Current Law: Right Turn on Red
California’s right turn on red rule remains largely unchanged in 2025. Here’s what drivers need to know:
- Permissive Right Turn: You are generally allowed to make a right turn at a red traffic signal after coming to a complete stop, unless there is a posted sign stating “No Turn on Red”.
- Stop and Yield: Before turning, you must come to a complete stop at the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection entrance. You must yield to all pedestrians and cross traffic with the right-of-way.
- No Turn on Red Signs: If a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted, it is illegal to turn right on red at that intersection. You must wait for the green signal.
- Red Arrow: If the signal is a solid red arrow, you may not turn right until the arrow turns green, even if there is no posted sign.
- Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety: Always yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and check for bicyclists before turning.
2025 Updates and Enforcement
- Automated Enforcement: In 2025, California is expanding the use of automated traffic enforcement systems (red light cameras) to reduce red light running and improve safety at intersections. These systems will help enforce compliance with right turn on red rules, especially where violations have led to crashes.
- No Change to Core Rule: The fundamental right turn on red law (CVC 21457) remains unchanged—drivers may turn right on red after stopping and yielding, unless prohibited by signage or a red arrow.
- Daylighting Law (Related Update): Starting in 2025, California’s new “daylighting” law prohibits stopping or parking within 20 feet of any crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked. This aims to improve visibility for drivers making right turns and enhance pedestrian safety, indirectly affecting right turn on red scenarios by reducing visual obstructions near intersections.
Key Points for Drivers in 2025
- You may turn right on red after stopping, unless a sign or red arrow prohibits it.
- Always yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.
- A red arrow means no right turn until the light turns green.
- Automated cameras may enforce violations, so follow the law closely.
- Do not stop or park within 20 feet of a crosswalk, as per the new daylighting law.
Table: Right Turn on Red in California (2025)
| Situation | Is Right Turn on Red Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No sign, solid red light | Yes, after full stop and yielding | Standard rule |
| “No Turn on Red” sign posted | No | Must wait for green |
| Solid red arrow | No | Wait for green arrow |
| Pedestrians in crosswalk | No, must yield until clear | Always yield to pedestrians |
| Automated enforcement in place | Yes, but violations will be recorded | Follow all rules to avoid penalties |
California’s right turn on red rule in 2025 continues to allow right turns on red after stopping and yielding, unless prohibited by signage or a red arrow. New automated enforcement and daylighting laws aim to improve intersection safety but do not change the core right turn on red rule.
Sources
- https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road/
- https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/navigating-the-roads/
- https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB720/id/3137237/California-2025-SB720-Introduced.html
- https://dontpaytickets.com/pages/cvc-21457-californias-right-turn-on-red-law
- https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/california/starting-in-2025-you-might-get-ticketed-in-some-spots-even-if-theres-no-red-curb/3707453/