The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is reminding residents that, as of Tuesday, July 1, drivers are prohibited from making right turns at red traffic signals in designated downtown and town center areas across the county. The policy, part of the Safe Streets Act of 2023 (Bill 11-23), aims to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety in some of Montgomery County’s busiest corridors.
More than 200 “No Right Turn on Red” signs have recently been installed at intersections in high-density areas, including Bethesda, Friendship Heights, Silver Spring, and Wheaton, as well as town centers in Germantown, Glenmont, Twinbrook, and White Flint. Drivers who violate the restriction may face a $90 fine and one point on their license, consistent with penalties at other locations across the state.
County Executive Marc Elrich praised the new law and emphasized the county’s commitment to improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists: “We are eliminating right turns at red lights in our busy downtown areas where we know many residents walk, bike, or scooter to shops, restaurants, and other amenities,” said Elrich. “With the Safe Streets Act, we are taking action to ensure our streets are safe for pedestrians and cyclists when going to school, to work, or while enjoying our downtown areas. I was pleased to sign into law this bill, which was passed unanimously by County Council.”
Council President Kate Stewart, who serves on the Transportation and Environment Committee, said the measure brings Montgomery County in line with other jurisdictions prioritizing pedestrian safety: “This provision of the Safe Streets Act will decisively improve the safety of pedestrians and all road users in our downtowns and town centers by aligning with the best safety practices of our neighbors, including Washington, D.C. I appreciate Councilmember Glass for leading this legislation and was pleased to join colleagues in supporting it.”
Councilmember Evan Glass, Chair of the Transportation and Environment Committee, highlighted the county’s responsibility to protect vulnerable road users: “Too many residents are being injured while lawfully crossing the street, with nearly 60% of all pedestrian- and cyclist-involved crashes occurring at intersections,” said Glass. “We have a responsibility to make our road areas safe for all users, which is the very reason why I passed the Safe Streets Act. By prohibiting right turns on red in our downtown areas and lengthening crosswalk times, we will reduce traffic deaths and injuries in Montgomery County.”
MCDOT Director Chris Conklin added that the change directly addresses risks for pedestrians, cyclists, and others crossing intersections: “Right-turning vehicles at intersections increase risk for pedestrians, particularly for small children, people in wheelchairs and cyclists, who are not always visible to drivers. Eliminating right turns at red lights provides pedestrians with an opportunity to cross with fewer conflicts with turning vehicles. A 2022 study by the Institute of Transportation Engineers has shown that banning right turns at red lights was effective in improving pedestrian safety.”
