by Helena, Montana – As Montana drivers prepare for 2025, one traffic law that often sparks questions is the Right Turn on Red (RTOR) rule. While the core rule itself hasn’t changed, it remains important for drivers to understand the exact legal requirements, exceptions, and how Montana compares to other states that are rethinking this regulation.
Right Turn on Red in Montana (2025 Update)
Like most U.S. states, Montana allows right turns at a red light, but only under specific conditions.
- Complete Stop Required: Drivers must first come to a full stop at the designated stop line. If no stop line is present, the stop must be made before the crosswalk or before entering the intersection.
- Yield to Others: Even after stopping, motorists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and to any approaching vehicles that may pose an immediate hazard.
- No Sign Exceptions: If a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted, drivers are legally prohibited from making a right turn until the light turns green.
Failing to follow these requirements can result in traffic citations, fines, and points on your license.
What Montana Law Says
Montana law is codified under Title 61, Chapter 8, Section 61-8-207, which states:
A driver facing a steady circular red signal may, after stopping, cautiously enter the intersection to make a right turn unless a traffic control device prohibits it. The driver must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and vehicles already in or approaching the intersection.
This makes Montana consistent with most states, where RTOR is permitted but only with caution and proper yielding.
Left Turn on Red: The Lesser-Known Rule
Many drivers are surprised to learn that Montana also permits left turns on red, but only in very specific circumstances:
- The driver must be on a one-way street turning left onto another one-way street.
- The vehicle must come to a complete stop first.
- The driver must yield to all pedestrians and oncoming traffic before turning.
While less common, this rule can help improve traffic flow in downtown areas with multiple one-way streets.
Safety Considerations
The Right Turn on Red rule is meant to ease congestion and keep traffic moving, but it comes with safety concerns, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. Studies have shown that collisions often occur when drivers focus only on oncoming traffic while forgetting to check crosswalks.
For this reason, transportation experts advise drivers to:
- Always check for pedestrians in the crosswalk before turning.
- Watch for cyclists who may be approaching from behind.
- Avoid “rolling stops,” which are illegal and dangerous.
National Trends: Other States Are Rethinking RTOR
According to mywaynecountynow, Across the United States, several cities are considering banning right turns on red altogether. For example:
- Washington, D.C. recently moved to restrict RTOR to improve pedestrian safety.
- California cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are studying similar restrictions.
- New York City already bans right turns on red in most intersections unless specifically allowed.
While Montana has not implemented any additional restrictions as of 2025, drivers should be aware of these national trends and the possibility of future rule changes.
Read Also: Maine Traffic Rules 2025 Update: Understanding the Right Turn on Red Rule
New for 2025: Digital Driver’s Licenses
Beginning in September 2025, Montana will roll out digital driver’s licenses, which can be stored on a smartphone. While this doesn’t directly affect the RTOR law, it could change how drivers present their license during traffic stops or routine checks.
Digital licenses are expected to make verification faster and more secure, but motorists must still carry their physical license as a backup until digital-only systems are fully adopted.
Penalties for Violating the RTOR Rule
Drivers who fail to stop or yield before making a right turn on red in Montana can face:
- Traffic tickets with fines typically ranging from $85 to $150.
- Points added to their driving record, which may affect insurance premiums.
- Increased liability if involved in an accident where failure to yield is a factor.
Repeat violations could also lead to license suspension under Montana’s point system.
Final Thoughts
As 2025 begins, Montana drivers should remember that right turns on red remain legal, but only when done with full stops, yielding, and extra caution for pedestrians and cyclists. With the addition of digital driver’s licenses and growing national conversations about restricting RTOR, it’s more important than ever for drivers to stay informed and follow the rules carefully.
What are your thoughts on Montana’s Right Turn on Red rule? Should it stay as is, or should the state consider tougher restrictions like other parts of the country? Share your views in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
