Colorado Traffic Rule 2025 Update: Understanding the Right Turn on Red Rules

In 2025, Colorado is experiencing a transformative wave in traffic safety and regulations, with right turn on red (RTOR) guidelines taking center stage. These rules are vital for drivers navigating the streets of Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins, and beyond. As urban areas grow more complex and pedestrian safety becomes a top priority, understanding the latest updates to RTOR and the broader context of Colorado’s new traffic landscape is essential for residents, commuters, and visitors alike.

Colorado’s Traffic Landscape in 2025

Colorado’s traffic system is as diverse as its terrain, spanning bustling city highways, suburban intersections, rural roads, and mountainous byways. Cities like Denver and Aurora face substantial congestion, while smaller communities such as Durango and Boulder grapple with balancing vehicle flow and pedestrian safety. Increasing population, rising tourism, and evolving commuter patterns have all contributed to higher traffic volumes, leading the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and local governments to revise and update longstanding regulations.

Current Traffic Stats and Trends

Colorado saw a notable decrease in overall roadway fatalities in the past year, with a 5% reduction and significant drops in pedestrian and passenger vehicle deaths.
The state’s largest urban centers—Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, and Lakewood—see the majority of vehicle and pedestrian interactions.
According to recent data, rush hours (particularly weekday mornings and late afternoon) represent the most dangerous periods for traffic incidents.

The Basics of Right Turn on Red

Background and Purpose

Right turn on red has been a common feature in Colorado—mirroring national trends—since the fuel crisis era of the 1970s, intended to expedite traffic flow and reduce wait times at intersections. The rule allows drivers to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a full stop, provided no signage prohibits it and the way is clear of cross-traffic and pedestrians.

How the Rule Operates

Drivers must come to a complete stop at the marked line before the crosswalk or intersection.
After stopping, drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians and all other traffic with the green signal.
RTOR is only permitted where no specific “No Turn on Red” sign is posted.
In Colorado, local jurisdictions retain authority to restrict RTOR at select intersections, especially in high-density pedestrian zones.

2025 Legislative Updates: What’s New?

Why Were Changes Made?

Emerging safety concerns, particularly for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists, prompted state and city leaders to re-examine RTOR. Recent advocacy efforts and national studies have highlighted the risk of conflicts at busy intersections, especially in densely populated city centers.

Key Changes in 2025

City-Specific Restrictions: As of 2025, some Colorado cities are enacting bans or expanded restrictions on RTOR in downtown areas or near schools and parks. Denver, for example, is considering a citywide ban following recommendations from the mayor’s transition committee, while Boulder is extending RTOR bans at busy pedestrian crossings.
New Signage Rollouts: Municipalities across Colorado—including Aurora, Lakewood, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs—are deploying more explicit and reflective “No Turn on Red” signs, particularly at intersections with high foot traffic or previous accident records.
Increased Penalties: Fines for violating RTOR restrictions and for rolling through red lights without a full stop have been raised, with a focus on protecting pedestrians and bicyclists.

The Focus on Safety

Colorado’s Vision Zero commitments have inspired legislative efforts in cities like Denver and Boulder. These initiatives aim for zero traffic fatalities or serious injuries by prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety at intersections—often the scenes of the most severe crashes.

How the 2025 Right Turn on Red Rules Affect Major Colorado Cities

Denver

Denver is leading the RTOR reform movement. City planners and transportation committees have recommended a ban on all right turns on red downtown, particularly along major corridors like Colfax Avenue, Broadway, and Lincoln Street. These changes are being made in response to both local crash data and public demand for safer intersections.

Colorado Springs

While not yet adopting a citywide ban, Colorado Springs is evaluating intersections near parks, schools, and the bustling downtown district. Already, signs prohibiting RTOR have been installed around Acacia Park, Colorado College, and along North Nevada Avenue.

Boulder

Famed for its enthusiastic cyclists and pedestrian-friendly ethos, Boulder has a long history of restricting RTOR at key locations, such as Pearl Street Mall, the University of Colorado campus, and major bike routes like Broadway and Canyon Boulevard. In 2025, Boulder expanded its list of intersections prohibiting RTOR, targeting areas with heavy foot and bicycle traffic.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins has maintained a data-driven approach, temporarily banning RTOR at intersections with repeat pedestrian incidents, such as those near Colorado State University and Old Town. City transportation engineers continuously review safety stats to determine if temporary bans should become permanent.

Aurora and Lakewood

Essential corridors in Aurora, such as Havana Street and Colfax Avenue, now feature increased signage and higher fines for RTOR violations. Lakewood follows suit in areas close to Belmar Shopping District and Alameda Avenue.

The Data Behind the Shift

Accident and Fatality Rates

Pedestrian deaths in Colorado decreased by 12% in 2024, yet urban intersections remain high-risk zones.
Studies reveal RTOR maneuvers elevate the likelihood of pedestrian and cyclist collisions, especially when drivers fail to yield while scanning for gaps in oncoming traffic.
The most dangerous times for crashes are during weekday afternoon rush hour and morning commutes.

Economic Impact

Colorado drivers pay billions annually for delays, fuel, and repairs associated with traffic collisions and deteriorating road infrastructure. Improvements in RTOR compliance and intersection safety potentially save lives and reduce these costs.

Losses due to crashes and unsafe roadway features are especially pronounced in the Denver metropolitan area, with an average annual financial loss per driver substantially above national averages.

Broader Context: Other 2025 Traffic Law Updates

Significant 2025 legislative changes complement the RTOR reforms, designed to enhance safety and reduce distractions across Colorado.

Hands-Free Device Law

From January 1, 2025, handheld mobile device use while driving is prohibited statewide, except for emergencies. All calls, navigation, and audio functions must be operated with a hands-free accessory. The new law aims to decrease distracted driving, a prime factor in intersection accidents.

Express Lane Enforcement

Drivers weaving in and out of express lanes outside of designated entry and exit points now face stiffer penalties. This regulation targets dangerous behaviors seen on Central 70, Interstate 25, and US 36, aiming to reduce sideswipe and rear-end collisions.

Enhanced Penalties for Repeat Offenders

Repeat violations of traffic rules, including RTOR infractions, receive escalating penalties. The intent is to deter habitual risky behavior and establish a culture of traffic safety.

Practical Guidance for Colorado Drivers

How to Handle Right Turns on Red in 2025

Always come to a complete stop behind the stop line.
Observe for pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic. Yield to everyone in the crosswalk or traveling with the green signal.
If a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted, it is illegal to turn against the light.
Watch for new high-visibility signs and pavement markings installed in high-risk areas, especially in metro Denver, Boulder, and near schools statewide.

When to Expect a Ban

The list of intersections with RTOR bans is expanding, particularly near high-foot-traffic zones, schools, downtown districts, and transit hubs. Cities are publicizing these changes through local websites, roadway signs, and news releases—stay alert to local updates.

Tips for Staying Safe and Legal

Limit distractions by setting navigation and entertainment before your trip.
Be extra vigilant at known trouble spots, especially near Union Station in Denver, the University of Colorado Boulder campus, and major shopping areas in Fort Collins.
Consider alternate routes or travel times to avoid the busiest periods, notably weekday mornings and afternoons.

Addressing Misconceptions

Some drivers mistakenly believe that right turn on red is required when possible. In reality, the law allows but does not require RTOR. If circumstances make you uncomfortable—such as poor visibility, heavy pedestrian traffic, or uncertain right-of-way—it is perfectly legal to wait for a green signal.

Similarly, other misconceptions revolve around yielding. Drivers must yield not only to pedestrians in marked crosswalks but also to bicyclists and oncoming vehicles.

The Push for Uniformity vs. Local Variance

While the Model Traffic Code provides standardized rules across Colorado, municipal governments maintain latitude to implement stricter measures in the interests of local safety. This means a driver traveling from Centennial to Denver or Longmont to Boulder must stay aware of local signage and enforcement.

Denver is a pioneer in comprehensive bans, while cities like Colorado Springs and Pueblo focus on targeted intersections.
Suburban and rural communities may have less restrictive environments, but school zones and pedestrian corridors still demand attentive driving.

Feedback from the Road: Residents, Advocates, and Experts

Community feedback plays a major role in shaping traffic policy in Colorado. Advocacy groups like the Denver Streets Partnership and grassroots campaigns in Boulder have brought pedestrian and cycling safety to the forefront. Residents in Aurora and Lakewood report feeling safer navigating crosswalks since the installation of new signage.

Experts believe these changes will protect the state’s most vulnerable road users while preserving efficient traffic flow where possible. Law enforcement officials in Durango, Grand Junction, and Greeley encourage drivers to exercise caution and patience at all intersections, reminding everyone that safety comes first, even if it means a few extra seconds at a red light.

What’s Next? The Future of Right Turn on Red in Colorado

With rapid urbanization, new housing projects, and continued population growth—especially in cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins—ongoing evaluation of right turn on red and broader intersection safety policies is expected.

The evolution may include more expansive bans as Vision Zero policies gain traction.
Technology, such as smart crosswalks and AI-powered traffic cameras, will play a greater role in monitoring compliance and informing future policy.
Enhanced data collection at high-risk intersections will allow for a granular approach to traffic safety, tailored to the needs of individual cities and neighborhoods.

Conclusion

As Colorado advances its transportation safety agenda in 2025, right turn on red rules are evolving to reflect the realities of modern traffic, dense urban development, and a growing emphasis on pedestrian and cyclist protection. For drivers in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Aurora, Lakewood, and every community in the state, understanding and adapting to the updated RTOR rules is more important than ever.

By adhering to the latest regulations, paying attention to intersection signage, and maintaining a focus on safety, Coloradans can collectively contribute to safer roads. With robust enforcement, widespread education, and continued community engagement, the state is well-positioned to achieve its vision of fewer crashes, safer streets, and a more harmonious coexistence between motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Stay informed, respect the rules, and always prioritize safety—Colorado’s roads depend on it.