As of 2025, Colorado’s rules regarding right turns on red lights remain largely consistent with previous years, but growing safety concerns and local policy changes-particularly in Denver-are shaping the future of this traffic maneuver. Understanding when and how you can legally turn right on red in Colorado is essential for safe and lawful driving.
General Statewide Rule
- Right Turn on Red Permitted: In Colorado, drivers are generally allowed to turn right at a red traffic signal after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits the maneuver.
- Complete Stop Required: Drivers must come to a full stop at the marked stop line, before the crosswalk, or before entering the intersection if no line is present.
- Yielding: After stopping, drivers must yield to all pedestrians and vehicles lawfully within the intersection or crosswalk. The turn can only be made when it is safe to do so.
- No Turn on Red Arrow: If the traffic signal displays a solid red arrow for right turns, turning right is strictly prohibited until the arrow turns green, even if there is no posted sign.
Local Changes and Trends
- Denver’s Push for Restrictions: Denver is considering a citywide ban on right turns on red, especially in high-traffic and pedestrian-heavy zones such as downtown, Colfax, and major corridors. This is in response to data showing increased pedestrian and cyclist crashes linked to right turns on red.
- Vision Zero Initiatives: Denver’s Vision Zero plan calls for eliminating right turns on red in certain areas to improve safety for vulnerable road users.
- No Turn on Red Signs: Local authorities can prohibit right turns on red at specific intersections by posting signs. Always obey these signs, as local ordinances may override the general rule at designated locations.
Special Considerations
- Red Arrow Signals: A red arrow for right turns means you must stop and wait; turning right is not allowed until the arrow turns green, regardless of traffic conditions or absence of signage.
- Bicyclists and “Safety Stop” Law: Colorado’s updated “Safety Stop” law allows bicyclists and operators of other low-speed conveyances to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs. They may turn right on red after stopping and yielding, but only when it is safe.
- Pedestrian Safety: Always yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. Failing to do so can result in citations, fines, or more severe penalties if an accident occurs.
Penalties for Violations
- Traffic Citations: Disobeying the right turn on red rule-such as failing to stop, not yielding, or turning on a red arrow-can result in fines and points on your driving record. In Denver, running a red arrow can lead to a 4-point violation and fines up to $999.
- Increased Enforcement: As cities move toward stricter enforcement or bans, expect more monitoring and potential penalties for violations, especially in urban areas.
Table
| Rule/Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Right turn on red allowed? | Yes, unless posted otherwise or red arrow shown |
| Complete stop required? | Yes |
| Must yield to pedestrians/vehicles? | Yes |
| “No Turn on Red” sign present? | Turn prohibited |
| Red arrow for right turn? | Turn prohibited until arrow turns green |
Key Takeaways
- Right turn on red is generally allowed in Colorado after a full stop and yielding, unless a sign or red arrow prohibits it.
- Denver and other cities are moving toward restricting or banning right turns on red in certain areas for pedestrian and cyclist safety.
- Always check for local signage and be aware of red arrow signals, which override the general rule.
- Violations can result in significant penalties, especially as enforcement increases in urban areas.
Stay alert to local updates, as the landscape for right turns on red in Colorado-especially in cities like Denver-may continue to evolve in 2025 and beyond.
Sources
[1] https://mylolowcountry.com/usa-laws/missouritraffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule/
[2] https://csp.colorado.gov/press-release/colorado-introduces-changes-to-bike-laws
[3] https://www.denver7.com/growing-number-of-cities-to-ban-right-turns-on-red-for-vehicles
[4] https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/right-turns-red-face-uncertain-future-denver/
[5] https://codes.findlaw.com/co/title-42-vehicles-and-traffic/co-rev-st-sect-42-4-604/