In 2025, Alaska updated several of its traffic rules, including one that often confuses drivers—the right turn on red. Whether you’re a long-time Alaskan resident or just driving through, it’s important to know what’s changed and how it affects your everyday driving. These updates aim to improve road safety, traffic flow, and reduce confusion at busy intersections.
Understanding the right turn on red rule is especially important because it’s one of the most commonly encountered situations at traffic signals. While most people assume it’s always allowed, there are important exceptions and safety conditions that must be followed. Here’s a breakdown of how the updated 2025 rule applies.
Right Turn on Red: Still Legal in Alaska (With Conditions)
The 2025 traffic rule update confirms that making a right turn at a red light is still legal in Alaska, but it must be done safely and in accordance with posted signage. Drivers must first come to a complete stop at the red light before making the turn.
You must yield to all oncoming traffic that has the right of way and to any pedestrians in the crosswalk. Turning without stopping or failing to yield can lead to fines or even more serious charges if a crash occurs.
No Turn on Red Signs: Follow Them Strictly
If there’s a sign that says “No Turn on Red,” you must obey it, regardless of how clear the road looks. These signs are often placed where visibility is limited, pedestrian traffic is heavy, or where making a turn could be dangerous. The 2025 update emphasizes that failure to follow such signage could lead to stricter penalties than in past years.
Special Rules in School Zones and Pedestrian Areas
Under the 2025 update, turning right on red near schools, parks, and pedestrian-heavy areas has added restrictions. During school hours or when children are present, drivers are expected to use extra caution. In some areas, right turns on red may be restricted altogether during peak hours. Local signs will indicate when these limits apply.
Roundabouts and Right Turns
Some drivers confuse roundabouts with standard intersections. It’s important to note that right turn on red rules do not apply at roundabouts. These are yield-controlled intersections, and you must always yield to traffic already in the circle before entering.
Penalties for Violations
Breaking the updated right turn on red rules in Alaska can result in increased penalties in 2025. Depending on the situation, a violation could lead to fines, points on your license, and in some cases, license suspension if it results in an accident or is a repeated offense.
Law enforcement has been directed to strictly monitor compliance with traffic signal laws, especially in areas with high accident rates. Cameras at some intersections may also be used to enforce violations.
The 2025 Alaska traffic rule update keeps the right turn on red legal, but with important safety conditions and restrictions. Always come to a full stop, check for pedestrians and oncoming traffic, and obey all posted signs. These rules exist to protect everyone—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike. With increased penalties for violations, it’s more important than ever to stay alert and follow the rules carefully.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/running-red-lights-and-stop-alaska.html
[2] https://dot.alaska.gov/stwddes/dcstraffic/assets/pdf/atm/current/part4_highwaysigns.pdf
[3] https://alaskapublic.org/news/2024-02-07/anchorage-assembly-proposal-would-ban-right-on-red-turns-in-much-of-downtown
[4] https://collincountymagazine.com/2025/06/09/alaska-traffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule/
[5] https://dot.alaska.gov/besafe/docs/Vision-Zero-Update-July-2025.pdf
