In Georgia, the general rule remains that drivers are allowed to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, provided they yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk. This is established under Georgia Code § 40-6-21 and applies statewide unless there is a posted sign at the intersection specifically prohibiting the maneuver. If a “No Turn on Red” sign is present, making a right turn on red is not allowed at that location.
A significant update in 2024 affects drivers in Atlanta. In February 2024, the Atlanta City Council passed a new ordinance that bans right turns on red lights in three central neighborhoods: Downtown, Midtown, and Castleberry Hill. This targeted ban was enacted in response to safety concerns, as over 40% of crashes at signalized intersections in these areas involved drivers turning right on red. The city’s Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate pedestrian deaths and serious injuries, motivated this change. The Atlanta Department of Transportation is responsible for installing “No Turn on Red” signs at about 250 intersections in these neighborhoods, and the ban will be fully implemented by December 31, 2025. Once the signage is in place, drivers who violate the rule could face a $70 fine.
Until the new signs are installed and the ban is fully in effect, right turns on red remain legal in Atlanta unless an intersection already has a posted prohibition. The new ordinance does not apply citywide but is focused on the most pedestrian-heavy and high-traffic neighborhoods. Local ordinances like this one can override the general state law, so drivers should always be attentive to posted signs and aware of city-specific rules, especially in urban areas where pedestrian safety is a major concern…