As traffic safety becomes a growing concern across the country, Idaho is joining a broader conversation about changes to driving regulations.
One of the most significant shifts in the 2025 update of traffic laws is the continued conversation surrounding right turns on red lights.
While Idaho has not yet followed other cities in completely banning right turns on red, understanding the rule and its impact on traffic safety is essential for all drivers in the state.
What is the Right Turn on Red Rule in Idaho?
The “right turn on red” rule, which allows drivers to turn right at a red traffic light after coming to a complete stop, is widely known in the United States. The practice, which began in the 1970s during a fuel shortage, is still in effect in many states, including Idaho.
However, there are certain conditions that drivers must follow to comply with this rule:
- Stop First: You must come to a complete stop at a red light before making a right turn.
- Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Yield to Other Vehicles: You must also yield to any other vehicles that have the right of way, especially those traveling through the intersection.
The rule in Idaho is consistent with federal standards, allowing drivers to make a right turn at red lights unless posted signs indicate otherwise.
The Idaho Stop: A Unique Concept for Cyclists
Another important traffic rule update for 2025 in Idaho is the continuation of the Idaho stop for cyclists. This rule, which originated in Idaho, allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs under certain conditions.
Specifically, if there are no pedestrians or vehicles present and the intersection is clear, cyclists are allowed to slow down and yield rather than coming to a full stop.
This rule aims to improve the flow of traffic for cyclists while also reducing the risk of rear-end collisions from vehicles not paying attention to cyclists.
The Idaho stop has been adopted by several other states due to its success in reducing bike crashes. It’s important to note that this rule does not apply to red lights; cyclists must still stop at red traffic signals.
Why Are These Changes Important?
The move to ban or restrict right turns on red, as seen in some major cities, is driven by safety concerns. Studies have shown that while crashes resulting from right turns on red are not the leading cause of accidents, these crashes disproportionately affect pedestrians and cyclists.
The safety of vulnerable road users is a key concern for traffic authorities, and eliminating right turns on red in specific areas is seen as one way to reduce fatalities and injuries.
As part of the broader initiative, Idaho is focusing on reducing traffic fatalities, which have been increasing over the past few years. While Idaho has not implemented a blanket ban on right turns on red, cities and towns are encouraged to assess each intersection and determine if a restriction could improve safety.
How Does This Rule Impact Idaho Drivers?
For Idaho drivers, the 2025 update to the right turn on red rule should be fairly straightforward: continue to obey the existing laws regarding right turns on red while being aware of any changes or local adjustments made in your area.
However, the introduction of the Idaho stop for cyclists and potential city-specific regulations might require drivers to be more alert when interacting with cyclists on the road.
If Idaho were to introduce a complete ban on right turns at red lights, it could lead to:
- Improved Pedestrian Safety: Fewer right turns on red could mean fewer pedestrian accidents.
- Reduced Traffic Flow: Banning right turns at all red lights could increase traffic congestion, especially in urban areas.
- Behavioral Adjustments: Drivers would need to adjust to waiting for a green light before making a right turn, which could be seen as a nuisance for some, but a safety measure for others.
Will Idaho Follow Other Cities in Banning Right Turns on Red?
While there is no official movement to ban right turns on red in Idaho as of 2025, the state continues to monitor the effectiveness of such laws in other areas. Cities like New York and Washington D.C. have already implemented full bans, citing safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists.
Local Idaho authorities are likely to continue evaluating whether such a law could improve safety in areas with high pedestrian traffic or heavy congestion.
The 2025 update to Idaho’s traffic rules may bring more attention to the practice of right turns on red and its impact on traffic safety. As of now, Idaho follows federal guidelines allowing right turns on red under the condition that the driver stops and yields to pedestrians and other vehicles.
The state is also keeping an eye on the Idaho stop rule for cyclists, which may continue to influence road behavior across the state. As traffic regulations evolve, staying informed about the laws and how they affect your driving habits is essential for maintaining safety on the road.
