As of 2026, Massachusetts continues to allow right turns on red at most intersections, but only under specific conditions and with important local exceptions. The rule is rooted in both state statute and local‑level ordinances, so drivers must look at both the law and the signs on the ground.
The Basic Rule: Right Turn on Red
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 89, Section 8 permits a driver facing a steady red or stop signal to make a right turn (or a left turn from a one‑way onto a one‑way) after coming to a full stop, provided they yield to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
This is the default statewide rule: stop completely, look for pedestrians and oncoming vehicles, and proceed only when safe.
When a Right Turn on Red Is Prohibited
A city, town, or the Department of Transportation may prohibit right turns on red at particular intersections, and that prohibition becomes effective when an official “No Turn on Red” sign is posted. In those spots ignoring the sign counts as a traffic violation, even if the same turn would be allowed elsewhere in the state.
Local Variations and Recent Changes
Some municipalities have tightened the rule in the name of pedestrian and cyclist safety. For example, Cambridge implemented a citywide ban on right turns on red at all intersections as part of its Vision Zero plan, effective in 2024.
Other cities and towns may restrict right turns on red near schools, crosswalks, or busy commercial districts, often through local traffic‑control signage rather than a blanket statewide change.
Safety Practices Drivers Should Follow
Even where right turns on red are allowed, Massachusetts emphasizes yielding to pedestrians and checking for cyclists before turning. Drivers should:
- Come to a full stop at the stop line or crosswalk, not a rolling stop.
- Check carefully for pedestrians in the crosswalk and cyclists or scooters in the bike lane.
- Avoid turning right on red at intersections with limited visibility or heavy traffic, even if no sign forbids it.
In short, Massachusetts law in 2026 still broadly allows right turns on red with a complete stop and proper yield, but local bans and “No Turn on Red” signs can override that rule at specific intersections…