More than 200 new “No Right on Red” traffic signs have been added to downtown areas since July 1.
Designated intersections in high-density downtown areas, including Bethesda, Friendship Heights, Silver Spring and Wheaton, as well as town centers in Germantown, Glenmont, Twinbrook and White Flint, are marked with signs stating “No Right Turns on Red.”
County Councilmembers unanimously adopted the Safe Streets Act of 2023, which was geared toward reducing pedestrian and cyclist injuries.
Besides prohibiting right turns on red lights in certain areas, the act created safer routes to school and mandated reviews following crashes in school zones, walkways and bus stops.
“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 County Executive Marc Elrich in a news release.
Violators can be fined up to $90 and receive one point on their driver’s license.
“Too many residents are being injured while lawfully crossing the street, with nearly 60 percent of all pedestrian- and cyclist-involved crashes occurring at intersections,” said Councilmember Evan Glass, chair of council’s Transportation and Environment Committee and lead sponsor of the Safe Streets Act.
🌟New 'No Turn On Red' signs have been installed in parts of @MontgomeryCoMD.
🌟Drivers who violate the ban on right turns at red🚦 lights may face a $90 fine & 1 point on their driver’s license, consistent with other locations within the State.▶️https://t.co/J1PAdtB3X8 #mdroads pic.twitter.com/sl0ckIKpG4— Montgomery County, MD – Dept. of Transportation (@MCDOTNow) September 10, 2025
“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,” Glass said.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) put up the signs throughout the downtown areas. In a few spots, right on red turns are still allowed “only if there was a proven safety issue,” said a spokesperson for the department.
“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,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Eliminating right turns at red lights provides pedestrians with an opportunity to cross with fewer conflicts with turning vehicles.”
