Colorado made important changes to its right turn on red laws in 2024 to make them safer and make it clearer when drivers can legally make this move.
The goal of these changes is to make things clearer for drivers, protect people who are not paying attention, and make traffic flow more smoothly.
Whether you live in Colorado or are just visiting, you need to know about these changes to make sure you follow the rules and avoid fines.
Right Turn on Red: The Basics
In the U.S., it is common to turn right on red, which lets drivers turn at red lights after stopping, as long as it is safe and legal. The rule makes traffic flow more smoothly by letting drivers keep going when there is clear cross-traffic, which cuts down on wait times.
But in Colorado, there are some rules that must be followed. This is a list of the things that have changed since 2024.
2024 Update Highlights
- Expanded No-Turn-on-Red Zones
Colorado has added more intersections where right turns on red are not allowed to protect pedestrians and cyclists, especially in cities and other high-traffic areas. In these areas, new signs that say “Do Not Turn on Red” have been put up, especially near schools, parks, hospitals, and other places where a lot of people walk. Drivers need to pay attention to these signs because not doing so could lead to big fines. - Improved Signage and Visibility
Colorado made the signs for the “right turn on red” rule better in 2024 so they were easier to see and gave more information. Not only do the new signs say when it is not allowed to turn, they also say when that restriction is in place. Some intersections now have LED signs that only light up when the restriction is in place. This makes it clearer to drivers when they need to follow the rules. - Heightened Enforcement in High-Volume Areas
In Colorado, police are keeping a closer eye on areas that have been marked as “no-turn-on-red zones,” especially in areas with a lot of people. Officers are focusing on making sure people stop before making a right turn and are on the lookout for drivers who go ahead without checking for pedestrians, cyclists, or cars coming the other way. Near busy pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, and transit hubs, police will be stricter with drivers. - Safety Emphasis on Complete Stops
As of 2024, Colorado’s laws say that drivers must stop completely at a red light before turning right. This full stop gives drivers time to look at the traffic, see if there are any pedestrians, and decide if it is safe to make the turn. If you go through a red light without stopping, even at intersections where it is legal to make a right turn on red, you could get a ticket or a fine. - Additional Pedestrian and Cyclist Right-of-Way Protections
The changes made in 2024 make it even more important to give way to pedestrians and cyclists. It does not matter who has the right-of-way; drivers must be careful and yield when pedestrians are present. It can be hard to see cyclists, especially in bike lanes, so drivers should be extra careful before turning right on red.
Key Takeaways for Drivers
- Look for New Signs: Pay close attention to signage indicating no-turn-on-red restrictions. These signs are essential to understanding where the maneuver is prohibited.
- Full Stops are Mandatory: Always come to a complete stop before proceeding with a right turn on red. Rolling stops may lead to penalties.
- Stay Alert for Pedestrians and Cyclists: The new rules prioritize the safety of vulnerable road users, so take extra caution when making turns in busy intersections.
Conclusion
The changes that Colorado is making to the “right turn on red” rule for 2024 show that the state wants to make roads safer and cares about pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers help make the road safer for everyone by following these rules.
Also see:-Insect Invasion: 5 Louisiana Cities Combatting Bed Bug Onslaught