In 2025, California’s major cities Sacramento and San Diego have introduced stricter regulations regarding right turns on red lights. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety, especially for pedestrians and cyclists, who are vulnerable to accidents at intersections. The new rules reflect a growing nationwide trend to reassess traffic laws that impact community safety and walkability.
Stricter Right Turn Rules in Sacramento
Sacramento has chosen a targeted approach to tighten restrictions on right turns on red lights. Instead of a citywide ban, the city is focusing on specific intersections with higher risks. These include locations where past accidents involving turning vehicles and pedestrians or cyclists have been reported.
City officials have noted that these changes are particularly relevant in areas with heavy pedestrian flow or protected bike lanes. The goal is to minimize conflict points between vehicles making right turns and pedestrians or cyclists crossing the street. At these designated intersections, drivers will see new “No Turn on Red” signs, indicating the prohibition.
While Sacramento’s regulations are still evolving, the city urges drivers to pay close attention to updated signage and follow these targeted restrictions to avoid violations and, more importantly, prevent accidents.
For official Sacramento traffic rules, you can visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles site: California DMV – Driving Rules.
San Diego’s Comprehensive Right Turn Ban
San Diego has taken a more comprehensive stance in its effort to improve intersection safety. The city’s draft Street Design Manual, recently published, outlines clear guidelines on where right turns on red should be prohibited, especially in zones with high pedestrian activity.
San Diego’s approach focuses on ensuring pedestrian signals get priority by eliminating right turns on red at key intersections. This gives pedestrians a safer head start across crosswalks and reduces vehicle-pedestrian conflicts.
This initiative is part of a broader city plan to encourage safer, more walkable streets and to promote alternative transportation methods like biking and walking.
As part of implementation, San Diego has been upgrading its infrastructure, adding clear signage, and educating the public about these changes.
Why Are These Changes Important?
Both cities’ efforts reflect a larger trend in urban traffic safety aimed at reducing crashes and fatalities involving pedestrians and cyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 7,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in 2023 nationwide, an increase of 10% from the previous year.
Right turns on red have long been a controversial topic. While convenient for drivers and intended to improve traffic flow, these turns can pose serious risks to pedestrians and cyclists who may not be clearly visible or may be crossing simultaneously.
By limiting or banning right turns on red at dangerous intersections, cities hope to create safer streets that prioritize vulnerable road users without significantly impacting traffic efficiency.
What Drivers Should Do
If you live in or frequently drive through Sacramento or San Diego, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the new right turn regulations to avoid fines and keep everyone safe. Here are some practical tips:
- Always come to a full stop before turning right on red and look carefully for pedestrians and cyclists.
- Obey all new signage indicating “No Turn on Red” zones, especially at intersections with heavy pedestrian activity.
- Stay alert for updates from city transportation departments, as regulations and restricted areas may expand over time.
- Be patient and prioritize safety over saving a few seconds by turning quickly on red.
Enforcement and Penalties
Both Sacramento and San Diego have increased enforcement efforts around these new regulations. Drivers caught making illegal right turns on red at restricted intersections can expect fines and citations.
Beyond legal penalties, adhering to these rules helps prevent accidents and injuries, contributing to safer communities.
California cities grow and prioritize pedestrian-friendly urban design, expect to see more municipalities reevaluate their traffic laws related to right turns on red. These changes align with Vision Zero initiatives, which aim to eliminate traffic deaths altogether.
Motorists are encouraged to stay informed, follow traffic laws diligently, and contribute to creating safer streets for everyone.