Press Releases - Department of Transportation

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is alerting residents that as of Tuesday, July 1, drivers are prohibited from making right turns at red traffic signals in designated downtown and town center areas of Montgomery County. 

Drivers who violate the ban on right turns at red lights may face a $90 fine and 1 point on their driver’s license, consistent with other locations within the State. In Maryland, a right turn on red is allowed unless there is a sign explicitly prohibiting it. 

Designated intersections in high-density downtown areas, including Bethesda, Friendship Heights, Silver Spring and Wheaton, as well as town centers in Germantown, Glenmont, Twinbrook and White Flint, are marked with signs stating “No Right Turns on Red.” Over 200 of these signs have been placed. 

The no-right-on-red measure was passed as part of the Safe Streets Act of 2023 (Bill 11-23) to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on Montgomery County roadways. 

“We are eliminating right turns at red lights in our busy downtown areas where we know many residents walk, bike, or scooter to shops, restaurants, and other amenities,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “With the Safe Streets Act, we are taking action to ensure our streets are safe for pedestrians and cyclists when going to school, to work, or while enjoying our downtown areas. I was pleased to sign into law this bill, which was passed unanimously by County Council.” 

The Safe Streets Act also includes provisions enhancing walk times at crosswalks and requiring infrastructure reviews following incidents in school zones, walksheds and bus stops. 

"This provision of the Safe Streets Act will decisively improve the safety of pedestrians and all road users in our downtowns and town centers by aligning with the best safety practices of our neighbors, including Washington, D.C.," said Council President Kate Stewart, who serves on the Transportation and Environment Committee. "I appreciate Councilmember Glass for leading this legislation and was pleased to join colleagues in supporting it." 

Right turns at red lights are also banned in Washington, D.C. and in some intersections in Arlington, Va. 

“Too many residents are being injured while lawfully crossing the street, with nearly 60% of all pedestrian- and cyclist-involved crashes occurring at intersections,” said Councilmember Evan Glass, Chair of the Transportation and Environment Committee. “We have a responsibility to make our road areas safe for all users, which is the very reason why I passed the Safe Streets Act. By prohibiting right turns on red in our downtown areas and lengthening crosswalk times, we will reduce traffic deaths and injuries in Montgomery County.” 

The Safe Streets Act was passed to support the County’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating serious and fatal crashes by addressing specific transportation initiatives. 

“Right-turning vehicles at intersections increase risk for pedestrians, particularly for small children, people in wheelchairs and cyclists, who are not always visible to drivers,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Eliminating right turns at red lights provides pedestrians with an opportunity to cross with fewer conflicts with turning vehicles. A 2022 study by the Institute of Transportation Engineers has shown that banning right turns at red lights was effective in improving pedestrian safety.” 

MCDOT began installing the signs over the summer and has completed sign installation.  

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/dot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Bluesky, Instagram, Facebook and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.      

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