Nevada continues to allow drivers to turn right on a red light, but strict conditions and exceptions apply to ensure the safety of all road users. Here’s what you need to know about the current rule and its enforcement in 2025.
Key Rules for Right Turn on Red in Nevada
- Complete Stop Required: Before making a right turn on red, you must come to a complete stop at the intersection. Rolling through the red light is illegal and increases the risk of accidents, particularly with pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Rightmost Lane: You must be in the extreme right lane and use your right-turn signal before proceeding.
- Yielding: You must yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians. If a pedestrian is in the crosswalk, you cannot make the turn, even if they are far from your lane.
- No Prohibitive Signs: If there is a “No Turn on Red” sign posted at the intersection, you are not allowed to turn right on red under any circumstances.
- School Zones: Right turns on red are prohibited when school zone lights are flashing or children are present, as stipulated by Nevada law.
- Right-of-Way: Always yield to vehicles that have already entered the intersection, regardless of your intended turn.
Penalties for Violations
- Fines: Making an illegal right turn on red can result in fines ranging from $100 to $305, depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances.
- Demerit Points: Violations may add demerit points to your driving record. Accumulating 12 or more points within 12 months can lead to a license suspension.
- Legal and Financial Consequences: If an illegal turn leads to an accident, you may face civil liability, increased insurance rates, and even criminal charges in severe cases.
Safety Concerns and National Trends
Recent studies and safety advocates have raised concerns about the dangers of right turns on red, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. Research indicates that most drivers do not come to a complete stop, increasing the risk of collisions. The odds of pedestrian fatalities are significantly higher in right-turn collisions, particularly involving larger vehicles. As a result, there is a growing movement nationally—and some discussion in Nevada—to reconsider or restrict the practice, especially in urban areas with high pedestrian traffic.
Best Practices for Drivers
- Always stop completely before the crosswalk or stop line.
- Check carefully for pedestrians and cyclists before turning.
- Yield to all oncoming vehicles and those already in the intersection.
- Obey all posted signs and signals.
- Be extra cautious in school zones and areas with heavy foot traffic.
Table: Right Turn on Red in Nevada (2025)
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Complete Stop | Mandatory before turning |
| Lane Position | Must be in the rightmost lane |
| Yielding | To all vehicles and pedestrians |
| Prohibitive Signs | No turn if “No Turn on Red” is posted |
| School Zones | No turn during active hours/when children present |
| Penalties for Violation | Fines, demerit points, possible suspension |
Turning right on red remains legal in Nevada in 2025, provided you follow the specific rules designed to protect all road users. With heightened awareness of pedestrian safety and ongoing discussions about potential restrictions, drivers should exercise extra caution and always prioritize safety over convenience.
Sources
[1] https://www.thefiercefirm.com/can-you-turn-right-on-red-in-nevada/
[2] https://www.rodneyokano.com/blog/nevada-law/can-you-turn-right-on-red-in-nevada
[3] https://knpr.org/show/knprs-state-of-nevada/2022-10-24/theres-a-new-push-to-ban-right-turns-on-red-lights-could-it-happen-in-nevada
[4] https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/defense/nrs/484b-307-turning-right-on-red/
[5] https://www.gallolawnv.com/can-you-turn-right-on-red-in-nevada