Utah New Rule on Right Turns at Red Lights: Everything Drivers Need to Know

Basic Rule: In Utah, drivers may turn right at a red light after a full stop, unless a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted. Drivers must yield to all cross-traffic and pedestrians before proceeding.

Full Stop Requirement: The law mandates a complete stop before the crosswalk or stop line; rolling stops are treated as violations and can lead to fines and demerit points on your record.

Standard of Caution: Even where turning right on red is technically allowed, drivers must exercise appropriate caution—failure to yield or an unsafe turn may result in a citation or liability in the event of a collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian.

Stricter policing of “rolling stops”: Law enforcement is more aggressively ticketing drivers who do not come to a full, complete stop before turning at a red light.

Safety in Major Cities: Larger cities, particularly Salt Lake City, are considering (and in some spots have implemented) local bans on right turns on red at certain intersections with high foot traffic or accident histories. Watch for additional intersections with new “No Turn on Red” signs.

Pedestrian Priority: New initiatives by the Department of Transportation and advocacy groups may result in more intersections restricting right turns on red during particular hours to protect pedestrians, especially near schools and downtown areas.

Official Handbook Update: The 2024–2025 Utah Driver Handbook reflects these changes, emphasizing areas where free right turns at red lights are now restricted and highlighting drivers’ duty to watch for updated signage.

Always stop fully before the line or crosswalk.

Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and oncoming vehicles with a green light.

Obey new “No Turn on Red” signs and temporary restrictions, particularly in city centers and high-pedestrian areas.

Do not make a right turn on red where explicitly prohibited.

Dual Right Turn Lanes: Utah allows right turns on red from either right turn lane at intersections with more than one, provided both comply with signage and lane discipline.

Left Turns on Red: Utah also allows left turns on red—but only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and yielding.

Local and Temporary Bans: Municipalities can, and increasingly do, ban right turn on red in select locations; such local orders override the general state rule at posted intersections.

Right turns on red are generally legal statewide—but only after a full stop, yielding, and compliance with signage.

Enforcement is stricter in 2025, especially for incomplete stops and pedestrian safety.

Watch for new “No Turn on Red” signs, especially in metropolitan and high-pedestrian zones.

Penalties for non-compliance are significant and could affect your driving record.