Traffic rules are constantly evolving to make roads safer and more efficient. One rule that many drivers encounter is the “Right Turn on Red” rule. In Mississippi, like in many other states, this rule allows drivers to make a right turn at a red light, but there are conditions attached. To keep up with the latest regulations, it’s important to stay informed about any updates to traffic laws. The 2025 update to the Mississippi traffic rules includes some changes and clarifications regarding the “Right Turn on Red” rule. This article will help you understand the updated rules and how they affect your driving.
What is the Right Turn on Red Rule?
The “Right Turn on Red” rule allows drivers to make a right turn at a red traffic light after stopping, unless there is a sign specifically prohibiting it. This rule is designed to help reduce traffic congestion and allow drivers to move more quickly through intersections. However, drivers must always ensure that it’s safe to turn before doing so. This means checking for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and other potential hazards.
Key Updates in the 2025 Mississippi Traffic Rule
The 2025 update to Mississippi’s traffic laws provides a few important clarifications and updates to the “Right Turn on Red” rule. Here’s what you need to know:
Stopping Requirement: Drivers must come to a complete stop at the red light before turning right. This has always been a requirement, but the 2025 update reinforces that you cannot simply slow down and turn; a full stop is mandatory.
Signage and Prohibited Turns: The rule clearly states that drivers must obey signs that prohibit turning on red. These signs are typically placed at intersections where making a right turn on red would be dangerous due to visibility issues, heavy pedestrian traffic, or complex intersection layouts.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Considerations: Under the updated rules, greater attention is given to pedestrians and cyclists at intersections. Drivers making a right turn on red must yield to any pedestrians or cyclists crossing at the intersection, even if they have a green light. This aligns with a broader effort to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety.
School Zones and Special Areas: The update also makes it clear that right turns on red are not allowed in certain high-risk areas, such as school zones, unless otherwise indicated. If you are in or near a school zone, always check for signs that might prohibit a right turn on red to ensure you’re following the law.
Automatic Citations for Non-Compliance: A new feature of the 2025 update includes the implementation of automatic traffic citations for vehicles caught making an illegal right turn on red by red-light cameras. This is part of Mississippi’s effort to increase road safety and decrease violations at intersections.
Why the Update Matters
The updates to the “Right Turn on Red” rule in Mississippi aim to improve traffic flow while enhancing safety for all road users, especially pedestrians and cyclists. By making it clear when and where right turns on red are allowed, the state is working to reduce confusion and prevent accidents. The additional enforcement through red-light cameras is also designed to discourage drivers from ignoring the rules, ultimately making intersections safer.
What Should Drivers Do?
As a driver in Mississippi, it’s essential to follow these updated guidelines for making a right turn on red:
Always Stop: Ensure that you come to a complete stop before making a right turn on red. Failing to do so could result in a fine or penalty.
Watch for Signs: Always look for signs that either permit or prohibit turning on red. If a sign says “No Turn on Red,” you must wait for the light to turn green.
Yield to Pedestrians and Cyclists: Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists who may be crossing at the intersection. Yield to them, even if the light is red, to avoid accidents.
Check for Special Areas: In school zones or areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, make sure to follow the specific rules posted on signs. These areas may prohibit right turns on red for safety reasons.
Stay Informed About Automatic Citations: With the introduction of automatic citations for violations, be extra cautious at intersections with red-light cameras to avoid getting fined.
The 2025 updates to Mississippi’s traffic rules regarding the “Right Turn on Red” law are designed to improve safety, clarify existing regulations, and ensure smoother traffic flow. While it remains legal to turn right on red in many situations, the new updates emphasize the importance of fully stopping, yielding to pedestrians and cyclists, and adhering to signage that may prohibit such turns in specific areas. By staying informed and cautious, drivers can avoid penalties and contribute to safer roads for everyone.
Sources
[1] https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-63-motor-vehicles-traffic-regulations/ms-code-sect-63-3-309/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/driving/comments/1hwk9kv/anyone_have_a_lists_of_states_where_its_legal_to/
[3] https://magnoliatribune.com/2025/01/23/bill-of-the-day-clarifying-traffic-camera-law-as-new-technologies-emerge/
[4] https://www.denver7.com/traffic/driving-you-crazy/driving-you-crazy-is-it-legal-to-make-a-right-on-red-frm-northbound-sheridan-onto-morrison-road
[5] https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2025/html/SB/2200-2299/SB2258PS.htm
