Rhode Island has introduced updated rules regarding right turns at red lights, aiming to balance efficient traffic flow with pedestrian safety. These new guidelines clarify when and how drivers may execute a right turn on red and highlight critical responsibilities to promote safer intersections across the state in 2025.
Understanding Right Turns on Red in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, drivers are permitted but not required to turn right at a red light after coming to a full stop, as long as no signs specifically prohibit it. This rule follows the general U.S. practice but with explicit emphasis on pedestrian right-of-way and safety first.
The vehicle making the right turn must:
Come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk
Yield to pedestrians crossing or about to cross at the intersection
Yield to any other traffic with the right of way, including vehicles coming from the left or making protected turns
Only when these conditions are safely met may drivers proceed with a right turn on red.
New Safety Measures and Precautions
Rhode Island’s updated guidelines stress heightened vigilance for pedestrians, especially those starting to cross parallel to the driver’s turn. Drivers must slow down, scan carefully, and anticipate pedestrian movement even if the light is red for their direction.
Additionally, the law reminds drivers to avoid “rolling stops” where the vehicle slows but does not fully stop. A complete and observed stop is mandatory to ensure proper assessment of the intersection before turning.
Exceptions and Prohibitions
Certain intersections in Rhode Island display “No Turn on Red” signs where right turns at red lights are legally prohibited. Drivers must always obey these signs to avoid citations.
The state also prohibits right turns on a steady red arrow light controlling right-turn lanes, requiring motorists to wait for a green arrow signal before turning at specific intersections.
Benefits of the New Rule
The right turn on red rule increases traffic efficiency by allowing vehicles to proceed at red signals when safe, reducing waiting time and congestion at intersections.
However, Rhode Island recognizes the increased risks to pedestrians at intersections and emphasizes yielding and pedestrian safety as a top priority to prevent accidents.
Common Driver Mistakes to Avoid
Many crashes involving right turns on red occur due to drivers failing to:
Come to a complete stop
Properly yield to pedestrians
Check carefully for oncoming traffic, including cyclists
Observe posted restrictions and signals
Rhode Island’s new educational efforts target these behaviors for safer roadways.
What Rhode Island Drivers Should Do
Always come to a full stop at red lights before turning right.
Yield fully to pedestrians and oncoming traffic before proceeding.
Watch for and obey “No Turn on Red” signs and red arrow signals.
Remember that right turns on red are permitted but optional, not mandatory.
By adhering to these clear and safety-focused rules, Rhode Island drivers can help ensure intersection safety for all users while benefiting from smoother traffic flow in 2025 and beyond.
Sources
(https://dmv.ri.gov/node/1371)
(https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/title-31/chapter-31-16/section-31-16-2/)
(https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/title-31/chapter-31-13/section-31-13-6/)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/RhodeIsland/comments/1d8pxbw/right_on_red/)
