by Lincoln, Nebraska – Starting July 19, 2025, Nebraska drivers will see an important change in traffic law that directly affects how turns are made at intersections. The update focuses on red arrow signals, aiming to make roads safer and reduce confusion for drivers across the state.
The new rule prohibits all right and left turns at red arrows, regardless of traffic conditions or signage. This marks a shift from previous law, where drivers could turn at red arrows if no sign explicitly prohibited it.
Let’s break down what’s changing, what remains the same, and why Nebraska has chosen to strengthen this traffic regulation.
What’s New: No Turns at Red Arrows
Under the new law, once a red arrow appears at an intersection, drivers must:
- Come to a complete stop.
- Wait for the green arrow before turning.
Even if there is no “No Turn on Red” sign posted, the red arrow itself is now the clear stop signal. This applies to both right turns and left turns.
The change is designed to reduce accidents at intersections by removing any ambiguity. Drivers no longer need to second-guess whether a turn at a red arrow is legal.
What Hasn’t Changed
While the new restriction tightens the rules for red arrows, Nebraska has left several existing traffic rules in place:
- Right Turn on Solid Red (No Arrow): Drivers may still turn right on a solid red light after coming to a complete stop, provided there is no sign prohibiting it and the intersection is clear of pedestrians and cross traffic.
- Left Turn on Red (One-Way to One-Way): Left turns on red remain legal when turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street. However, this does not apply if a red arrow is present. In those cases, drivers must wait for the green arrow.
This means that most common red-light turning practices are still allowed, except when the red arrow is specifically in use.
Why the Change Was Made
The Nebraska Department of Transportation explained that this update is a response to rising traffic fatalities and pedestrian accidents in 2025. Intersections are among the most dangerous points on the road, and turns made during red arrows have contributed to confusion and collisions.
By enforcing a consistent “no turns at red arrows” rule, the state hopes to:
- Reduce intersection crashes caused by misinterpretation of traffic signals.
- Increase pedestrian safety, especially in urban areas like Omaha and Lincoln.
- Simplify rules so that all drivers follow the same standard.
According to national data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), consistent intersection rules can significantly reduce driver error and pedestrian injuries.
Read Also: Wyoming Traffic Rule 2025 Update: Understanding the Right Turn on Red
Key Takeaways for Nebraska Drivers
To avoid tickets and stay safe under the updated law, drivers should remember:
- No right or left turns at red arrows—always wait for the green arrow.
- Right turns on solid red lights remain legal, but only after a full stop and yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
- Left turns on red are still permitted from one-way to one-way streets, unless restricted by a red arrow.
- Always yield to pedestrians and cyclists at intersections, regardless of the light.
Additional Safety Reminders
Alongside the rule change, traffic officials are urging drivers to adopt safer habits at intersections:
- Use turn signals at least 100 feet before turning.
- Check for cyclists and pedestrians before moving through an intersection.
- Watch for local ordinances or posted signs that may impose stricter restrictions than state law.
- Avoid distractions—stay focused on traffic signals and surrounding vehicles.
Impact on Enforcement
Law enforcement officers across Nebraska will begin issuing warnings during the initial weeks after July 19, 2025, before moving to stricter ticketing and fines. The state hopes this educational approach will give drivers time to adapt to the new law while still emphasizing compliance.
Final Thoughts
Nebraska’s 2025 update to the right-turn-on-red rule is a targeted effort to make roads safer and reduce accidents at intersections. While the state has kept most red-light turn rules intact, the clear prohibition of turns at red arrows simplifies the law for drivers and protects vulnerable road users.
As traffic continues to increase in growing Nebraska cities, these stricter controls could play a vital role in cutting down crashes and saving lives.
Join the Conversation
Do you think Nebraska made the right decision by banning turns at red arrows, or will this create more traffic congestion at intersections? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
