Michigan Drivers: The Shocking Fine You Could Face Under New 2025 Right-Turn Law

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s controversial Right Turn on Red (RTOR) expansion law, signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in early January 2025, officially took effect statewide this week. The legislation, now codified as Public Act 12 of 2025, overrides most local bans on right turns at red lights, marking a significant shift in traffic policy aimed at reducing congestion. However, the move has reignited tensions between advocates of traffic efficiency and pedestrian safety.

Legislative Background and Key Provisions

The law, formerly known as Senate Bill 486, passed Michigan’s legislature in late 2024 after years of debate. It standardizes right-turn-on-red permissions across the state, prohibiting municipalities from enacting blanket bans unless approved by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) following a safety review. Exceptions apply near schools, high-pedestrian zones, and intersections with limited visibility.

Under the new rules:

• Drivers must come to a full stop and yield to pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic before turning.
• Cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor, which previously banned RTOR at dozens of intersections, have replaced prohibitive signage with MDOT-approved warnings where restrictions remain.
• Fines for failing to yield to pedestrians now start at $150, doubling in school zones.

“This law modernizes Michigan’s traffic flow while maintaining safeguards,” said Sen. Rick Outman (R-Six Lakes), the bill’s sponsor. “Consistency benefits everyone, from commuters to truckers.”

Safety Concerns and Early Challenges

Pedestrian advocacy groups, including the Michigan Pedestrian Safety Coalition and Safe Roads Alliance, argue the law prioritizes drivers over vulnerable road users. National data from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows pedestrian fatalities rose 14% in Michigan between 2021 and 2023, though direct links to RTOR crashes remain debated.

In Detroit, where pedestrian deaths spiked 18% in 2023, advocates fear the changes will exacerbate risks. “We’re already seeing close calls at newly permitted intersections,” said Lena Henderson, a Detroit-based urban planner. “Drivers are rushing turns without checking crosswalks.”

MDOT has responded by accelerating infrastructure upgrades, including:

• Installing 200+ high-visibility crosswalks near transit hubs.
• Adding pedestrian countdown timers at 450 intersections.
• Launching a $3.2 million ad campaign, “Stop First, Turn Safe,” emphasizing yielding rules.

Mixed Reactions from Local Governments

While the state now mandates RTOR permissions, some cities have pushed back:

• Detroit: Retained 22 local bans after MDOT approved safety reviews for downtown and Midtown corridors.
• Grand Rapids: Implemented four new “No Turn on Red” zones near schools after community protests.
• Ann Arbor: Introduced a pilot program banning RTOR at 10 intersections, citing alignment with its Vision Zero goals.

“Local input still matters,” said Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We’re balancing state mandates with neighborhood needs.”

National Context and Michigan’s Place in the Trend

Michigan joins Ohio and Indiana in standardizing RTOR rules, contrasting with cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., which have restricted the practice in urban centers. A 2024 study by the Transportation Research Board found that states with uniform RTOR laws saw minimal changes in pedestrian crash rates, but urban areas with high foot traffic reported increased near-misses.

“The data isn’t black-and-white,” said Dr. Alicia Torres of the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. “Success depends on driver compliance and infrastructure quality.”

What Drivers Need to Know

1. Full Stop Required: Rolling stops at red lights now carry a $100 fine.
2. School Zones: Enhanced enforcement in effect near schools from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
3. New Signage: Look for yellow “Yield to Pedestrians” placards beneath traffic signals.

MDOT urges caution during the transition. “This isn’t a free pass to turn quickly,” said Director Bradley Wieferich. “When in doubt, wait it out.”

Looking Ahead

MDOT will publish its first annual safety review in December 2025, analyzing crash data and compliance rates. Meanwhile, lawmakers have proposed a companion bill, HB 3022, to fund pedestrian islands and curb extensions at high-risk intersections.

For now, the message to drivers is clear: Efficiency shouldn’t come at the cost of safety.

Resources:

• Michigan’s Updated Vehicle Code: Right Turn on Red (PA 12 of 2025)
• MDOT’s “Stop First, Turn Safe” Campaign
• National Pedestrian Safety Data (NHTSA)