New York City Considers Right-on-Red Turns for Staten Island

New York City is contemplating a significant change to its traffic laws by potentially allowing drivers to make a right turn on red lights in Staten Island. This proposal, outlined in Bill 1469-2025, aims to evaluate the feasibility of such a practice, marking a noteworthy shift in the city’s approach to road safety and traffic management.

This year, 2025, has seen various states in the United States tightening regulations surrounding road safety. Authorities are particularly focused on addressing dangerous driving behaviors, including speeding and distracted driving. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that in 2023, approximately one-third of traffic-related fatalities were linked to speeding, while over 3,000 individuals lost their lives due to distractions while driving.

Exploring Right-on-Red in Staten Island

The proposal to allow right turns on red lights is currently under discussion at New York City Hall. If approved, the bill would mandate the Commissioner of Transportation to assess the viability of permitting motorists to turn right after coming to a complete stop at traffic signals throughout Staten Island. This borough was specifically chosen for the pilot program due to its high vehicle ownership rate, with 85% of households owning a car, compared to 63% in Queens and 44% in Brooklyn.

While the proposed measure aims to enhance traffic flow, it is also part of a broader strategy to address safety concerns on the roads. Staten Island’s unique demographics, coupled with its traffic patterns, make it a suitable candidate for this initiative.

Additional Traffic Safety Measures

In conjunction with the potential right-on-red policy, New York City has implemented other significant changes to improve road safety. The approval of the Sammy Law has led to a reduction in the general speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph in many areas, with some zones even lowered to 10 mph. These changes are designed to protect pedestrians and enhance overall safety on the roads.

Furthermore, speed limits for electric bicycles have been capped at 15 mph within city limits. The focus on reducing speed limits aims to increase drivers’ reaction times, which can be critical in preventing accidents and protecting vulnerable road users.

The Board of Trustees of the Village of Briarcliff Manor has also taken steps to reduce speed limits, lowering them from 30 mph to 25 mph. These measures underline a growing recognition of the need for safer road environments, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic.

As the discussion around Bill 1469-2025 unfolds, it reflects a broader trend across the United States towards stricter traffic regulations and a commitment to enhancing road safety. The potential for allowing right turns on red in Staten Island could serve as a pilot for similar initiatives in other boroughs and cities, depending on the outcomes of the study conducted by the Commissioner of Transportation.

The implications of these legislative changes are significant, as they not only aim to reduce traffic congestion but also strive to create safer streets for all users. As New York City navigates this evolving landscape of traffic safety, the outcomes of these measures will be closely monitored by residents and authorities alike.