Alaska is known for its distinctive traffic laws, including regulations on right turns at red lights. In 2025, new rules have been introduced to improve safety and pedestrian awareness at intersections. Here’s what Alaska drivers need to know about making right turns on red under the updated regulations.
Right Turn on Red: The Basics in Alaska
Alaska generally permits drivers to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop and ensuring the turn can be made safely without interfering with other vehicles or pedestrians. Drivers must yield the right of way to all other traffic and pedestrians crossing the street.
Unlike some states, Alaska also allows left turns on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street, provided it is safe. However, the focus here is on right turns and new safety standards.
New Restrictions in Anchorage’s Downtown Traffic District
Beginning October 1, 2025, Anchorage has proposed—subject to legislative approval—a ban on right turns on red within the Central Business Traffic District, bounded by 3rd to 9th Avenues and Gambell to L Streets. This move aims to reduce pedestrian accidents in an area bustling with foot traffic.
The rationale centers on increasing pedestrian safety, especially since drivers turning right often report difficulty spotting pedestrians crossing from the right side during red light stops. Officials hope banning right turns on red in this busy district will lower collisions and promote safer street culture.
Key Compliance Points for Drivers
Drivers must stop fully at red lights before making a right turn where allowed.
They must yield to pedestrians and other vehicles going straight or turning left with the right of way.
Adhere to posted signs that prohibit right on red, especially in downtown Anchorage areas covered by the new ban.
Carefully check the intersection for pedestrians before proceeding on a right turn, even if permitted.
Drivers should be aware that some intersections may still display red arrow signals explicitly forbidding turns while red.
Safety Benefits of the New Rules
These new rules target common dangers faced by pedestrians in urban environments where visibility is compromised due to multiple vehicle lanes and distracted driver behavior. By requiring drivers to wait for a green signal in designated zones, the city seeks to reduce serious accidents and help pedestrians feel safer when crossing streets.
Statewide Context
Alaska’s right turn on red regulations closely follow federal guidelines, which allow turns on red unless specifically prohibited by signage or signal. The Anchorage ban represents one of the more comprehensive local restrictions aimed at prioritizing pedestrian safety without banning turns on red statewide.
In 2025, Alaska drivers must stay updated on new right turn on red restrictions, especially in Anchorage’s Central Business Traffic District where a ban will take effect to protect pedestrians. Elsewhere in Alaska, right turns on red remain legal after stopping and yielding but drivers should exercise caution and adhere to local traffic signs. Awareness and compliance with these evolving rules will help ensure safer roads for both motorists and pedestrians in Alaska’s varied driving environments.
Sources
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red)
(https://dot.alaska.gov/stwddes/dcstraffic/assets/pdf/atm/current/part4_highwaysigns.pdf)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/alaska/comments/o5403s/til_alaska_is_one_of_five_states_that_allow_left/)
(https://supercarblondie.com/turn-left-on-red-in-michigan-and-alaska-not-new-jersey/)
(https://alaskapublic.org/news/2024-02-07/anchorage-assembly-proposal-would-ban-right-on-red-turns-in-much-of-downtown)
