In 2025, Nebraska is continuing to refine its traffic laws to keep up with evolving road safety standards and ensure a smooth driving experience for everyone. One of the key rules that drivers should pay attention to is the Right Turn on Red law. This rule allows drivers to turn right at a red light, but there are certain conditions to follow. Understanding how this rule works and what changes have been made in 2025 can help keep you safe on the road and avoid any fines or legal issues. This article breaks down the Right Turn on Red rule in Nebraska and explains the updates for 2025.
What is the Right Turn on Red Rule?
In Nebraska, as in many other states, the Right Turn on Red rule allows drivers to make a right turn at a red light, but only under specific conditions. The basic rule is that after coming to a complete stop at a red traffic light, a driver can proceed to turn right if there is no sign prohibiting it, and if it’s safe to do so. This rule can help reduce wait times at traffic lights and improve traffic flow, but it also requires drivers to be cautious to avoid accidents.
Key Conditions for Making a Right Turn on Red
Even with the Right Turn on Red rule, there are conditions that must be followed. These include:
- Come to a Complete Stop: Before making the turn, you must come to a full stop at the red light. This is important to ensure that you check for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles that might be in the intersection.
- No Signs Prohibiting the Turn: Look for signs at the intersection. If there is a sign that says “No Turn on Red,” you must obey that sign and wait for the light to turn green before making the turn. These signs are typically placed at intersections where turning on red could be unsafe, such as busy intersections with heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Yield to Pedestrians and Traffic: You must yield the right of way to any pedestrians crossing the street, as well as any vehicles that are already in the intersection or approaching from the left. Even though the light is red, safety should always be your priority.
- 2025 Updates to Right Turn on Red in Nebraska: One of the key updates for 2025 is the introduction of increased fines for drivers who fail to properly yield to pedestrians or other vehicles while making a right turn on red. This update is aimed at improving pedestrian safety and preventing accidents at intersections where turning on red is permitted.
New Pedestrian Safety Focus in 2025
The state of Nebraska is putting more emphasis on pedestrian safety in 2025. In the past, drivers making right turns on red were sometimes unaware of pedestrians crossing the road or were in too much of a hurry to stop completely. The updated law in 2025 strengthens penalties for those who fail to yield to pedestrians before making a right turn on red. Pedestrian accidents are a serious concern, and these changes aim to protect vulnerable road users by encouraging drivers to be more cautious at intersections.
Exceptions to the Right Turn on Red Rule
There are a few exceptions to the Right Turn on Red rule that drivers should be aware of:
- Intersections with Special Traffic Signals: Some intersections have specific signals for turning right, such as a dedicated right-turn signal or a flashing yellow arrow. If there is a right-turn-only signal, you must follow that signal instead of the regular red light.
- School Zones: In school zones, especially during school hours, it’s common to see restrictions on right turns at red lights to protect children crossing the street. Always pay attention to any additional signage indicating these rules.
- Highway Intersections: If you are on a highway or a busy road with high-speed traffic, making a right turn on red may not be safe. In such cases, you might be required to wait for the green light to turn right to ensure that traffic flow is safe for everyone.
Common Mistakes When Turning Right on Red
Despite its simplicity, many drivers still make mistakes when turning right on red. Some of the common mistakes include:
- Not Coming to a Complete Stop: It’s crucial to stop completely at the red light. Many drivers roll through the stop or don’t fully stop, which is illegal and dangerous.
- Failing to Yield to Pedestrians: Pedestrian safety is paramount, especially in busy urban areas. Many accidents happen because drivers don’t check for pedestrians before making the right turn.
- Ignoring Signage: Always be aware of posted signs indicating whether a right turn on red is allowed. Sometimes drivers don’t notice the signs and make a turn when it’s prohibited.
In 2025, Nebraska continues to allow Right Turn on Red at most intersections, but with increased focus on pedestrian safety and higher penalties for violations. It’s important to always come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians, and obey any signage indicating restrictions. By following the rules and being more cautious, you can help ensure that your right turn on red is both legal and safe.
Sources
[1] https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/News/2024/7/16
[2] https://www.3newsnow.com/news/local-news/no-more-turning-at-red-traffic-arrows-in-nebraska-starting-july-19
[3] https://www.klkntv.com/you-can-no-longer-turn-on-a-red-arrow-in-nebraska/
[4] https://klin.com/2024/07/19/394279/
[5] https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/Police/About-LPD/News-Releases/LPD-to-Focus-on-Red-LightStop-Sign-Violations-in-January-2025
