Starting in 2025, drivers in Sacramento and San Diego will face stricter rules regarding right turns on red lights. These new regulations aim to increase safety for cyclists and pedestrians in both cities by limiting when and where drivers can legally turn right at red signals.
Sacramento’s New Rules to Protect Cyclists
Sacramento has introduced a new law that prohibits drivers from making right turns on red lights at intersections where there are protected or dedicated bike lanes, if a cyclist is present or approaching. This rule is designed to reduce accidents and conflicts between drivers and cyclists, which have been a concern in many urban areas.
The city’s transportation officials emphasized that this law ensures drivers yield the right of way to cyclists before turning, which helps create safer streets for everyone. Sacramento is also considering further restrictions on right turns at red in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic or a history of collisions, but those proposals are still under review.
This move aligns with Sacramento’s broader goals to improve bicycle infrastructure and promote safe, active transportation across the city.
San Diego’s Street Design Update and Safety Focus
In San Diego, city officials are updating the Street Design Manual to include new guidelines about prohibiting right turns on red lights, especially in neighborhoods with high pedestrian activity. The update reflects a growing focus on pedestrian safety and comfort, aiming to make San Diego’s streets more walkable and safer for all users.
Alongside these changes, California’s “daylighting law” (Assembly Bill 413), effective January 1, 2025, prohibits parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk. This statewide rule is designed to improve visibility at intersections, making it easier for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists and react accordingly.
San Diego’s enforcement of these regulations is part of a wider trend across California to reduce traffic accidents involving vulnerable road users, such as walkers and cyclists.
What Drivers Need to Know
If you drive in Sacramento or San Diego, here are some key points to remember:
- In Sacramento, do not make right turns on red at intersections with protected bike lanes if cyclists are present. Always yield to cyclists to avoid fines and accidents.
- San Diego’s updated street rules may introduce more no right turn on red signs, especially in busy pedestrian areas. Stay alert and obey new signage.
- Across California, the daylighting law means you cannot park within 20 feet of crosswalks, even if there is no red curb. Violations could result in tickets.
For the most accurate and updated information, drivers should check official resources like the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and local city transportation websites.
Why These Changes Matter
Right turns on red lights have been common practice for decades, but with the rise of cycling and pedestrian traffic, cities are rethinking these rules to improve safety. Studies show that right-turning vehicles pose significant risks to cyclists and pedestrians, especially when visibility is limited.
By tightening regulations in Sacramento and San Diego, authorities hope to prevent accidents, reduce injuries, and encourage safer sharing of the road. These measures also support California’s commitment to sustainable and active transportation options.
How to Stay Safe and Compliant
- Always watch for cyclists and pedestrians before making a right turn, regardless of whether the light is green or red.
- Pay close attention to signs that prohibit right turns on red in specific intersections.
- Avoid parking near crosswalks to maintain clear sightlines.
- Stay informed about traffic law changes by visiting official government sites.
