Right Turns on Red. Any vehicle operator facing a steady circular red signal or red arrow may, after stopping, proceed to make a right turn from a one-way or two-way street into a two-way street or into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the right turn, or a left turn from a one-way or two-way street into a one-way street carrying traffic in the direction of the left turn, unless a sign posted by a competent authority prohibits such a turn.
Signage Control. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) must install, operate, maintain, and control at its own expense all traffic control signals, signs, and devices that regulate both pedestrian and motor vehicular traffic on, entering upon, or leaving state highways in cities and towns having a population of 27,500 or less according to the latest determination of population by the Office of Financial Management (OFM). Cities and towns having a population over 27,500 according to the latest determination of population by OFM must install, maintain, operate, and control such signals, signs, and devices at their own expense, subject to approval of WSDOT for the installation and type only.
Traffic Safety Commission. The Washington Traffic Safety Commission (WTSC) is responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating a statewide traffic safety program that is funded by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, and the state of Washington. WTSC, among other activities, promotes information and education campaigns related to traffic safety and promotes uniform enforcement of traffic safety laws. Currently, WTSC is conducting a statewide public awareness campaign on the slow down and move over law.
Beginning July 1, 2024, any vehicle operator facing a steady red signal or arrow at a controlled intersection may not proceed to make a right turn from a one-way or two-way street into a two-way street or into a one-way street with traffic traveling in the same direction of the right turn at any such intersection within 1000 feet of the following:
The appropriate local jurisdiction or WSDOT must erect signage at each affected controlled intersection.
Beginning July 1, 2024, for a two-year period, WTSC must develop a statewide public awareness campaign, to include public service announcements and written and digital materials, about the prohibition of right turns on a red signal at certain intersections as outlined in the act. The campaign must be developed using any available resources, including federal or other grant funds.