In Oklahoma, the right turn on red rule remains generally permitted in 2025 unless otherwise indicated by specific signage prohibiting the turn. According to Oklahoma traffic law (§47-11-202), vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal must come to a complete stop before making a right turn. After stopping, the driver may cautiously enter the intersection to turn right, provided it is safe to do so and that they yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and other traffic lawfully using the intersection. This rule applies except where a traffic sign explicitly prohibits turning on red.
This has been the longstanding legal framework, tracing back to policies encouraging right on red turns to conserve fuel since the 1970s, which is still the basis for current practice. While some communities have debated limiting or banning right turns on red in high-traffic or pedestrian-heavy areas due to safety concerns, the general right turn on red rule continues statewide in Oklahoma with no statewide ban or change reported for 2025.
Law enforcement in Oklahoma City has actively enforced red light compliance, cracking down on red light runners in 2025, which includes monitoring drivers making turns on red to ensure they follow the law by stopping and yielding properly. Tickets for running red lights can be costly, with fines ranging from $183 to $213 when speeding through a red light, underscoring the importance of adhering to traffic signals and turn rules.
Summarizing: In Oklahoma, as of 2025:
- Drivers must come to a full stop at a red light before turning right.
- Right turn on red is allowed unless there is a sign explicitly prohibiting it.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians and other traffic before turning.
- Failure to obey red lights or turn laws can result in fines and citations.
- Local municipalities may post signs to prohibit right turns on red at specific intersections for safety reasons.
This means the Oklahoma right turn on red rule continues its traditional practice with no broad legal changes in 2025, but drivers should be attentive to signage and local enforcement efforts.
If you want, I can provide details on the specific statute numbers or traffic enforcement operations.
Sources
[1] https://gowensinjurylaw.com/the-end-of-right-turns-at-red-lights-2/
[2] https://www.news9.com/story/6807e64ab9b8d1f385d61d7b/-rush-decisions-real-consequences-oklahoma-city-police-target-red-light-offenders-
[3] https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-47/section-47-11-604/
[4] https://law.justia.com/codes/oklahoma/title-47/section-47-11-202/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
