As of the 2025 update, Wisconsin’s right turn on red rule continues to permit drivers to turn right at a red light under specific, clearly defined conditions. Here’s what you need to know about the law and any recent clarifications:
You must come to a complete stop before the intersection or crosswalk when the traffic signal is red.
Right turn is allowed on red only if there is no posted sign prohibiting such a turn.
You must yield to:
All cross traffic with the green light.
All pedestrians, bicyclists, riders of electric scooters, and personal delivery devices lawfully in the crosswalk.
Vehicles making lawful U-turns and any other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
Proceed with caution and only enter the intersection when it is safe to do so.
Special rules apply when two right-turn lanes exist: You may turn from either lane, but must enter the corresponding nearest available lane. For example, if turning from the leftmost right-turn lane, you may enter the second-lane-over rather than the curb lane, as recently clarified.
No right turn on red allowed if doing so would mean crossing another moving traffic lane or if signage specifically prohibits it.
Left turn on red: Permitted only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, and all the same stop and yield rules apply.
Updated clarity in 2025: New emphasis and enforcement measures require that after stopping, you must remain stopped until pedestrians have fully completed crossing the roadway in the crosswalk, not just yielding until they’ve cleared your lane. This provision is designed to further protect pedestrian safety and aligns with recent legislative updates.
Failure to follow the right turn on red rules—such as not yielding to a pedestrian, rolling through a stop, or ignoring posted restrictions—can result in fines, points on your license, and liability in an accident. Always check for local signage, watch for pedestrians, and make your turn only when it is safe and legal.
Sources
[1] https://www.hupy.com/faqs/right-turn-on-red-is-not-always-the-right-turn.cfm
[2] https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/teen-driver/teen-sfty/traffic-lights.aspx
[3] https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/346.34
[4] https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB345
[5] https://www.mysclaw.com/can-you-turn-left-at-a-red-light-in-wisconsin/
