New Hampshire’s Right Turn on Red Rule: 2025 Update
New Hampshire, like most states in the U.S., allows right turns on red lights under specific conditions. As of 2025, the state’s traffic laws continue to permit this maneuver, but it’s crucial for drivers to understand the rules and exceptions to ensure road safety.
Basic Right Turn on Red Rules
In New Hampshire, drivers are generally allowed to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop. However, this is not a requirement but an option, and drivers must exercise caution and follow specific guidelines:
- Come to a complete stop: Drivers must first come to a full stop at the red light before attempting to turn.
- Yield to other traffic: After stopping, drivers must yield to all other traffic, including vehicles with a green light and pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Proceed with caution: Only when the way is clear should drivers make the right turn.
Important Exceptions and Restrictions
While right turns on red are generally permitted, there are several crucial exceptions:
- “No Turn on Red” signs: If a sign prohibiting right turns on red is present, drivers must obey it.
- Pedestrian signals: It is illegal to make a right turn on red when a steady or flashing “Walk” signal is displayed for pedestrians, even if no pedestrians are visible in the crosswalk.
- Red arrow signals: In some states, a red arrow prohibits turns, but New Hampshire’s specific rules on this should be verified with local authorities.
- Yielding to pedestrians: Drivers must always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, regardless of signal status.
Safety Concerns and Considerations
Recent studies have highlighted safety concerns associated with right turns on red, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists:
- Increased accident risk: A Mineta Transportation Institute study found that right turns on red put pedestrians and bicyclists at higher risk.
- Driver behavior: Many drivers tend to roll through red lights instead of coming to a complete stop, creating hazards for pedestrians.
- Vehicle design impact: Larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks pose a greater risk to pedestrians during right turns on red.
Potential Future Changes
While New Hampshire has not announced any major changes to its right turn on red policy as of 2025, some cities and states are reconsidering this rule:
- Washington D.C. ban: The nation’s capital has approved a ban on right turns on red set to take effect in 2025.
- Seattle restrictions: New traffic signals in Seattle now prohibit right turns on red by default.
- Bicycle-specific laws: Some states are considering or implementing laws that allow bicyclists to treat red lights differently. For example, a bill introduced in New Hampshire (HB 249) proposes allowing bicyclists to treat red lights as yield signs.
As of 2025, New Hampshire continues to allow right turns on red lights, but drivers must be aware of the rules, exceptions, and potential risks associated with this maneuver. Always prioritize safety, come to a complete stop, and be especially cautious around pedestrians and cyclists.
Stay informed about any future changes to traffic laws, as the trend in some areas is moving towards more restrictions on right turns on red to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
- https://internationaldriversassociation.com/no/blog/right-turn-red-laws-usa/
- https://www.smartcitiesdive.com/news/right-turns-on-red-light-put-pedestrians-at-risk-mineta-study/738332/
- https://zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/traffic-lights
