Utah permits right turns on red lights after a complete stop, absent prohibiting signs, under Utah Code § 41-6a-305 with no substantive 2025 changes beyond general safety emphases. Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists, ensuring clear visibility before proceeding. This rule promotes efficiency while prioritizing intersection safety statewide.
Core Procedure
Approach red lights cautiously, stopping fully at the marked line, crosswalk, or intersection entry point. Yield right-of-way to all cross traffic and pedestrians; proceed only when the path clears safely. No rolling stops allowed—full cessation required to avoid infractions.
Key Exceptions
“No Right Turn on Red” signs mandate waiting for green, common in high-pedestrian or low-visibility zones. Red arrows prohibit turns outright until green, unlike solid reds. Left turns on red permitted solely from one-way streets onto another one-way, mirroring right-turn protocols.
Safety Enhancements
2025 updates stress caution amid rising cyclist incidents, urging double-checks for blind spots and e-bikes. Obstructed views from sun glare or snow mandate green-light waits under § 41-6a-901. Dash cams increasingly validate compliance in disputes.
Penalties for Violations
Improper turns draw $120-$150 fines as infractions, accruing points toward suspension. Collisions from failures elevate to reckless driving: up to $1,000 fines, 6 months jail. Pedestrian strikes trigger misdemeanors or felonies based on injury severity.
Best Practices
Scan mirrors, shoulders, and sidewalks before turning; hesitate 2-3 seconds post-stop. Winter traction laws intersect, requiring chains if posted alongside turns. New drivers benefit from simulator training on these maneuvers.
SOURCES:
- https://www.pickawaycultivator.com/2025/02/25/utahtraffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule/
- https://legalclarity.org/utah-right-turn-on-red-laws-restrictions-and-penalties/
