New Maryland Traffic Law: The Ins and Outs of Making Right Turns at Red Lights
As of 2025, Maryland has implemented a significant update to its traffic laws that affects how drivers make right turns at red lights. The new regulations aim to streamline traffic flow, improve road safety, and ensure that Maryland drivers adhere to uniform standards across the state. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or new to Maryland’s roads, understanding these changes is crucial to keeping safe, avoiding fines, and ensuring you’re compliant with the law.
In this article, we break down everything you need to know about Maryland’s updated law on right turns at red lights, including the specifics of the new rule, who it affects, and what steps you need to take as a responsible driver.
What is the New Maryland Right Turn on Red Law?
Under the new traffic law that went into effect in 2025, Maryland drivers are still allowed to make right turns at red lights, but with a few important modifications to ensure safety and order. This change affects all drivers across the state, and while it offers more flexibility, it also comes with specific requirements and exceptions.
Here’s a quick overview of the law:
- Right turns at red lights are permitted unless otherwise indicated by a posted sign.
- Drivers must come to a complete stop before making the right turn.
- Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians who may be crossing at the intersection.
- Drivers must yield to any oncoming traffic if turning right on red.
While this law provides more freedom for drivers, it is essential to comply with the specific conditions outlined above to avoid fines or accidents.
Key Provisions of the New Law
New Jersey’s Latest Traffic Rule Update: Right Turns at Red Lights Explained
1. Complete Stop Requirement
As with many other states, one of the foundational principles of this law is the requirement to come to a full stop at the red light before making the right turn. The stop must be complete, and the driver must remain stopped for a moment to ensure there are no pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles approaching that have the right of way.
Rolling through a red light, even if it seems safe, could result in a traffic violation, so always make sure to bring the vehicle to a full stop before turning.
2. Yielding to Pedestrians
Pedestrian safety is a priority under this new law. If you’re making a right turn at a red light, you must yield to any pedestrians who are crossing the street or approaching the crosswalk. Even if you have the green light to turn right, pedestrians have the legal right to cross, and you must allow them to do so before making your move.
Failing to yield to pedestrians could result in fines and, more importantly, could put people’s lives at risk.
3. Yielding to Oncoming Traffic
Before making the right turn, drivers are required to yield to any oncoming traffic, especially if there’s another vehicle proceeding straight through the intersection or if the traffic light for the opposite direction has turned green. It’s essential to check both lanes of traffic before turning right, even at a red light, to ensure there are no approaching vehicles that could pose a danger.
4. “No Turn on Red” Signs
Despite the general permission to make a right turn at red lights, “No Turn on Red” signs will still be in effect in specific areas where the local authorities deem it unsafe to turn right on red. These areas typically include busy intersections, locations with high pedestrian traffic, or spots where visibility is limited.
The presence of such a sign overrides the general rule allowing right turns on red. Drivers must obey these signs and refrain from turning right when they are posted.
Why Was This Law Changed?
The new Maryland traffic law was introduced for a number of key reasons:
1. Improving Traffic Flow
By allowing more right turns on red, the goal is to reduce traffic congestion and make intersections more efficient, especially during peak traffic hours. This can help reduce wait times at red lights, improving the overall flow of traffic.
2. Enhancing Road Safety
While it may seem counterintuitive, allowing right turns on red (with proper regulation) can enhance safety by reducing the amount of time vehicles spend idling at intersections. However, by requiring a full stop and yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic, the law ensures that safety is never compromised.
3. Aligning with National Standards
Many states across the U.S. have adopted similar rules regarding right turns on red, so this law brings Maryland in line with best practices. These kinds of traffic regulations are designed to be consistent, providing drivers with clear, universally accepted guidelines that help reduce confusion on the road.
4. Reducing the Impact of Traffic Signals
By allowing drivers to make right turns on red, Maryland hopes to alleviate the strain on traffic signals, particularly in urban areas where congestion can lead to long wait times. This helps ensure that the roadways remain open and functional, especially in high-traffic zones.
Penalties for Violating the Right Turn on Red Law
While Maryland’s new law provides drivers with more freedom, it also comes with penalties for those who fail to follow the rules. Below are some common penalties that may be imposed:
- Failure to stop at the red light: If you roll through a red light and fail to come to a complete stop, you could face a fine for not obeying traffic control signals.
- Failure to yield to pedestrians: Failing to yield to pedestrians when making a right turn can result in significant fines. In some cases, you may also face points on your driving record or even more severe consequences in the event of an accident.
- Ignoring “No Turn on Red” signs: If you make a right turn when a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted, you could be fined for disobeying traffic signals and signs.
- Reckless driving: In cases where turning right on red is unsafe due to heavy traffic or other circumstances, drivers could be cited for reckless driving or endangerment if their actions lead to accidents.
How to Ensure You’re Compliant with the Law
To avoid fines and keep everyone on the road safe, here are some tips for ensuring compliance with the new law:
- Always come to a full stop at red lights: No matter what, make sure you stop completely before making a right turn. It’s a simple step that helps ensure safety for everyone.
- Yield to pedestrians: Always check for pedestrians in crosswalks and yield to them before turning right. Pedestrian safety should be a top priority.
- Watch for other traffic: Make sure to look for oncoming vehicles and yield the right of way as needed. Don’t assume the road is clear just because the light is red.
- Look for “No Turn on Red” signs: Be aware of posted signs at intersections. Even if the light is red, you must obey any “No Turn on Red” signs.
New Traffic – New Arkansas Traffic Law: The Ins and Outs of Making Right Turns at Red Lights
Maryland’s new traffic law on right turns at red lights offers drivers more flexibility but also comes with a responsibility to prioritize safety. By requiring a full stop, yielding to pedestrians, and obeying all traffic signs, the law aims to balance efficient traffic flow with the safety of everyone on the road. Drivers should stay aware of the specific conditions under which right turns on red are allowed and always ensure they are following the rules to avoid penalties.
By taking these steps, Maryland drivers can enjoy the benefits of the new law while keeping the roads safe for themselves and others. Whether you’re navigating busy city streets or rural roads, understanding and following these updated rules is essential for safe, responsible driving.