As of February 2025, Alaska’s traffic rules regarding right turns on red lights remain largely unchanged from previous years. However, there have been some recent discussions and proposals that may impact this rule in certain areas, particularly in Anchorage.
Current Right Turn on Red Rule in Alaska
Alaska, like most states in the U.S., generally permits right turns on red lights after coming to a complete stop. This rule applies statewide, including in Anchorage, with a few exceptions:
- When a sign prohibits the turn
- When a steady red arrow is displayed
- When pedestrians or other vehicles have the right of way
Drivers must always come to a complete stop, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.
Proposed Changes in Anchorage
While the statewide rule remains unchanged, there have been recent discussions in Anchorage about potentially modifying the right turn on red rule in certain areas:
Downtown Anchorage Proposal
In early 2024, Anchorage Assembly member Daniel Volland introduced a proposal to ban right turns on red in much of downtown Anchorage. The proposed area for this ban was between 3rd and 9th Avenues and Gambell and L Streets, known as the Central Business Traffic District.
The main arguments for this proposal were:
- Safety concerns: To protect pedestrians who might be missed by drivers focusing on oncoming traffic.
- Encouraging foot traffic: To create a more pedestrian-friendly downtown area.
Outcome of the Proposal
Despite initial discussions, the Anchorage Assembly voted against creating this new traffic zone in downtown Anchorage. The vote was 7 against and 4 in favor of the new traffic law.
Ongoing Considerations
While the proposal for downtown Anchorage was not approved, there are ongoing discussions about traffic safety in the city:
- Vision Zero Initiative: Anchorage is considering various measures to improve road safety, including potentially restricting right turns on red in new construction projects.
- Community Input: The city has launched a Community Safety Survey to gather public input on traffic safety concerns.
- Pedestrian Safety: There’s an increased focus on pedestrian safety, especially following recent incidents involving pedestrians.
As of 2025, the right turn on red rule in Alaska remains largely unchanged. Drivers are still permitted to make right turns on red lights after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and oncoming traffic, unless otherwise prohibited by signage or traffic signals.
However, the recent discussions in Anchorage highlight a growing awareness of pedestrian safety in urban areas. While no changes have been implemented yet, it’s possible that future modifications to the right turn on red rule may be considered, especially in high-traffic pedestrian areas.
Drivers in Alaska should remain attentive to local signage and any potential future changes, particularly in urban areas like Anchorage. As always, prioritizing safety and being aware of pedestrians and other vehicles is crucial when making any turns at intersections.
Sources:
- https://mustreadalaska.com/assembly-made-jaywalking-legal-in-october-and-now-may-make-right-on-red-in-downtown-anchorage-illegal/
- https://internationaldriversassociation.com/no/blog/right-turn-red-laws-usa/
- https://mustreadalaska.com/anchorage-assembly-decides-against-no-right-on-red-zone-in-downtown-business-district/
- https://alaskapublic.org/news/2024-02-07/anchorage-assembly-proposal-would-ban-right-on-red-turns-in-much-of-downtown
