KANSAS (DDN) – Do you ever find yourself standing at a red light, wanting to turn right since there is no approaching traffic? You are not alone. Right turns at red lights are a popular practice that can greatly improve traffic flow. However, with this ease comes the duty to learn the rules and prioritize everyone’s safety on the roads.
Kansas has amended its Right Turn on Red (RTOR) law for 2025, with a stronger emphasis on pedestrian and bike safety. This blog post will explain the changes and provide a complete guidance for Kansas drivers making right turns on red lights.
Right Turn at Red Light in Kansas
Right turns on red can be a two-edged sword. While they surely keep traffic moving, they can also endanger pedestrians and bicycles if not used properly. This continual debate over safety vs convenience is exactly why Kansas altered its RTOR law. Understanding the current criteria will guarantee you make safe and legal right turns on red.
- When it’s Allowed: Making a right turn on red in Kansas is only legal under specific conditions:
- Complete Stop: You must come to a complete and full stop before entering the intersection. No rolling stops!
- Yielding the Right-of-Way: This is crucial. You must yield to all vehicles with a green light or already in the intersection, including oncoming traffic, vehicles turning left, and pedestrians in crosswalks.
- No Prohibiting Signs: Double-check for a “No Right Turn on Red” sign. If it’s absent, you can proceed with caution.
- Clear Visibility: Before turning, ensure a clear view of oncoming traffic, pedestrians crossing the street (even outside marked crosswalks), and cyclists in all directions.
Latest Updates
The recent adjustments to Kansas’ RTOR rule promote pedestrian and cycling safety. Here’s what you should know.
- Increased Focus on Pedestrians and Cyclists:
A noteworthy change is the necessity to cede the right of way to walkers and cyclists in the lane you’re turning into, even if they’re not in a marked crosswalk. This includes people walking down sidewalks or waiting in medians to cross.
- Importance of a Complete Stop:
The updated guideline emphasizes the importance of coming to a complete stop before making a turn. This eliminates any uncertainty and requires drivers to come to a complete stop before advancing.
Read More – Driver’s License Renewals in Kansas: Latest Requirements and Rules for Drivers
Additional Considerations
While right turns on red are generally permitted under the conditions mentioned above, there are some additional points to keep in mind:
- Left Turns on Red: It’s important to remember that left turns on red are generally not allowed in Kansas. The only exception is turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. However, this situation is uncommon and may have specific guidelines. Refer to the Kansas Driver’s Handbook for details.
- School Zones and Special Circumstances: Always exercise extra caution in school zones and at intersections with special rules or signage that may override the standard RTOR rule. Be on the lookout for flashing yellow lights, school crossing signs, or pedestrian-activated signals that take precedence over the standard RTOR guidelines.
Safety Tips for Right Turns on Red
Making a safe right turn on red requires more than just coming to a stop. Here are some essential tips to remember:
- Pre-Turn Checks: Before even thinking about turning, come to a complete stop and perform a thorough check of your surroundings. This includes looking for oncoming traffic, pedestrians in all directions (including sidewalks and medians), and cyclists approaching from the opposite side.
- Extra Vigilance During Peak Hours and Complex Intersections: During rush hour or at intersections with multiple lanes, turning lanes, or heavy pedestrian traffic, extra vigilance is crucial. Take your time, assess the situation carefully, and prioritize safety over speed.
- Be Prepared to Stop: Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Remember, even with a green light, pedestrians or cyclists might still be crossing the intersection. Be prepared to stop suddenly if necessary.
- Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Distractions like phones or in-car entertainment systems can significantly hinder your ability to react safely. Put your phone away and focus solely on the task at hand – making a safe right turn on red.
Conclusion
Kansas’ new RTOR rule shows the state’s commitment to making roads safer for all users. These improvements, which prioritize pedestrian and bike safety, aim to reduce the risks associated with right turns on red signals.
Following traffic regulations, especially the revised RTOR rule, is about more than just avoiding citations; it’s about making the roads safer for everyone. We can all help to make Kansas roadways more harmonious and less stressful by adopting appropriate driving practices and prioritizing safety.
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