As of February 2025, the regulations regulating right turns on red lights in Wisconsin have not altered much from past years. However, it is important for drivers to be aware of the subtleties of this regulation in order to navigate junctions safely and legally.
In Wisconsin, You Can Turn Right on Red.
In Wisconsin, cars are usually allowed to turn right at a red light when they have come to a complete stop. This rule is in effect unless there is a sign at a particular crossing that clearly states that right turns on red are not allowed. Drivers are required to do the following when making a right turn on red:
- Before reaching the crosswalk or intersection, you must come to a complete stop.
- Give pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles the right of way.
- Move carefully into the nearest lane that is legally accessible.
It is vital to remember that, although right turns on red are usually permitted, they are not required. Drivers should always prioritize safety and can choose to wait for a green light if they feel uncomfortable making the turn.
Special Considerations
Multiple Right Turn Lanes: In crossings with two right-turn lanes, cars in the leftmost right-turn lane may make a right turn on red into the second rightmost lane for traffic proceeding to the right. This is the sole situation in which it is allowed to cross lanes of moving traffic while making a right turn on red.
One-Way Streets: Wisconsin law also permits left turns on red from one one-way street to another one-way street, as long as the same conditions that apply to right turns on red are followed.
Giving Up the Right-of-Way
Drivers must give the right-of-way to the following when making a turn on a red signal:
- People walking
- Devices for personal delivery
- Bicyclists
- People who use electric scooters and electric personal assistive mobility devices
- Vehicles that are making legal U-turns
- Other vehicles that are legally using the crossroads
Exemptions for Vehicles with Two Wheels
Motorcycles, mopeds, motor bicycles, and bicycles are exempt from Wisconsin law when they are at red lights. If these cars have been waiting at a red light for at least 45 seconds and think that the signal is vehicle-actuated, they can cautiously go through the junction if there are no other vehicles around. This exception is intended to deal with cases in which lighter cars might not activate traffic signal sensors.
Things to Keep in Mind for Safety
Even while it is legal to make a right turn on red in most situations, safety should always come first. Recent studies have shown that allowing right turns on red can contribute to an increase in the number of crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists. As a result, some communities in the United States are rethinking this regulation and putting bans in place in particular locations in order to make it safer for people to walk.
In order to drive safely, it is important to understand and follow Wisconsin’s rule that allows drivers to turn right on red. Drivers are required to be careful, come to a complete stop, and give way to other people on the road before continuing, even though the legislation permits these turns in most instances.
Wisconsin may reconsider this rule in the future as traffic safety issues change. They may decide to impose more limits in metropolitan areas or at crossings that are considered high-risk. Drivers should be aware of any changes to local traffic laws and should always emphasize safety over convenience while traversing intersections.