If you’re driving in Maryland, you might be wondering about the rules for turning right at a red light. As of January 2025, the laws haven’t changed, and turning right on red is still allowed in most situations. But there are some important details every driver should know. Let’s break it down in simple terms to make sure you’re following the law and staying safe on the road.
Can You Turn Right on Red in Maryland?
Yes, you can turn right on a red light in Maryland, but there are some important rules to follow. First, you must come to a complete stop before making the turn. Here’s what you need to do:
- Stop at the marked stop line if there is one.
- Stop before the crosswalk if there’s no stop line.
- Stop before entering the intersection if there is no crosswalk.
Once you’ve stopped, make sure it’s safe to turn. Always check for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles before proceeding. If there’s anyone or anything in your way, you must wait until it’s safe to go.
When Can’t You Turn Right on Red?
There are a few situations where you can’t turn right on red:
- No Turn on Red Sign: If there’s a sign that says “No Turn on Red,” you must follow it and wait for the light to change.
- Pedestrians or Cyclists in the Crosswalk: If people are crossing the road, you need to wait for them to finish crossing before making the turn.
- Approaching Traffic: If there’s a vehicle coming that could pose a danger, you should wait.
Even if there’s no sign, always make sure it’s safe before turning right on red.
What About Left Turns on Red?
In Maryland, left turns on red are allowed only in one specific situation: when you’re turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. In all other cases, left turns on red are not allowed.
Safety Concerns and Public Debate
There are growing concerns about safety when it comes to turning right on red. Here are a few reasons why:
- Pedestrians and cyclists might be crossing the road, and drivers may not always see them in time.
- Elderly and disabled people may take longer to cross, making them more at risk.
- Driver focus: Some drivers focus too much on checking for cars and forget to look out for people walking.
Because of these concerns, there has been public debate about whether the rules should be changed to make roads safer, especially in busy or crowded areas.
What Are Other Places Doing?
In nearby Washington, D.C., starting on January 1, 2025, right turns on red will be banned at all intersections. However, it’s not easy to enforce this rule everywhere, as it will take time and money to put up all the necessary signs.
For now, Maryland’s law remains the same. While there are discussions about changing it in the future, the law has not changed as of January 2025.
To sum it up, in Maryland, drivers can still make a right turn at a red light, as long as they come to a full stop and check for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. If there’s a sign saying “No Turn on Red,” you must follow it. While other places like Washington, D.C. are changing their rules, Maryland’s laws have not changed yet. As always, safety should be your top priority, especially in areas where there’s a lot of foot traffic. Stay alert and drive carefully!
