This New York City (NYC) location may allow drivers to make a ‘right-on-red’ should this piece of driving legislation go into effect. Across the country, new driving laws have been signed into law, intending to ensure that the roads remain safe and that the number of road traffic accidents and fatalities is kept to an absolute minimum. Additionally, these new pieces of legislation pertaining to road traffic legalities are also intended to reduce traffic congestion to ensure that traffic continues to flow smoothly.
New traffic legislation across the country
Across states, new traffic laws have gone into place, which tighten driving penalties as well as see the implementation of novel safety interventions go into place. Keeping the roads safe remains a tireless commitment for authorities, who are constantly needing to ensure that drivers do not commit road traffic offences which endanger the lives of all road users.
Of particular concern for traffic authorities is speeding and distracted driving. These two behaviors are often regarded by drivers as less severe traffic offences compared to others, such as driving under the influence. However, reality is, speeding accounts for nearly one-third of all traffic-related fatalities, according to 2023 data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additionally, according to the same data collected by the NHTSA, over 3,000 road users lost their lives due to distracted driving behaviors.
As such, many new road traffic laws aim to target these driving behaviors. The most commonly seen way to do so has been through the introduction of penalties if you are convicted for either of these behaviors. Other changes include new penalties for drivers who continue to not prioritise the safety of road users who do not use vehicles as their mode of transport. By promoting road-sharing practices, authorities not only protect the lives of more vulnerable road users but also encourage drivers to respect their fellow road users who travel on bicycles, motorcycles, and other alternative modes of transport.
NYC may allow ‘right-on-red’ but only in this location
Other road traffic legislative considerations include finding solutions to reduce traffic congestion. According to Intro 1469-2025 in the New York City Council, this is exactly what authorities are considering, whereby NYC drivers may be allowed to make a ‘right-on-red’ should a new bill be approved. However, the practice would only be allowed on Staten Island.
“This bill would require the Commissioner of Transportation to conduct a study on the feasibility of permitting motorists to make a right turn at a red signal following a complete stop at each intersection with a traffic control signal on Staten Island,” descries the summary of the proposed bill.
Staten Island boasts some of the highest numbers of vehicle owners in NYC, with nearly 85% of households owning a vehicle compared to 63% of Queens households and 44% of Brooklyn homes.
Other traffic updates for NYC drivers
Other updates for NYC drivers include new changes to speed limits. Citywide, the state is underway with reducing the speed limit in certain locations from 25MPH to 20MPH, and even as low as 10MPH, due to the passing of Sammy’s Law earlier this year. Additionally, e-bike drivers are now limited to 15MPH in the city.
In line with keeping more vulnerable road users safe, the Village of Briarcliff Manor Board of Trustees approved legislation that reduces speed limits from 30MPH to 25MPH in an effort to protect pedestrians. By forcing drivers to slow down, you not only increase your reaction time, but should an accident with a pedestrian occur, the pedestrian has a much higher chance of survival if they are hit at a slower speed. However, the intention would be that forcing drivers to slow down would reduce the likelihood that they hit a pedestrian in the first place.
