Minnesota Traffic Rule 2025 Update: Understanding the Right Turn on Red Rule

Minnesota Traffic Rule 2025 Update Understanding the Right Turn on Red Rule

In Minnesota, the 2025 right-turn-on-red rules remain consistent with longstanding state traffic laws, though ongoing debates about pedestrian safety have prompted some localized considerations. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Core Right-Turn-on-Red Rules

  • Basic requirement: Drivers must come to a complete stop behind the stop line or crosswalk before turning right on red.
  • Yield obligations: After stopping, drivers must yield to:
    • Pedestrians in crosswalks
    • Bicyclists
    • Oncoming traffic
  • Prohibited turns: Right turns on red are banned at intersections with:
    • “No Turn on Red” signs
    • Red arrow signals

Key Exceptions and Special Cases

  • Left turns on red: Permitted only when turning from a one-way street to another one-way street.
  • Isolated turn lanes: Even when separated by concrete dividers (common at freeway ramps), drivers must fully stop at red lights controlling the turn lane.
  • Flashing red lights: Treated as stop signs – full stop required before proceeding.

2025 Legislative Context

While Minnesota’s core rules remain unchanged, recent developments include:

  1. SF 793 (2025): Focuses on emergency vehicle lighting permits rather than right-turn modifications.
  2. National safety debates: Cities like Chicago and San Francisco have implemented local bans, but Minnesota maintains its existing state law despite rising pedestrian safety concerns.
  3. Federal influence: The 1992 federal energy conservation mandate (42 U.S.C. §6322) still pressures states to allow right turns on red where safe.

Enforcement and Penalties

Violations carry fines exceeding $300 for:

  • Rolling stops (“California stops”)
  • Failing to yield to pedestrians
  • Ignoring “No Turn on Red” signage

Safety Considerations

Recent studies show right-turn-on-red collisions account for:

  • 0.2% of pedestrian fatalities nationwide
  • 0.04% of cyclist deaths
    Despite these statistics, urban planners increasingly advocate for restricted turns at high-pedestrian areas through local ordinances.

Drivers should remain vigilant for potential left-turning vehicles with priority green arrows and U-turning traffic that has right-of-way in many situations. The Minnesota Department of Transportation continues to emphasize proper stopping technique and situational awareness in driver education materials.

Sources:

  1. https://www.yahoo.com/news/ask-trooper-rules-turn-red-233400799.html
  2.  https://themotherinlaw.net/turning-right-on-red-the-why-and-how/
  3.  https://www.startribune.com/turning-right-on-red-stop-or-yield-first-or-face-a-fine/572471081
  4.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
  5.  https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pedestrian-deaths-right-on-red-ban/