Maryland drivers are facing important updates regarding right turns on red lights in 2025. While the longstanding rule allowing right turns on red unless prohibited by signage remains, new clarifications and enforcement policies are aimed at improving road safety and compliance with the law.
Existing Rule: Right Turn on Red Allowed Unless Prohibited
Maryland Transportation Code Section 21-202.1 generally permits drivers to make a right turn on a red traffic signal after coming to a full and complete stop. Drivers must yield to pedestrians and other vehicles with the right of way before turning. Right turns on red are allowed unless a sign explicitly prohibits the turn or requires additional stopping.
This rule has been a staple for decades, providing convenience and helping reduce traffic congestion and idling times.
New 2025 Clarifications and Enforcement
The Maryland Department of Transportation and local law enforcement are emphasizing strict adherence to the “full and complete stop” requirement before turning right on red. Authorities note that hesitation or a slow roll does not satisfy this requirement and may lead to citations.
Increased enforcement efforts include:
Use of red light cameras and police observations to catch drivers who fail to stop completely.
Issuing citations averaging $75 for violations, with two points added to the driver’s record if the offense does not cause an accident.
Encouraging drivers to exercise patience and caution, especially in busy intersections with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Localized Restrictions and Safety Concerns
Some Maryland counties have introduced or are considering localized bans on right turns on red at select busy or high-pedestrian intersections. For example, Montgomery County’s Safe Streets Act restricts right turns on red in densely developed downtown and town centers, aiming to reduce pedestrian accidents and improve overall intersection safety.
Maryland’s approach contrasts with neighboring jurisdictions like Washington D.C., which have adopted more comprehensive bans or stricter limits on right turns on red.
Why the New Focus?
The tweaks to enforcement and attention on right turns at red lights arise out of public safety concerns:
What Drivers Should Do
To comply with Maryland’s updated policies, drivers should:
Always come to a complete stop at the marked white line or before the intersection before turning right on red.
Yield fully to all pedestrians and vehicles with the right of way.
Obey all posted signs that prohibit or regulate right turns on red.
Be especially cautious at complex or high-traffic intersections to avoid citations.
Maryland’s rule allowing right turns on red remains in place but with renewed focus on compliance with the full-stop requirement for 2025. Enhanced enforcement measures, local intersection restrictions, and driver education efforts aim to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Drivers should be aware that a slow roll or hesitation is not enough—a complete stop is legally required. Observance of these rules helps prevent accidents and avoids fines, supporting Maryland’s broader goal of safer, more efficient roadways.
Sources
(https://answers.justia.com/question/2025/03/26/am-i-at-fault-for-turning-right-on-a-red-1054630)
(https://www.cityoflaurel.org/1517/Automated-Red-Light-Camera-Enforcement-P)
(https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/transportation/title-21/subtitle-2/section-21-202/)
(https://roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/pressreleasedetails.aspx?PageId=818&newsId=1254)
(https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2023/09/turning-right-on-red-at-certain-montgomery-co-intersections-may-be-illegal-if-legislation-passes-tuesday/)
