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Right-Turn-on-Red Restrictions:
A permissible Right Turn on Red (RTOR) was introduced in the 1970s as a fuel-saving
measure and has sometimes had detrimental effects on pedestrians. While the
law requires motorists to come to a full stop and yield to cross-street traffic
and pedestrians prior to turning right on red, many motorists do not fully comply
with the regulations, especially at intersections with wide turning radii. Motorists
are so intent on looking for traffic approaching on their left that they may
not be alert to pedestrians approaching on their right. In addition, motorists
usually pull up into the crosswalk to wait for a gap in traffic, blocking pedestrian
crossing movements. In some instances, motorists simply do not come to a full
stop.
One concern that comes up when RTOR is prohibited is that this may lead to higher
right-turn-on-green conflicts when there are concurrent signals. The use of
the leading pedestrian interval (LPI) can usually best address this issue (see
Tool #39). Where pedestrian volumes are very high, exclusive pedestrian signals
should be considered.
Prohibiting RTOR should be considered where and/or when there are high pedestrian
volumes. This can be done with a simple sign posting, although there are some
options that are more effective than a standard sign. For example, one option
is a larger 762-mm by 914-mm (30-in by 36-in) NO TURN ON RED sign, which is
more conspicuous. For areas where a right turn is acceptable during certain
times, time-of-day restrictions may be appropriate. A variable-message NO TURN
ON RED sign is also an option.
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| • Increase pedestrian safety and decrease crashes with right-turning vehicles. |
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• Prohibiting RTOR is a simple, low-cost measure. Together with a leading
pedestrian interval, the signal changes can benefit pedestrians with minimal
impact on traffic.
• Part-time RTOR prohibitions during the busiest times of the day may be
sufficient to address the problem.
• Signs should be clearly visible to right-turning motorists stopped in
the curb lane at the crosswalk. |
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| $30 to $150 per NO TURN ON RED sign plus installation at $200 per sign. Electronic
signs have higher costs. |
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