As of 2025, Colorado continues to allow right turns on red lights, provided drivers come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
This rule has been in place since the 1970s as a fuel-saving measure during the gas crisis. However, there is growing concern about the safety implications of this practice, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.
Legal Framework
Colorado Revised Statute 42-4-604(c)(1) permits right turns on red unless otherwise prohibited by local jurisdictions through signage. This means that while the state allows right turns on red, cities can opt to ban them if they deem it necessary for safety.
Safety Concerns
Safety advocates argue that right turns on red pose significant risks to pedestrians and cyclists. Studies have shown that allowing right turns on red increases collisions involving these vulnerable road users.
A study from the 1980s noted that right turns on red can increase bike and pedestrian crashes by between 40% and 107%. More recent research by the Mineta Transportation Institute highlights that many drivers fail to come to a complete stop, further exacerbating safety hazards.
Potential Changes and Bans
Several U.S. cities, including Denver, are considering banning right turns on red to enhance safety. Denver’s Vision Zero plan aims to eliminate turns on red in high-traffic areas, and a transition committee has recommended a citywide ban. Other cities like Washington, D.C., and Ann Arbor have already implemented or are planning similar bans.
Arguments For and Against Bans
Arguments For Bans
-
Safety: Banning right turns on red can significantly reduce pedestrian and cyclist accidents by eliminating a common source of collisions.
-
Consistency: Prohibiting right turns on red can lead to more predictable traffic patterns, making it easier for drivers to anticipate other vehicles’ movements.
Arguments Against Bans
-
Traffic Flow: Opponents argue that banning right turns on red could lead to increased congestion and longer wait times at intersections.
-
Convenience: Right turns on red are seen as a convenient and time-saving option for drivers, and prohibiting them might be viewed as an inconvenience.
Colorado’s Approach
While Colorado has not implemented a statewide ban, the state has introduced other safety measures. For instance, a new “Safety Stop” law allows bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and red lights as stop signs, aiming to reduce injuries and fatalities at intersections.
Additionally, starting January 1, 2025, Colorado will enforce a hands-free driving law to reduce distractions and enhance road safety.
The right turn on red rule in Colorado remains unchanged as of 2025, but there is a growing trend towards reevaluating this practice due to safety concerns. While some cities are moving towards banning right turns on red, others argue for education and improved intersection design as alternatives.
As traffic safety continues to evolve, it’s likely that Colorado will consider these perspectives in future policy decisions.
Sources:
- https://www.durangoherald.com/articles/at-red-light-is-it-wrong-to-not-go-right/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/right-turns-red-face-uncertain-future-denver/
- https://www.planetizen.com/news/2025/01/134026-why-right-turns-red-are-bad-traffic-safety
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
- https://csp.colorado.gov/press-release/colorado-introduces-changes-to-bike-laws
