As of 2025, the rules regarding right turns on red lights in Washington State remain largely unchanged at the statewide level. Drivers are still permitted to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop and yielding to all oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. This rule applies to both standard red lights and red arrows. However, if there is a posted sign at an intersection stating “No Turn on Red,” drivers must obey the sign and wait for a green signal before making the turn.
There have been ongoing discussions and legislative proposals to restrict right turns on red near sensitive areas such as schools, libraries, hospitals, and transit centers, primarily due to concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety. As of July 2025, these proposals have not been enacted as statewide law, but they remain under consideration. In response to these safety concerns, many intersections in urban areas, especially those with high pedestrian traffic, now display “No Turn on Red” signs. These local restrictions are most common near schools and busy city centers.
Seattle has adopted a policy where “No Turn on Red” is the default for all new and modified traffic signals. This means that as traffic signals are updated or installed, right turns on red are automatically prohibited at those locations, and clear signage is provided. This is not a citywide ban at every intersection, but the number of intersections with this restriction is steadily increasing. In Spokane, pilot programs have been introduced that ban right turns on red at select downtown intersections to improve safety.
Regardless of location, drivers must always come to a complete stop before turning right on red. Rolling stops are illegal and can result in a traffic citation. Even where right turns on red are allowed, yielding to pedestrians and cyclists in the crosswalk is mandatory. Failure to yield can lead to fines and increases the risk of accidents.
Right turns on red remain legal in most of Washington State in 2025, provided drivers stop completely and yield to others. However, local restrictions are becoming more common, particularly in cities like Seattle and Spokane, and at intersections near areas with heavy foot traffic. Statewide bans near sensitive areas are still under consideration but have not yet been enacted. Drivers should always check for posted signs and remain vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists before making a right turn on red.
Sources
[1] https://thewrangler.com/washington-traffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule/2025/07/04/
[2] https://thewrangler.com/washington-new-rule-on-right-turns-at-red-lights-everything-drivers-need-to-know/2025/07/07/
[3] https://wtsc.wa.gov/new-law-to-protect-vulnerable-road-users/
[4] https://www.aclu-wa.org/docs/traffic-safety-all-legislative-backgrounder-2025
[5] https://wsp.wa.gov/driver/rules-of-the-road/
