As of 2025, Maryland’s rules for right turns on red remain unchanged. Drivers are still allowed to make a right turn at a red light, but only after coming to a complete stop and ensuring it is safe to proceed.
Key Requirements for Right Turn on Red in Maryland
- Complete Stop: You 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 Cyclists: Always check for and yield to pedestrians and cyclists in the crosswalk before turning.
- Yield to Oncoming Traffic: Only turn when it is safe and there is no oncoming traffic that could cause danger.
- Obey Signs: If there is a posted sign stating “No Turn on Red,” you must obey it and wait for a green light.
When Right Turn on Red is NOT Allowed
- Where signs prohibit it: If you see a “No Turn on Red” sign, you must wait for the green light.
- If pedestrians or cyclists are crossing: You must wait until the crosswalk is clear.
- If other vehicles would be endangered: Do not turn if it would interfere with other traffic.
Left Turn on Red
- Permitted only from a one-way street onto another one-way street. Otherwise, left turns on red are not allowed in Maryland.
Safety and Ongoing Debate
There is growing public debate about the safety of right turns on red, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian and cyclist traffic. Some neighboring areas, like Washington, D.C., have enacted bans on right turns on red at all intersections starting January 1, 2025, but Maryland has not adopted such changes. Discussions about potential changes continue, but as of now, the law stands.
Table
| Action | Allowed in Maryland (2025)? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Right turn on red | Yes | Complete stop, yield, no prohibitive sign |
| Left turn on red (one-way to one-way) | Yes | Complete stop, yield, no prohibitive sign |
| Left turn on red (other cases) | No | Not permitted |
You may still turn right on red in Maryland in 2025, provided you stop fully and yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic, and there is no sign prohibiting the turn. Stay attentive to local updates, as safety concerns continue to generate discussion about this rule.
Sources
[1]https://www.reddit.com/r/maryland/comments/1fz0hw1/maryland_state_law_about_right_on_red_lights/
[2] https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/maryland-traffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule/
[3] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-laws-affect-residents-dc-maryland-virginia-tom-ramstack-8c4ue
[4] 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
[5] https://wtop.com/local/2024/12/new-laws-going-into-effect-across-dc-maryland-and-virginia-on-jan-1-2025/
