Hawaii Traffic Rule 2024 Update: Understanding the Right Turn on Red Rule

As of December 2024, Hawaii’s rules regarding right turns on red lights remain largely unchanged from previous years. The state continues to allow drivers to make right turns at red lights under specific conditions, as outlined in the Hawaii Revised Statutes.

Right Turn on Red in Hawaii

According to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291C-32, drivers are permitted to make a right turn at a red light, but must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Complete Stop: Vehicles must come to a complete stop at the clearly marked stop line, or if there isn’t one, before entering the crosswalk or intersection.
2. Yield Right-of-Way: After stopping, drivers may proceed with a right turn but must yield the right-of-way to:
   • Pedestrians in the crosswalk
   • Other traffic proceeding as directed by the signal
3. Caution Required: Drivers must exercise caution when making the turn, ensuring it’s safe to proceed.

Exceptions and Special Considerations

While right turns on red are generally allowed, there are some important exceptions and considerations:

1. Prohibited Turns: Counties may prohibit right turns on red at specific intersections. These prohibitions are effective when signs are erected at the intersection giving notice of the restriction.
2. Red Arrow Signals: When a traffic signal shows a red arrow for a right turn, right turns on red are still allowed unless prohibited by signs.
3. Pedestrian Safety: Drivers must be especially aware of pedestrians who have the legal right-of-way when crossing with a “WALK” signal or during a flashing “DON’T WALK” signal.
4. One-Way Streets: On one-way streets intersecting with another one-way street where traffic moves to the left, drivers may make a left turn on red after stopping and yielding, unless prohibited by local ordinance.

Enforcement and Penalties

Hawaii has implemented measures to enforce traffic signal compliance:

1. Photo Red Light Imaging: Some intersections are actively monitored by official photo red light imaging detector systems. Registered owners of vehicles may be held strictly liable for non-compliance and can be cited for civil traffic infractions.
2. Pedestrian Right-of-Way Violations: Failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks can result in fines starting at $150 for a first offense, with increased penalties for subsequent violations.

Safety Recommendations

To ensure safe right turns on red:

• Always come to a complete stop before turning
• Look both ways and check for pedestrians
• Make eye contact with pedestrians when possible
• Proceed only when it’s safe to do so

While Hawaii continues to allow right turns on red in most situations, it’s important for drivers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

Source

1. https://law.justia.com/codes/hawaii/title-17/chapter-291c/section-291c-32/
2. https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2230/720?npage=20&arch=1
3. https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/safe-communites/walkwisehawaii/faq/