns on red arrows specifically; the law now uniformly treats steady red lights and arrows the same for right turns.
Step-by-Step: Making a Legal Right on Red
Complete Stop: You must come to a full stop before the crosswalk or limit line.
Yielding: Check for and yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Check for Restrictions: Look for any posted signs prohibiting right turns on red.
Proceed When Safe: If all is clear and not prohibited, you may make your right turn.
Failure to follow these steps can lead to citations, fines, or, more seriously, accidents.
Special Reminders for Drivers
No Rolling Stops: The law emphasizes a complete stop, not a “California roll.”
Intersections with Multiple Right Turn Lanes: Only enter the designated right-turn lane, and yield as required.
Pedestrian Safety: Be especially mindful of crosswalks—Kansas law demands pedestrian right of way every time.
As of 2025, Kansas reaffirms and clarifies its long-standing rule: right turns on both steady red lights and red arrows are legal statewide after stopping and yielding—unless signage prohibits the turn. Pay attention to posted restrictions, practice safe driving, and enjoy the smoother flow of traffic at intersections knowing you’re following the latest law.
Ignorance isn’t an excuse—knowing the updated rule keeps you safer and avoids unnecessary fines for illegal turns.
Sources
[1] https://www.aol.com/turn-red-arrow-signal-kansas-182535500.html
[2] https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch08/008_015_0008.html
[3] https://internationaldriversassociation.com/nl/blog/right-turn-red-laws-usa/
[4] https://www.yahoo.com/news/turn-red-arrow-signal-kansas-182535767.html
[5] https://www.dmlawusa.com/blog/kansas-updated-move-over-law/
[6] https://sos.ks.gov/publications/sessionlaws/2025/Chapter-07-SB-8.html
