In 2025, Pennsylvania updated its Right Turn on Red (RTOR) rule to increase road safety, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. While the basic allowance remains, a series of new guidelines, restrictions, and enforcement changes have made the rule clearer—and the penalties for violations stricter.
What Is the Right Turn on Red Rule?
In Pennsylvania, drivers may turn right at a red light unless a sign specifically prohibits it. This traffic law helps reduce unnecessary idling and congestion at intersections. However, you must always come to a full stop first, check for oncoming traffic, and ensure it’s safe before making the turn.
What Changed in 2025?
The 2025 update did NOT ban right turns on red statewide. Instead, it introduced:
More No Turn on Red signs, especially in urban areas, near schools, hospitals, and busy crosswalks, making it absolutely clear where RTOR is forbidden.
New enforcement to protect pedestrians and cyclists: Many more intersections now feature RTOR restrictions, and police are watching for violations in these zones.
Increased focus on bike lanes—drivers must yield to cyclists as well as pedestrians before turning.
Stronger penalties and automated enforcement are increasingly applied to RTOR violations, especially near schools.
Key Rules for Right Turn on Red (2025)
Full and Complete Stop is Mandatory:
Rolling stops remain a violation—drivers must come to a complete stop before proceeding.
Obey the New Signage:
If a No Turn on Red sign is posted, you must not turn right on red, regardless of traffic conditions. These signs are most often found in areas with high foot or bicycle traffic.
Yield to Pedestrians and Cyclists:
Even without a sign prohibiting RTOR, you must yield to any pedestrian crossing or cyclist in a bike lane. “Pedestrian first” is the new enforcement priority.
School Zones and Downtowns:
Expect more RTOR restrictions and heavier enforcement in these high-traffic zones.
Special Situations
Red Arrow Lights:
Pennsylvania allows right turns on a red arrow unless posted otherwise, but as always, a full stop and safe yield are required. Some intersections use signs (e.g., “No Turn On Red Arrow”) to clarify this.
Malfunctioning Lights:
Separate from RTOR, a new 2025 law allows drivers to cautiously proceed through a red light if it is clearly malfunctioning (e.g., never turns green), after exercising due care.
What Happens If You Violate the Updated RTOR Rule?
Breaking the RTOR rule where it’s not allowed—or making a turn without a complete stop, or while endangering pedestrians or cyclists—can result in:
Why Was the Rule Updated?
The update follows a surge in pedestrian and cyclist accidents at intersections where drivers failed to yield on red, particularly in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The state’s aim is to make intersections safer for everyone, especially vulnerable road users.
Bottom Line for 2025
Right Turn on Red is still legal in most of Pennsylvania, but READ NEW SIGNS carefully.
Always stop fully, yield to pedestrians and cyclists, and watch for expanded RTOR restrictions in cities and near schools.
If the sign says no, wait for the green.
Being informed and attentive to updated signs is the best way to avoid a ticket—and keep all road users safe—in Pennsylvania under the 2025 rules.
Sources
[1] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/07/24/pennsylvania-traffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule/
[2] https://local.newsbreak.com/news/3988232980508-pennsylvania-traffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule
[3] https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/53490/in-pennsylvania-can-you-make-a-right-hand-turn-on-a-red-arrow
[4] https://www.lehighvalleynews.com/transportation-news/the-road-scholar-know-your-rights-when-it-comes-to-red-arrow-stoplights
[5] https://munley.com/new-red-light-law-takes-effect-pennsylvania/
