Navigating Arizona’s traffic laws is crucial to ensuring safety and avoiding fines, especially when it comes to turning at red lights. Arizona’s Right Turn on Red and Left Turn on Red laws can sometimes confuse drivers, particularly in busy areas like Phoenix, where major freeway construction is common.
Here’s an updated guide to understanding these specific rules for 2025.
Right Turn on Red in Arizona
In Arizona, right turns on red are generally allowed under specific conditions. According to Arizona Revised Statutes 28-645, drivers are permitted to make a right turn on red after coming to a complete stop. However, there are important rules to follow:
Complete Stop: Drivers must come to a full stop at the red light.
Yielding the Right-of-Way: Before turning right, drivers must yield to pedestrians and any vehicles that have the right-of-way based on the traffic signal.
Sign Restrictions: If there is a sign explicitly prohibiting right turns on red at an intersection, then drivers must follow the posted rules and refrain from turning.
In summary, right turns on red are legal unless a sign prohibits it, but the turn should only be made after stopping and yielding to any pedestrians or oncoming traffic.
Left Turn on Red in Arizona
Left turns on red in Arizona are mostly prohibited except in one specific situation. Drivers are only allowed to turn left on red when:
Turning from One-Way to One-Way Street: A left turn on red is legal only when moving from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
Complete Stop and Yielding: Similar to right turns, drivers must come to a full stop at the red light and yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. If a sign prohibits the left turn, the driver must obey the restriction.
In other cases, left turns on red are illegal. This restriction is meant to prevent confusion and accidents at intersections that do not involve one-way streets.
Key Takeaways for 2025
Right Turn on Red: Allowed after stopping and yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless otherwise posted.
Left Turn on Red: Only allowed from a one-way street to another one-way street, after stopping and yielding.
Signs Prohibiting Turns: Pay close attention to traffic signs that may prohibit right or left turns on red.
Where to Look for Updates
To stay current with any changes or specific traffic laws in Arizona, always check the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) website or local signage for restrictions on right or left turns at intersections.