Current Statewide Rule
- Right turn on red is legal in Indiana: Drivers may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop and ensuring the way is clear, unless a sign specifically prohibits the turn.
- Left turn on red is also permitted when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and if the intersection is clear.
Key Requirements
- Full stop required: You must come to a complete stop before turning right on red.
- Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic: Always yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and any oncoming traffic with the right of way.
- Obey posted signs: If a sign says “No Turn on Red,” you must obey it and wait for a green light.
Local Changes and Indianapolis Update
- Municipalities can set stricter rules: Indiana cities and counties can restrict right turns on red at certain intersections by posting signs.
- Indianapolis Downtown Restrictions: In response to pedestrian safety concerns, Indianapolis has implemented “No Turn on Red” restrictions at about 190 downtown intersections. Enforcement is ongoing, especially near Monument Circle and other high-traffic pedestrian areas.
- No new restrictions until July 2025: As of a 2024 compromise, Indianapolis agreed not to install any additional “No Turn on Red” signs until July 2025, although existing restrictions remain in effect.
- State legislative challenges: There have been attempts in the Indiana legislature to limit the ability of cities like Indianapolis to ban right turns on red, but as of April 2025, these efforts have not become law.
Penalties
- Improper right turn on red: Violating the right turn on red rule (such as failing to stop or turning where prohibited) can result in a traffic ticket and four points on your Indiana driver’s license1.
- License points: Accumulating too many points can lead to administrative hearings and possible license suspension1.
Table
| Rule | Statewide (2025) | Indianapolis Downtown (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Right turn on red allowed? | Yes, after stop, unless signed | No, at ~190 signed intersections |
| Full stop required? | Yes | Yes |
| Yield to pedestrians/cross traffic? | Yes | Yes |
| New “No Turn on Red” signs allowed? | Yes, unless local restriction | No new signs until July 2025 |
- Most of Indiana: Right turn on red remains legal after a complete stop and if the way is clear, unless posted otherwise.
- Downtown Indianapolis: Watch for “No Turn on Red” signs—turning right on red is prohibited at many intersections, and enforcement is active.
- No new bans until July 2025: Indianapolis cannot add new “No Turn on Red” signs until that date, but existing ones are enforced.
Always check for posted signs and be vigilant for pedestrians when turning right on red anywhere in Indiana.
Sources
- https://www.indyjustice.com/blog/criminal-defense/turn-right-on-red-in-indiana/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/indiana/title-9/article-21/chapter-8/section-9-21-8-21/
- https://www.pilawyers.com/blog/indiana-right-of-way-laws/
- https://mirrorindy.org/indianapolis-no-turn-on-red-enforcement/
- https://www.truittlawoffices.com/blog/indianas-dead-red-law/
