Idaho, like many other states, has specific traffic laws to ensure safe and smooth driving for all road users. One such law that often causes confusion is the Right Turn on Red rule. While this rule is common across the United States, it’s important to understand the specifics in Idaho, especially with recent updates to traffic laws. If you’re driving in Idaho, here’s what you need to know about the Right Turn on Red Rule as part of the Idaho Traffic Rule 2025 update.
What Is the Right Turn on Red Rule?
The Right Turn on Red (RTOR) rule allows drivers to make a right turn at a red traffic light after stopping, unless otherwise posted. This rule applies to most intersections, but certain conditions must be met before making a right turn. While the rule is fairly standard in the United States, some states or local jurisdictions may have additional restrictions.
Here are the basic conditions for making a Right Turn on Red in Idaho:
- Complete Stop: Before making the turn, drivers must come to a complete stop at the red light.
- Yield to Pedestrians and Traffic: After stopping, you must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing the intersection and any oncoming traffic.
- No Sign Prohibiting It: You can only make the right turn on red if there is no sign at the intersection explicitly prohibiting the turn. Some intersections may have signs that say “No Turn on Red.”
Key Updates in Idaho’s 2025 Traffic Rule
The 2025 update to Idaho’s traffic rules has made some changes regarding Right Turn on Red and how it should be interpreted. Here’s what the update entails:
- Clarification of “Complete Stop”: The update emphasizes that a complete stop must be made before turning. Idaho law now specifies that a mere rolling stop is not sufficient; drivers must come to a full stop to ensure they are giving enough time to assess the intersection for any pedestrians, bicycles, or other vehicles before proceeding.
- Increased Focus on Pedestrian Safety: The 2025 update places increased emphasis on pedestrian safety at intersections. Drivers are reminded to be especially cautious and to yield to pedestrians who may be crossing at the intersection, even if they are not directly in the crosswalk. This helps reduce accidents involving pedestrians and enhances overall traffic safety.
- Better Signage at Intersections: The update requires clearer signage at intersections where Right Turn on Red is prohibited. More visible and easy-to-understand signs will be put in place to reduce confusion and ensure that drivers are fully aware of when they are not allowed to turn on red. These signs will help avoid accidents and ensure compliance with the law.
- Consistency Across Intersections: The new update works to make the rule more consistent across the state, ensuring that the Right Turn on Red rule is applied uniformly throughout Idaho. Local jurisdictions have been encouraged to align their rules with state traffic laws to ensure clear expectations for all drivers.
Are There Any Exceptions?
While the Right Turn on Red rule is generally allowed in Idaho, there are a few exceptions and situations where you cannot make the turn:
- Signage Prohibiting Right Turn on Red: If the intersection has a sign that explicitly says “No Turn on Red,” you are not allowed to make a right turn at a red light.
- Pedestrian Crossings: If there are pedestrians in the crosswalk or if the light is green for pedestrians, you must wait for the light to turn green for vehicles before making your right turn.
- Increased Traffic Conditions: In some high-traffic areas or complex intersections, local jurisdictions may place restrictions on Right Turn on Red to help improve the flow of traffic and safety.
Why Is the Right Turn on Red Rule Important?
The Right Turn on Red rule is a significant part of traffic flow in Idaho, as it allows for smoother transitions at intersections and helps reduce congestion. By allowing right turns on red, the rule helps keep traffic moving, especially in urban or busy areas. However, it’s important that drivers don’t rush the turn and always pay attention to their surroundings to avoid accidents.
This rule also reduces fuel consumption by encouraging drivers to continue moving when safe, rather than idling at a red light. It contributes to both safety and environmental goals, making it an important traffic regulation.
The Right Turn on Red rule in Idaho is a key part of the state’s traffic laws. With the 2025 update, Idaho has clarified and emphasized safety measures to ensure that drivers fully stop, yield to pedestrians, and obey signs that prohibit the turn. While Right Turn on Red remains legal in most situations, it’s important to always be aware of local traffic signs and any updated regulations. Staying informed about traffic laws ensures that all road users, whether in vehicles, on foot, or on bicycles, can safely navigate the streets.
SOURCES
[1] https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title49/t49ch8/sect49-802/
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_stop
[3] https://www.eastidahonews.com/2025/06/can-i-turn-left-at-a-red-light-onto-a-one-way-street-what-idaho-law-says/
[4] https://dcist.com/story/22/09/21/dc-moves-to-ban-right-turn-on-red-allow-idaho-stop-cyclists/
[5] https://www.yahoo.com/news/turn-left-red-light-onto-100000522.html
