In 2025, Arizona introduced a key update to its traffic regulations, aiming to clarify and tighten the rules surrounding right turns at red lights. While the concept of turning right on red isn’t new, the updated law brings more precision to what drivers can and cannot do at intersections, especially in busy urban and suburban areas. This change reflects the state’s broader push for safer roadways, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.
The Previous Rule: What Drivers Knew Before 2025
Prior to 2025, Arizona drivers were permitted to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless otherwise indicated by signage. This is in line with traffic regulations across most of the United States. However, inconsistent enforcement and confusion about when it was truly safe to turn led to several preventable accidents, especially in intersections with heavy foot traffic or bike lanes.
What’s New in 2025?
Arizona’s updated right-on-red rule in 2025 keeps the basic framework but adds critical layers of caution and specificity. The law now mandates:
- Mandatory Full Stop: Drivers must stop for at least three full seconds before making a right turn at a red light.
- Enhanced Pedestrian Priority: Drivers must yield to all pedestrians in or approaching a crosswalk—regardless of whether the pedestrian signal shows “Walk.”
- Cyclist Safety Measures: If a bike lane intersects with the turning path, the driver must yield to all cyclists within a 20-foot radius before proceeding.
- No Turn on Red Zones: New signage has been rolled out across many intersections in Phoenix, Tucson, and Tempe clearly stating “No Turn on Red” during school hours or high pedestrian traffic times.
Why This Change Was Necessary
Arizona has seen a concerning rise in pedestrian and cyclist injuries at intersections. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), about 28% of pedestrian accidents in 2023 involved vehicles making a right turn on red. The updated regulation comes as part of the “Vision Zero” initiative—a statewide campaign aiming for zero traffic-related deaths by 2035.
Key incidents in 2023 and 2024 prompted the Arizona legislature to act, including several high-profile cases involving children in school zones and cyclists hit in busy downtown areas. Public demand for safer intersections added further urgency to the reform.
What Drivers Need to Do Now
Arizona drivers need to be more vigilant than ever. Here’s a quick checklist to stay compliant with the new rule:
- Always stop completely and count three seconds before turning.
- Double-check crosswalks—even if no one is immediately visible.
- Look for bikes, especially in areas with marked bike lanes.
- Obey signage—don’t turn on red where it’s prohibited.
- Stay updated on high-pedestrian zones that may have time-based restrictions.
Ignoring the updated rule could lead to a $250 fine and, in some jurisdictions, two points on your license.
Impact on Traffic Flow and Public Reaction
While some drivers initially voiced concerns that the new rule would slow down traffic, early data from pilot zones in Phoenix and Scottsdale suggest otherwise. Traffic delays have only marginally increased, while pedestrian safety has improved by 14% in areas where the rules are being strictly enforced.
Public sentiment has also warmed to the changes. Parents, in particular, have praised the enforcement of no-turn zones around schools. Advocacy groups like Arizona Walks and the Bicycle Coalition have endorsed the updates, calling them “a meaningful step toward safer communities.”
Enforcement and Education
To aid in the transition, Arizona law enforcement agencies launched a statewide awareness campaign in January 2025. This includes:
- Informational flyers at DMVs
- Local TV and radio PSAs
- Billboards near high-traffic intersections
- Social media outreach by ADOT
In the first three months of 2025, officers focused more on educational stops than citations, issuing warnings and reminding drivers of the new requirements.
Looking Ahead: Could More Changes Be Coming?
The 2025 update may not be the last. Lawmakers are reportedly discussing additional measures for 2026, including:
- Smart intersections that use AI to detect pedestrian movement and dynamically prohibit turns
- Fines for distracted driving during right turns on red
- Mandatory dash cams in commercial vehicles to improve safety accountability
These potential developments indicate that Arizona remains committed to prioritizing road safety in a fast-changing traffic environment.
Final Thoughts
Arizona’s 2025 right turn on red update is a thoughtful response to real-world safety concerns. By prioritizing pedestrians, cyclists, and school zones, the new rule aims to reduce accidents without significantly impacting traffic flow. As enforcement ramps up and public awareness grows, the state hopes this change will foster a safer, more mindful driving culture across Arizona.