Utah’s New Rule on Right Turns at Red Lights: Everything Drivers Need to Know

Do you ever find yourself sitting at a red light, itching to turn right but stuck waiting for the green arrow? You’re not alone. Right turns on red lights are a common traffic maneuver that can significantly improve traffic flow, especially in busy urban areas like Salt Lake City and Provo. But with convenience comes responsibility. Understanding the rules and proper procedures for making right turns on red is crucial to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.

Utah, like many other states, allows right turns on red lights under specific conditions. However, it’s essential to navigate these intersections with caution and prioritize safety over speed. This blog post will serve as your comprehensive guide to Utah’s right turn on red rule in 2025, covering everything from when it’s permitted to important safety tips for executing the maneuver correctly.

Legal Framework

Traffic laws in Utah are outlined in the Utah Code Annotated, Title 41 – Motor Vehicles. Specifically, Section 41-6-601 addresses right-of-way at intersections. While there haven’t been any recent updates to this rule in 2025, it’s always a good practice to stay informed about any potential changes to traffic regulations.

Safety First

Even though permitted under certain circumstances, right turns on red lights must prioritize safety above all else. This means coming to a complete stop, checking for pedestrians and oncoming traffic in all directions, and only proceeding when you have the clear right of way. Reckless right turns on red can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. By following the rules and exercising caution, you can contribute to a safer driving environment for yourself and others on Utah’s roads.

Understanding the Right Turn on Red Rule in Utah

Now that we’ve established the importance of following the right turn on red rule safely, let’s delve deeper into the specifics of this regulation in Utah.

When it’s Allowed

In Utah, you are generally permitted to make a right turn on a red light unless there’s a sign specifically prohibiting it. These signs will typically display messages like “No Right Turn on Red” or “Right Turn on Red After Stop.” So, if you don’t see any such signs, you can proceed with a right turn on red cautiously, following the proper steps outlined below.

The Complete Stop

This is a crucial aspect of the right turn on red rule. A complete stop means your vehicle must come to a complete halt before the designated stop line or crosswalk (if there’s no stop line). Simply slowing down or rolling through the intersection doesn’t constitute a complete stop and is considered a traffic violation.

Right of Way Rules

Coming to a complete stop at the red light doesn’t automatically grant you the right to turn. You must yield the right of way to pedestrians who are crossing the street in the direction you intend to turn and any oncoming traffic that has a green light. Additionally, be cautious of vehicles turning left from the opposite direction, as they might have the right of way depending on the specific traffic light configuration.

Proper Procedures

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make a safe right turn on red in Utah:

1. Approach the intersection and prepare to stop at the red light. Slow down gradually as you near the intersection and activate your turn signal well in advance to indicate your intention to turn right.
2. Come to a complete stop behind the designated stop line or crosswalk. If there’s no stop line, stop your vehicle at the edge of the roadway before entering the intersection.
3. Check for oncoming traffic from both directions and pedestrians in the crosswalk. Make a full 360-degree visual check to ensure the coast is clear before proceeding.
4. If the coast is clear and you have the right of way, proceed cautiously with your turn.

Exceptions and Cautions

While Utah law permits right turns on red under most circumstances, there are situations where extra caution is necessary, or the maneuver might be entirely prohibited.

Restricted Right Turns

Even in the absence of specific signage, certain intersections might have restrictions on right turns on red due to limited visibility or safety concerns. Here are some examples:

• Limited Visibility: If the intersection has obstructions like buildings, trees, or parked cars that significantly limit your view of oncoming traffic or pedestrians, it’s best to wait for a green light to turn right. Don’t attempt a right turn if you can’t see what’s coming from the other side.
• Heavy Pedestrian Traffic Zones: School zones, crosswalks near parks or libraries, and other areas with a high volume of pedestrian activity might have restrictions on right turns on red, even if there’s no signage. Always prioritize the safety of pedestrians and be prepared to stop and yield the right of way.
• Specific Times of Day: Some intersections, particularly near bars or late-night establishments, might have restrictions on right turns on red during specific hours with higher pedestrian traffic or potential for impaired driving.

Conclusion

Understanding and following Utah’s right turn-on-red rule can significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. However, prioritizing safety should always be your top concern. Remember to come to a complete stop, yield the right of way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic, and only proceed when the coast is clear.