D.C. Passes Bill Banning Right Turns at Red lights and Implements the “Idaho Stop” for Cyclists

Beginning January 1, 2025, motorists in D.C. will be prohibited from making right turns at red lights, while cyclists will be permitted to treat stop signs as yield signs if the intersection is free from pedestrians and motorists.  The changes will come about due to the Safer Streets Amendment Act of 2022, put forth by the Council of the District of Columbia.

By way of background, turning right on red was introduced in the 1970s as a fuel savings measure.  In 2018, The D.C. Department of Transportation (“DDOT”) launched an initiative to research whether there were safety benefits to prohibiting right turns on a red light.  In Phase I, it evaluated 100 different intersections in the District, all of which were approved for no turn on red after it was found that the restriction resulted in safer intersections with reduced conflict.

As noted above, the new measure takes effect on January 1, 2025.  The delayed effective date was meant to give DDOT two years to account for change, create a public education campaign, adjust signal timing, and create any other infrastructure changes as needed.  While the new law will generally prohibit right turns on a red light, it should be noted that the Act allows DDOT to permit right turns on red at certain intersections if it deems the intersection will be safer.  In such instances, a sign would need to be displayed stating that right turns on red are permissible.  Currently, New York City is the only comparable municipality that prohibits turning right on red.

Besides the above, the Act will allow cyclists, scooters, and other mobility items to perform “Idaho Stops,” where stop signs are treated as yield signs.  Per the Act, the rider must still slow down, yield the right of way to pedestrians and motorists in the intersection, and conclude the intersection is free from immediate hazard.  D.C. is implementing this law in an attempt to prevent riders from being rear-ended by inattentive drivers and to help conserve the rider’s energy.  Nine states allow “Idaho Stops” in an attempt to decrease bike crashes.

Thomas, Thomas & Hafer, LLP (“TT&H”) is a law firm with over 90 lawyers in a dozen offices through the Mid-Atlantic region.  TT&H has served the insurance industry since 1977.  Questions regarding this advisory can be directed to Madeline Creps, an associate in TT&H’s Washington, DC office, at (202) 978-2049 or mcreps@tthlaw.com.