As of July 2025, Illinois law continues to allow drivers to make a right turn on red at most intersections, but with important conditions and growing local restrictions.
Under current state law, a driver may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to all pedestrians and oncoming traffic, unless there is a posted sign specifically prohibiting the maneuver. This rule has been in place for nearly 50 years and was originally adopted to reduce fuel consumption and idling time during the 1970s energy crisis.
However, the law requires that before making a right turn on red, drivers must:
Come to a complete stop at the marked stop line, or before entering the crosswalk or intersection if no line is present.
Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to any vehicles with the right-of-way.
Check for and obey any posted “No Turn on Red” signs. If such a sign is present, turning right on red is prohibited and drivers must wait for a green signal.
A key update for 2025 is the increasing use of local ordinances to restrict right turns on red, especially in urban areas with high pedestrian traffic. Municipalities such as Chicago are actively considering or implementing restrictions at select intersections, but as of mid-2025, there is no statewide ban and no finalized citywide ban in Chicago. Drivers should pay close attention to local signage, as these rules can override the general state law.
Another important clarification: right turns on a red arrow are always prohibited in Illinois, even if the way appears clear and there is no posted sign.
The movement toward more restrictions is largely driven by pedestrian safety concerns. Studies and recent data show a significant rise in pedestrian fatalities, and right turns on red are often cited as a contributing factor, especially with larger vehicles that have bigger blind spots.
The right turn on red remains legal in Illinois in 2025 unless specifically prohibited by signage or a red arrow. Drivers must always stop fully, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles, and be alert for local ordinances—especially in cities like Chicago, where new restrictions may be implemented at any time. The trend is toward more localized bans, so staying informed and observant is essential for compliance and safety.
Sources
[1] https://www.ilsos.gov/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a112.pdf
[2] https://www.illinoisdriverslicensereinstatementlawyer.com/running-a-red-light-or-stop-sign.html
[3] https://mywaynecountynow.com/illinois-new-rule-on-right-turns-at-red-lights-everything-drivers-need-to-know/
[4] https://1440wrok.com/will-illinois-ban-right-turn-on-red/
[5] https://tpmblegal.com/right-of-way-laws-in-illinois/
