As of 2025, North Dakota continues to permit right turns on red lights under certain conditions, as outlined in the state’s traffic regulations. Below is an overview of the rule and its context:
Current Rule in North Dakota
- Right Turn on Red: Drivers facing a steady red light may cautiously enter the intersection to turn right after coming to a complete stop. They must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in adjacent crosswalks and other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
- Exceptions: Right turns on red are prohibited when a sign explicitly disallows it or when local ordinances enforce restrictions.
National Context and Trends
- The “right turn on red” rule was introduced in the 1970s in the U.S. as a fuel-saving measure during the oil crisis. However, recent concerns about pedestrian safety have led some cities to reconsider or ban this practice.
- Cities like Washington D.C., Ann Arbor, Michigan, and San Francisco have implemented bans or restrictions on right turns on red due to increased pedestrian fatalities and safety concerns.
Future Implications for North Dakota
Although there have been no official changes to North Dakota’s traffic laws regarding right turns on red, national trends suggest growing momentum toward restricting or banning this rule in urban areas. If pedestrian safety concerns continue to rise, similar measures could be considered for larger cities like Bismarck.
Sources:
- https://hot975fm.com/is-north-dakota-getting-rid-of-right-turn-on-red/
- https://1440wrok.com/will-illinois-ban-right-turn-on-red/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/south-dakota/title-32/chapter-28/section-32-28-4/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
- https://codes.findlaw.com/nd/title-39-motor-vehicles/nd-cent-code-sect-39-10-05/
