Is Right Turn on Red Legal in Maine? (2026)

Confidence: High

Yes — Right Turn on Red is legal in Maine as of 2026.

Key Restriction
None statewide
Penalty
Traffic infraction
Last Updated
2026-03-25
Advertisement

Quick Answer

Right turn on red is legal in Maine after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. No significant statewide changes have been made in 2023-2024.

What the Law Says

Maine law permits a right turn on a red light after a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. A red arrow means no turn on red.

Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 29-A, § 2057
Category Details
General Rule Legal after complete stop
Exceptions & Restrictions N/A
Traffic Violation Penalty Traffic violation if sign prohibits it at specific intersection.
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

No significant statewide changes have been made in 2023-2024. A bill was introduced to allow left turns on red, but it did not pass.

Enforcement Reality

Right turns on red are permitted after a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it. A red arrow means no turn on red.

Charge Level
Traffic infraction
Enforcement Likelihood
Moderate - routine traffic stops
Common Triggers
Traffic stop for failing to come to a complete stop before turning, or turning on a red arrow.
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is turning on a red arrow, which is not allowed. Drivers also fail to come to a complete stop before turning.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across Maine. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Maine vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, turning right on red is fully legal in 49 states, restricted in 1, and illegal in 0. Maine falls in the LEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Right Turn on Red:

Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions

Is turning right on red legal in Maine?
Yes — Right Turn on Red is legal in Maine as of 2026. Right turn on red is legal in Maine after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. No significant statewide changes have been made in 2023-2024.
Can you turn right on red in Maine?
Right turn on red is legal in Maine after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. No significant statewide changes have been made in 2023-2024.

Interactive Tools

Get Right Turn on Red Legal Updates

Get notified when right turn on red laws change in any state.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

2.
Statute Summary
Maine law permits a right turn on a red light after a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. A red arrow means no turn on red.
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Comprehensive Maine Legal Guides

Explore all related legal topics in Maine — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.

More Maine Legality Guides

Right Turn on Red in Other States

Advertisement