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:
- SF 793 (2025): Focuses on emergency vehicle lighting permits rather than right-turn modifications.
- 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.
- 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:
- https://www.yahoo.com/news/ask-trooper-rules-turn-red-233400799.html
- https://themotherinlaw.net/turning-right-on-red-the-why-and-how/
- https://www.startribune.com/turning-right-on-red-stop-or-yield-first-or-face-a-fine/572471081
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pedestrian-deaths-right-on-red-ban/
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