In 2025, South Dakota continues to uphold its established right turn on red rule, allowing drivers to make a right turn at a red traffic light after coming to a complete stop, provided no local ordinances or posted signs specifically prohibit such turns. Under South Dakota Codified Law § 32-28-4, vehicles facing a steady red light must stop completely before entering a crosswalk or the intersection. Once stopped, drivers may turn right if the way is clear of pedestrians and other traffic, yielding the right of way as necessary.
South Dakota’s rule aligns with the general Right Turn on Red (RTOR) laws across most U.S. states, designed to enhance traffic flow and reduce waiting times at intersections. However, the allowance to turn right on red is subject to local restrictions. Municipalities within South Dakota have the authority to enact ordinances forbidding right turns on red at certain intersections, reflected by clear signage. When such a “No Turn on Red” sign is present, drivers must comply and wait for the green light.
Safety remains a priority in the application of this rule, with emphasis on full stops and yielding to pedestrians. The law requires drivers to stop as close to the crosswalk as possible and to give right of way to pedestrians and any other traffic proceeding legally through the intersection. Failure to yield or rolling stops before turning right on red can result in traffic violations.
South Dakota also allows left turns on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street following a complete stop, but this is controlled by separate state provisions and is less commonly used. Local governments can similarly impose restrictions on left turns on red.
South Dakota’s approach to right turn on red is part of a broader national trend where most states permit this maneuver with safety conditions. Exceptions in other parts of the country include places like New York City or Washington D.C., which have banned RTOR due to concerns about pedestrian safety. South Dakota’s law reflects a balance of traffic efficiency and safety, consistent with federal guidelines encouraging states to allow right turns on red to reduce fuel consumption and improve traffic flow.
South Dakota motorists in 2025 should know that turning right on red is legal after a full stop unless posting specifically forbids it. Drivers must stop fully, yield properly, and watch for pedestrian crossings to comply with the law and promote safe traffic conditions at intersections throughout the state.
Sources
(https://law.justia.com/codes/south-dakota/title-32/chapter-28/section-32-28-4/)
(https://internationaldriversassociation.com/blog/right-turn-red-laws-usa/)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red)
(https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/32-28)
(https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/32-28-4.1)
