Can You Turn Right on Red in Indiana? 

With various cities proposing new traffic laws, many Hoosiers find themselves wondering, “Can you turn right on red in Indiana?” Well, the answer to that question is generally, yes. However, the city of Indianapolis is just several weeks away from voting to ban right turns on red; and, as always, if there is a sign posted prohibiting the action, it is obviously not permitted.  

Traffic laws are always subject to change, and at times, it can be challenging to keep up with the new laws. Thankfully, the Indiana driver’s license lawyers at Keffer Hirschauer LLP are on top of every development that has the potential to affect your driving privileges. Our Indianapolis lawyers have a strong understanding of Indiana law, the inner workings of the BMV, and the steps required to help protect your driving privileges.  

If you have questions about traffic laws or a suspended license or would like to speak with an attorney about a ticket you’ve received for making a turn on red in Indiana, feel free to contact Keffer Hirschauer LLP today by calling 317-857-0160 or completing our online contact form to schedule your free case consultation. 

Laws on the Ability to Turn Right on Red in Indiana 

Back to the original question of “Can you turn right on red in Indiana?” The answer is yes, existing traffic laws do permit Hoosiers, at large, to turn right on red Indiana. As stated clearly in Indiana Code 9-21-3-7(3)(B), except when a posted sign prohibits a turn, a driver facing a steady red signal may, after completely coming to a stop, enter the intersection to make a right turn. Furthermore, a driver may make a left turn at a red light, if turning from the left lane onto a one-way street into another one-way street with the flow of traffic. 

If a driver does proceed to make an improper turn at an intersection, they will run the risk of being pulled over and ticketed by law enforcement. While the fines associated with this ticket may vary, this type of infraction will put four points on an Indiana driver’s license. While this may not seem like a big deal, this could be enough for someone with existing points on their license to incur an automatic suspension of their Indiana Driver’s license.  

Points on Your Indiana Driver’s License 

As outlined in Indiana Administrative Code 1-4.5-4-(b), the Indiana BMV limits drivers to 20 points (after applying any credits awarded from the completion of a driver’s safety program) per twenty-four-month period. Once a driver reaches 20 points, an administrative hearing shall be set, and an automatic suspension is placed upon their license. In addition, the BMV can also set an administrative hearing for drivers who have three moving violations within a 12-month period. 

Thankfully, even if a ticket for making a turn on red in Indiana has pushed you over 20, you don’t have to resign yourself to having your license suspended. Once an administrative hearing has been set to review your driving record, an experienced Indiana driver’s license suspension and reinstatement attorney from Keffer Hirschauer LLP argue down your violations or petition for specialized driving privileges. 

Indianapolis City-County Council Considering a Ban Turning Right on Red 

It is important to note that Indiana municipalities and counties do have the ability to alter traffic laws and decide whether, within their jurisdiction, citizens are able to turn right at a red light. Most recently, in early April 2023, a proposal to ban such turns passed an Indianapolis City-County Council Committee and is now headed to a full council vote. This ban would only affect drivers utilizing roughly 190 intersections, all located in the downtown area, and is aimed at curbing the city’s recent uptick in pedestrian fatalities. As reported by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the city reported 40 pedestrian deaths in 2022.  

While many have lauded the Council’s decision to vote on the ban, Republican lawmakers in the Indiana General Assembly feel differently. In recent months, State Senator Aaron Freeman, added and passed an amendment to House Bill 1050 “prohibiting a consolidated city from installing a sign prohibiting a turn at a steady red signal.” However, this amendment is not yet law, and the city of Indianapolis intends to continue supporting the proposal made by the Council. So, for right now, you can still turn right on red in Indiana, at large, and in downtown Indianapolis. But for those driving in the circle city, keep an eye out for the next City-Council Vote on May 8, 2023, which will determine the future of this proposal. 

Questions about Your Ability to Turn Right on Red in Indiana?  

Whether you have questions about your ability to turn right on red in Indiana, or more in-depth questions about specialized driving privileges or points on your Indiana driver’s license, the Indianapolis lawyers at Keffer Hirschauer LLP are here to help you. Our team, made up of former deputy prosecutors and seasoned litigators, has a strong grasp of Indiana law, especially when it comes to your driving privileges and points on your license.  

To speak with an attorney today, call 317-857-0160 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.