- Right Turn Allowed After Stop: In Pennsylvania, you are permitted to turn right at a red light unless a posted sign specifically prohibits it. Before making the turn, you must come to a complete stop and yield to all pedestrians and cross-traffic.
- Exceptions: If you see a “NO TURN ON RED” sign at the intersection, you must wait for the light to turn green before turning. These signs are typically posted where visibility is limited or pedestrian traffic is heavy.
Left Turn on Red (Special Case)
- From One-Way to One-Way: Pennsylvania also allows drivers to turn left on red when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless a sign prohibits it. As with right turns, you must stop first and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
2025 Update: The “Ride on Red” Law
- Malfunctioning Signals: The updated law clarifies that if a traffic signal is malfunctioning or fails to detect your vehicle (for example, motorcycles or bicycles not triggering the sensor), you may treat the red light as a stop sign. After stopping and ensuring it is safe, you may proceed through the intersection with caution.
- Caution Required: This is not a blanket permission to ignore red lights; the signal must be clearly malfunctioning, and you must use common sense and caution.
Safety Reminders
- Always come to a full stop before turning right on red.
- Yield to all pedestrians and cross-traffic.
- Obey all posted signs-if a “NO TURN ON RED” sign is present, you must wait for green.
- When in doubt, wait for the green light to ensure safety.
Table: Right Turn on Red in Pennsylvania (2025)
| Situation | Is Right Turn on Red Allowed? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| No sign prohibiting turn | Yes | Full stop, yield to pedestrians/traffic |
| “NO TURN ON RED” sign posted | No | Must wait for green light |
| Malfunctioning or unresponsive red light | Yes (Ride on Red law) | Full stop, proceed with caution if safe |
| Left turn from one-way to one-way street on red | Yes | Full stop, yield, unless sign prohibits |
In 2025, Pennsylvania drivers may turn right on red after a complete stop and yielding, unless a sign prohibits it. The updated law also allows proceeding through a malfunctioning red light after stopping and ensuring it is safe. Always prioritize safety and follow posted signage.
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.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/consCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&ttl=75&div=0&chpt=31&sctn=12&subsctn=0
[4] https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/24603/right-turn-signal-in-pennsylvania-can-i-turn-on-red
[5] https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/pennsylvania-drivers-manual/online-drivers-manual/everyday-driving-skills/turning-merging-and-passing.html
