As of 2025, Maryland continues to allow right turns on red lights unless a sign explicitly prohibits the turn, consistent with longstanding practice under Maryland Transportation Code Section 21-202. The key rule remains that drivers must come to a complete stop at the red light before making a right turn and yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
Unlike neighboring Washington, D.C., which enacted a new law effective January 1, 2025, broadly banning right turns on red lights except at intersections where specific signs permit them, Maryland has not adopted a similar blanket prohibition. Maryland drivers retain the legal option to turn right on red at intersections where no prohibitive signage exists.
Enforcement in Maryland continues to focus on compliance with the requirement to stop fully before turning. Drivers who roll through red lights or fail to yield risk citations, even if no “No Turn on Red” signs are posted. Therefore, the critical legal obligation is not simply stopping but yielding and ensuring the turn can be made safely.
Signage plays a central role in defining when right turns on red are disallowed. If a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted at an intersection, Maryland law prohibits the turn and drivers who violate it are subject to penalties. However, where no such sign exists, turning right on red remains lawful. This contrasts with D.C.’s approach where the ban is presumptive, and only specific intersections permit the turn via signage.
Several safety advocates have debated whether Maryland should follow D.C.’s footsteps and restrict right turns on red more broadly to protect pedestrians and cyclists. Critics argue that banning right turns on red could improve safety, especially given reports of pedestrian injuries caused by turning vehicles. Yet, opponents contend that right turns on red contribute to traffic efficiency and fuel savings, a rationale rooted in energy conservation policies since the 1970s. The debate remains active but no legislative changes have yet occurred in Maryland.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and law enforcement practice emphasize driver responsibility to stop fully, look carefully, and yield, maintaining that right turns on red are a privilege contingent on safe execution. Maryland drivers are encouraged to exercise caution and prioritize pedestrian safety even when the turn is legally allowed.
In summary, Maryland’s 2025 traffic regulations maintain the status quo for the right turn on red rule:
Drivers may turn right on red after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it.
A full stop and yield to pedestrians and traffic is mandatory.
Violations can lead to citations regardless of signage if the driver fails to stop or yield.
Maryland has not adopted a blanket ban on right turns on red like neighboring D.C.
The rule balances traffic efficiency with safety considerations, amid ongoing public debate.
This legal stance means Maryland drivers should continue to obey posted signs and always perform a full stop before turning right on red. Unlike D.C., expect right turns on red to remain broadly permitted across the state in 2025, but always done safely and lawfully.
References: Maryland Transportation Code Section 21-202; public safety reports; 2025 traffic law updates; comparison with D.C. Safer Streets Amendment Act of 2022
Sources
[1] https://www.tthlaw.com/d-c-passes-bill-banning-right-turns-at-red-lights-and-implements-the-idaho-stop-for-cyclists/
[2] https://wjla.com/news/local/dmv-new-laws-2025-washington-dc-bans-right-turns-at-red-lights-ddot-drivers-january-1-council-transportation-traffic-signage-public-education-campaign-cars-vehicles-police-accidents-crashed-pedestrian-cross-walks-tickets-fines
[3] https://answers.justia.com/question/2025/03/26/am-i-at-fault-for-turning-right-on-a-red-1054630
[4] https://www.plaxenadler.com/2024/01/30/should-maryland-get-rid-of-right-on-red-for-biker-and-pedestrian-safety/
[5] https://www.fox5dc.com/news/dc-bans-right-turns-red-lights-2025-only-half-will-be-enforced-official
