If you’ve been driving in Oregon for a while, you probably know that turning right at a red light has been a common and convenient practice—until now. In 2025, Oregon has introduced an important update to its traffic laws that changes how and where drivers can make right turns at red lights.
This change has been brought in to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety across the state. Here’s a simple breakdown of what the new rule means and how it affects your daily driving.
What Is the 2025 Right Turn on Red Rule in Oregon?
As of 2025, Oregon has restricted the “right turn on red” in many locations, especially in urban areas like Portland, Eugene, and Salem. This means:
Drivers are no longer allowed to turn right at a red light in certain intersections—even after coming to a complete stop.
These no-turn zones are mostly found in busy pedestrian and bike traffic areas, such as near schools, parks, downtown districts, and busy intersections.
The aim is to protect pedestrians and cyclists who are most at risk from vehicles turning at red lights without noticing them.
This update doesn’t mean the rule is banned everywhere, but it does mean drivers need to pay closer attention to signs and local traffic signals.
Where Is Right Turn on Red Still Allowed?
In many suburban and rural parts of Oregon, the traditional rule still applies:
You can turn right on red after a complete stop if there is no sign prohibiting it.
You must still yield to all pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic before making the turn.
The key point is: Look for signs. If there’s a “No Turn on Red” sign, you must follow it—regardless of how clear the road looks.
Why Did Oregon Change This Law in 2025?
The 2025 update comes after several studies and public safety campaigns showed that right turns on red were linked to:
Increased pedestrian accidents, especially with children and older adults.
Close calls with cyclists in bike lanes or crosswalks.
Drivers often failing to come to a full stop or looking only to the left before turning, ignoring people crossing from the right.
The goal of the rule change is to make streets safer, especially in dense city zones where foot and bike traffic is high.
What Drivers Should Do Now
If you’re driving in Oregon in 2025 or later, here are a few tips to follow:
Look for signs before turning right on red.
Obey all “No Turn on Red” signs even if the road looks empty.
Stop completely at red lights and scan for pedestrians and bikes.
Be extra careful in downtown areas, near schools, or around bike-heavy routes.
Violating this updated rule can lead to traffic tickets, points on your license, or even higher insurance premiums.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Some intersections now have special signals that allow protected right turns (such as a green arrow). In these cases:
You may only turn right when the arrow is green.
The regular red light still applies unless an arrow tells you otherwise.
Also, some cities like Portland have been adding red turn bans as part of long-term “Vision Zero” plans aimed at reducing road deaths to zero.
The 2025 update to Oregon’s traffic rules shows a strong shift toward pedestrian and cyclist safety. While it may take a bit of getting used to, especially for long-time drivers, these changes aim to create safer streets for everyone.
Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional driver, always watch for updated signs and stay alert at intersections. A few extra seconds of caution could save a life.
