Recent discussions over Texas’s traffic rules have focused on the Right Turn on Red (RTOR) law due to the rise in pedestrian accidents and safety concerns. As long as cars stop completely and yield to oncoming traffic or pedestrians, it is still legal in Texas to turn right on a red light.
Current Legal Framework in Texas
Texas law requires drivers to follow certain rules while making a right turn on red:
- Complete Stop: Before making the turn, drivers must stop at the specified limit line, crosswalk, or intersection.
- Yielding: After coming to a halt, drivers must give way to pedestrians and other vehicles that have the right of way.
- No Turn on Red Signs: Drivers should be mindful of intersections that may have signs that restrict turning right on red.
Texas has allowed this practice since the late 1970s, when federal regulations encouraged states to implement RTOR to enhance traffic flow and save gasoline during the oil crisis. Recent data, however, shows a startling rise in pedestrian fatalities and injuries at intersections where RTOR is allowed.
Possible Modifications
Safety advocates are calling for a reassessment of the RTOR regulation in many jurisdictions due to the rise in incidents. Some communities in other states have already implemented regulations that forbid turning right at red lights due to safety concerns. For instance, whereas places like New York and Ann Arbor have already restricted RTOR, Washington, D.C. plans to outlaw it starting in 2025.
Right turns on red (RTOR) are already prohibited at several intersections in Texas. For instance, RTOR is prohibited in Tyler at the intersection of Highway 64 and West Loop 323.
The Future of RTOR in Texas
As of right now, Texas has no plans to impose a nationwide RTOR ban. However, discussions about pedestrian safety may lead to changes in traffic laws if the number of incidents keeps rising. The public’s support for putting pedestrian safety ahead of conventional driving methods is growing.
Proponents assert that eliminating the right turn on red (RTOR) law could reduce the amount of bike-pedestrian collisions, especially in urban areas with high pedestrian traffic. In conclusion, even though Texas’s current law permits right turns on red in specific circumstances, growing safety concerns could result in future changes to the law to increase pedestrian safety at intersections. When handling these situations, drivers are urged to be vigilant and prioritize their safety.