As of 2025, Maryland law still allows drivers to turn right at a red light, but only under specific conditions:
- Complete Stop Required:
Drivers must come to a full stop at the marked stop line. If there is no stop line, stop before the crosswalk. If there is no crosswalk, stop before entering the intersection. - Yield to Pedestrians and Traffic:
After stopping, drivers must yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and any other vehicles that could pose a hazard before making the turn. - Check for Prohibitive Signs:
If there is a sign stating “No Turn on Red,” turning right on red is prohibited and you must wait for the green light. - Discretionary Turn:
The law states you may turn right on red after stopping—it is not mandatory. Drivers can choose to wait if they feel it is not safe to turn.
When Right Turn on Red is Not Allowed
- Presence of a “No Turn on Red” Sign:
Obey all posted signage. If a sign prohibits the turn, you must follow it. - Pedestrians or Cyclists in the Crosswalk:
You must wait for all pedestrians and cyclists to clear the crosswalk before turning. - Oncoming Traffic:
Do not turn if another vehicle is approaching and your turn would create a hazard.
Left Turn on Red: Special Case
- Permitted Only from One-Way to One-Way:
Maryland allows a left turn on red only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after coming to a complete stop and ensuring it is safe.
No Major Changes in 2025
- No Recent Updates:
Despite safety debates and changes in nearby Washington, D.C. (where right turns on red will be banned at most intersections starting January 1, 2025), Maryland has not changed its right-on-red rule as of 2025. - Ongoing Discussions:
There is ongoing public debate about pedestrian and cyclist safety, but no legislative changes have been enacted in Maryland for 2025.
Table: Maryland Right Turn on Red (2025)
| Condition | Right Turn on Red Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Complete stop made, no sign prohibiting | Yes |
| “No Turn on Red” sign present | No |
| Pedestrians/cyclists in crosswalk | No (must yield) |
| Unsafe due to oncoming traffic | No (must wait) |
| Left turn on red (one-way to one-way) | Yes |
| Left turn on red (any other situation) | No |
Key Takeaways for Maryland Drivers
- You can turn right on red after a complete stop and if it is safe—unless a sign says otherwise.
- Always yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming vehicles.
- Left turns on red are only allowed from one-way streets to one-way streets.
- No major changes to this rule in Maryland for 2025, but stay alert for local signage and ongoing safety discussions.
Maryland’s right turn on red law remains unchanged for 2025: stop, yield, check for signs, and turn only when safe.
Sources
- https://www.reddit.com/r/maryland/comments/1fz0hw1/maryland_state_law_about_right_on_red_lights/
- https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/maryland-traffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule/
- https://www.gdhlawfirm.com/is-it-legal-to-turn-left-on-red-in-maryland/
- https://www.tthlaw.com/d-c-passes-bill-banning-right-turns-at-red-lights-and-implements-the-idaho-stop-for-cyclists/
- 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