In Indiana, the right turn on red rule has been a common traffic feature for many years, allowing drivers to turn right at a red light after stopping completely, unless posted signs prohibit it. This rule applies to most intersections, providing an efficient flow of traffic. However, there are important nuances to keep in mind, especially with updates to traffic laws in 2025.
Right Turn on Red: The Basics
In Indiana, drivers are generally allowed to make a right turn on red after coming to a complete stop at the red light, provided that the intersection is clear of pedestrians and other vehicles. The turn should only be made when it is safe, and drivers must yield to any oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing the street before completing the turn.
It’s important to note that right turn on red is not allowed in all situations. At some intersections, signs are posted that explicitly prohibit making a right turn on red, and those signs must be obeyed.
Updates for 2025: Key Considerations
As part of updates to Indiana traffic rules in 2025, some key points about right turns on red have been emphasized:
- Increased Attention to Pedestrian Safety: There is a stronger focus on pedestrian safety, particularly in busy urban areas. Drivers are encouraged to exercise extra caution when turning right on red near crosswalks, ensuring they fully yield to pedestrians before making their turn.
- Strict Enforcement of Signage: Local authorities have been given greater authority to place “no turn on red” signs at intersections where visibility is limited or where pedestrian traffic is high. It’s essential for drivers to be extra vigilant about these posted signs.
- School Zones and Other Special Areas: New regulations have been introduced to restrict right turns on red in school zones or near hospitals during certain hours to prevent accidents. Drivers are encouraged to be aware of these changes and adjust their driving behavior accordingly.
- Technology and Traffic Cameras: Indiana has started implementing traffic cameras at major intersections to ensure compliance with the right turn on red rules. If a driver makes an illegal right turn on red, they could be caught on camera and fined. As of 2025, more intersections may be monitored by these devices, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Timing Adjustments: In some areas, the timing of red lights has been adjusted to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. This might mean that there are fewer opportunities for right turns on red due to the longer red light duration in certain areas.
while right turn on red remains legal in Indiana, it’s important to follow the basic rule of stopping completely and ensuring that it is safe to make the turn. With the updates in 2025, Indiana drivers should be especially mindful of pedestrian safety, no turn on red signs, and the use of traffic cameras. As always, being aware of the road signs, intersections, and traffic signals is crucial to driving safely and staying compliant with Indiana traffic laws.
Sources
[1] https://www.indyjustice.com/blog/criminal-defense/turn-right-on-red-in-indiana/
[2] https://www.ckflaw.com/blog/the-who-what-when-and-where-of-turning-right-on-red/
[3] https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-9/article-21/chapter-8/section-9-21-8-21/
[4] https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/right-turns-on-red-light-put-pedestrians-at-risk-mineta-study/738332/
[5] https://www.wagnerreese.com/blog/can-you-turn-left-on-red-in-indiana/
