The right turn on red rule in Wisconsin is largely unchanged from previous years; however, the 2025 update places a greater emphasis on particular safety requirements and clarifies certain scenarios. This is particularly the case for intersections that have multiple right-turn lanes and interactions with pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
If You Are Able to Make a Right Turn on Red
In order to comply with the legislation in Wisconsin, motorists who are facing a continuous red signal are required to come to a complete stop before entering the crosswalk or the junction. Only in the event that there is no notice posted at the intersection that expressly prohibits making a right turn on red after coming to a complete stop is it permissible to make such a turn.
In the event that it is permitted, the vehicle may enter the intersection with caution and then make a right turn into the lane that is closest to the one that is lawfully accessible for traffic traveling to the right.
Special Regulations for Lanes That Allow Multiple Right Turns
On a street that has two lanes designated for right turns, it is permissible to make a right turn on red from any of the lanes. The drivers, on the other hand, are required to stay in their assigned lanes throughout the turn.
Particularly noteworthy is the fact that vehicles in the leftmost right-turn lane have the ability to switch to the second-to-rightmost lane for traffic traveling to the right. Right turns on red are not permitted in any circumstance, with the exception of this particular scenario, if the move necessitates crossing lanes of the moving traffic.
Required Yielding and Safety Requirements Must Be Obtained
All drivers who are making a right turn on red are required to give way to pedestrians, cyclists, electric scooter riders, and other individuals who are lawfully present within the crosswalk or intersection. This is the case regardless of the circumstances.
In addition, drivers are required to yield to cars that are making legal U-turns as well as any other traffic that is legally using the crossroads. The legislation makes it very plain that safety is of the utmost importance: a right turn on red is only allowed when it is possible to make it safely and without causing any disruption to other drivers on the road.
At the time when the right turn on red is prohibited
When there is a sign at the crossing that reads “No Turn on Red,” it is completely forbidden to make a right turn before the red light. With the exception of the leftmost right-turn lane on a two-lane right-turn approach, cars are not permitted to turn right on red if doing so would force them to cross lanes of moving traffic. This is the exception to the rule.
Key Takeaways for the Year 2025
- Before arriving at a right turn on red, you must always come to a complete stop.
- It is only permissible to make a right turn on red if written signage does not expressly forbid it.
- Pedestrians, bicycles, and cars that are legally present in the intersection should all be given right of way.
- If you are turning from a configuration with two right-turn lanes, you must remain in your lane.
- Under no circumstances should you make a right turn on red which requires you to cross moving traffic lanes, with the exception of the leftmost right-turn lane, as stipulated.
- Both safety and respecting the right-of-way continue to be of the utmost importance.
The modification that will take effect in 2025 will reaffirm Wisconsin’s dedication to intersection safety and ensure that all drivers are aware of their duties while turning right on red.
