Traffic laws are always evolving, and it’s important for drivers in Maryland to keep up-to-date with the latest changes. One common area of confusion involves turning on red lights—particularly left turns on red, which differ significantly from right turns.
In this simplified guide, we’ll break down Maryland’s current traffic rules about red-light turns, so you know exactly what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to stay safe and legal on the road in 2025.
Can You Turn Right on Red in Maryland?
Yes, in Maryland, turning right on red is generally allowed, as long as:
You come to a complete stop first
You check that there is no sign prohibiting the turn
You yield to pedestrians and any oncoming traffic
This rule has not changed in 2025 and is still one of the most common red-light exceptions in Maryland traffic law. But always be alert—some intersections may have a “No Turn on Red” sign, which overrides the general rule.
What About Left Turns on Red?
General Rule
In Maryland, making a left turn on red is illegal in most situations.
However, there is one major exception:
You can make a left turn on red only when you are turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
This is a unique exception that applies only in certain traffic layouts, and even then, the driver must stop fully and yield to all other road users before making the turn.
Quick Example
If you’re driving north on a one-way street and you reach a red light at an intersection with another one-way street going west, you may legally turn left on red, after stopping and checking for pedestrians or vehicles.
Special Exceptions and Intersections
There are rare situations where signs at the intersection may allow red-light left turns. These signs override the default rule and must be followed carefully.
Additionally, Maryland’s Transportation Code § 21-402 clarifies that all drivers making any kind of turn—left, right, or U-turn—must yield to:
(a) Pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk
(b) Vehicles already in or approaching the intersection
Always check the intersection for posted signs, signals, and traffic before turning, even when the law allows it.
Safety Considerations
Just because a red-light turn is legal doesn’t always mean it’s safe. Left turns are especially risky because they involve crossing traffic, and drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists may not expect your movement.
Risks include:
Confusing or misjudging the distance and speed of oncoming vehicles
Hitting a pedestrian in the crosswalk who didn’t expect the turn
Being involved in side-impact (T-bone) collisions
Always use extra caution, signal your turn, and move only when it’s clearly safe to do so.
Penalties for Breaking the Rule
If you illegally make a left turn on red in Maryland, the consequences can be serious:
$90 fine and 2 points on your license if there’s no accident
$130 fine and 3 points if the turn leads to a collision
In some cases, you may have to appear in traffic court or could face higher insurance rates
For repeated violations, the consequences can be even more severe, and you may be held financially responsible for any injuries or damage caused.
Making the correct decision at a red light is more than just following the law—it’s about protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. In Maryland, turning right on red is usually legal, while turning left on red is only legal from a one-way street to another one-way street.
Before making any red-light turn, always:
Stop fully
Check for signs
Yield to others
And only proceed when it’s 100% safe
By understanding and following Maryland’s red-light turn laws, you’ll avoid fines, reduce your risk of accidents, and contribute to a safer driving environment for all.
