Idaho’s right turn on red rule is a familiar feature for drivers, but recent updates and clarifications for 2025 reinforce both the privileges and responsibilities that come with this maneuver. Here’s a comprehensive look at what you need to know about making a right turn on red in Idaho, including the latest legal language, exceptions, and safety considerations.
The Basic Rule: Right Turn on Red Permitted
In Idaho, drivers are generally allowed to turn right at a red light after coming to a complete stop. This rule applies unless there is a posted sign specifically prohibiting the turn at that intersection. The law requires that you:
- Come to a full stop before the marked limit line, crosswalk, or intersection.
- Yield to all pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk.
- Yield to all other vehicles lawfully using the intersection.
This means you cannot simply roll through the red light; a complete stop is mandatory before proceeding with the turn.
Key Exceptions and Restrictions
While the right turn on red is widely permitted, there are important exceptions:
- No Turn on Red Signs: If a sign is posted prohibiting a right turn on red, you must obey it and wait for a green signal.
- Red Arrow Signals: If the traffic signal displays a red arrow pointing right, turning right is strictly prohibited until the arrow turns green.
- Pedestrian and Cross-Traffic: You must always yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to any vehicles with the right of way in the intersection.
Left Turn on Red: Special Case
Idaho also allows drivers to make a left turn on red, but only when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, and only after coming to a complete stop and yielding to all other traffic and pedestrians. This is not permitted from a two-way street or onto a two-way street.
Safety and Enforcement
The right turn on red rule is designed to keep traffic flowing efficiently, but safety is paramount. Idaho law emphasizes:
- Full Stop Requirement: Rolling stops are illegal and can result in citations.
- Yielding: Failing to yield to pedestrians or oncoming traffic can lead to accidents and legal penalties.
- Awareness of Local Signs: Some intersections may have time-specific or illuminated “No Turn on Red” signs that are only active during certain hours.
2025 Update Highlights
The 2025 update to Idaho’s traffic rules does not fundamentally change the right turn on red law but clarifies enforcement and signage:
- Clearer Signage: Expect more visible and sometimes electronic “No Turn on Red” signs at high-risk intersections.
- Emphasis on Red Arrow Compliance: Enforcement is increasing for violations involving red arrow signals, which strictly prohibit turns in the indicated direction.
- Public Education: State and local agencies are increasing efforts to educate drivers about the importance of yielding to pedestrians and the meaning of various signals and signs.
Practical Tips for Drivers
- Always come to a complete stop before turning right on red.
- Check for and obey any “No Turn on Red” signs or red arrow signals.
- Yield to all pedestrians and cross-traffic before proceeding.
- Be especially cautious at intersections with heavy pedestrian activity or complex signal patterns.
Idaho’s right turn on red rule remains a driver-friendly provision, but it comes with clear responsibilities. The 2025 updates reinforce the need for full stops, strict compliance with signage and red arrows, and heightened awareness of pedestrian safety. By following these rules, drivers can help keep Idaho’s roads safe and efficient for everyone.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title49/t49ch8/sect49-802/
[2] https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/statutesrules/idstat/Title49/T49CH8.pdf
[3] https://www.renehersecycles.com/red-lights-and-the-idaho-experiment/
[4] https://www.tthlaw.com/d-c-passes-bill-banning-right-turns-at-red-lights-and-implements-the-idaho-stop-for-cyclists/
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
