As of 2025, Pennsylvania continues to allow right turns on red at most intersections, but with specific requirements and some new clarifications based on recent legislative updates and the application of the “Ride on Red” law.
Key Rules for Right Turn on Red in Pennsylvania
- General Rule:Â You may turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless there is a posted “NO TURN ON RED” sign at the intersection.
- Procedure:Â Before turning, you must:
- Come to a complete stop at the marked stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection if no lines are present.
- Yield to all pedestrians in the crosswalk and any cross-traffic with the right of way.
- Ensure the intersection is clear of vehicles and pedestrians before proceeding.
- Exceptions:Â If a “NO TURN ON RED” sign is posted, you are prohibited from making a right turn on red at that intersection.
2025 Update: The “Ride on Red” Law
- Malfunctioning Signals:Â Under the updated “Ride on Red” law, if a traffic signal is malfunctioning (such as when sensors fail to detect your vehicle and the light does not change), you may treat the red light as a stop sign. After coming to a complete stop and ensuring it is safe, you may proceed through the intersection.
- Caution Required:Â This exception is intended for situations where the light is clearly unresponsive. Drivers are expected to exercise due care and proceed only when it is safe to do so.
- No Set Wait Time:Â The law does not specify a minimum wait time before deeming a light unresponsive, but drivers must use good judgment and caution.
Right-of-Way Considerations
- Yielding:Â When turning right on red, you must always yield to:
- Pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Oncoming vehicles and cross-traffic with a green light or right of way.
- U-Turns:Â If another vehicle is making a legal U-turn on a green light, that vehicle has the right of way over a driver turning right on red. The right-turning driver must yield to the U-turning vehicle.
- Liability:Â If a collision occurs while making a right turn on red and the driver failed to yield, the right-turning driver may be found at fault.
Table: Right Turn on Red in Pennsylvania (2025)
| Rule/Condition | Requirement/Action |
|---|---|
| Right turn on red allowed? | Yes, unless “NO TURN ON RED” sign is posted |
| Required stop? | Complete stop before turning |
| Yield to pedestrians? | Yes |
| Yield to cross-traffic? | Yes, especially vehicles with green light or making U-turns |
| “Ride on Red” law | May proceed through malfunctioning red lights after stopping and ensuring safety |
| Minimum wait at malfunction? | No specific time; driver must use caution |
| Liability in collisions? | Right-turning driver may be at fault if failing to yield |
The 2025 update maintains Pennsylvania’s established right turn on red rule, with added clarity for situations involving malfunctioning signals. Always stop fully, yield to pedestrians and cross-traffic, and only proceed when safe. The “Ride on Red” provision is a practical exception for malfunctioning lights but does not override the need for caution and safety at intersections.
Sources
[1] https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual/online-drivers-manual/signals.html
[2] https://www.cmlaw1.com/need-know-pennsylvanias-ride-red-law/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/Pennsylvania/comments/1hp6ajn/pa_vehicle_law_question_regarding_u_turns_right/
[4] https://wilklawfirm.com/blog/pennsylvania-right-of-way-laws/
[5] https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=75&div=0&chpt=31&sctn=12&subsctn=0
