Right turns on red banned at 250 lights in Atlanta including areas in downtown, Midtown, and Castleberry Hill

The Atlanta City Council has passed legislation prohibiting right turns on red lights downtown, Midtown, and Castleberry Hill as part of a broader effort to enhance pedestrian safety. This measure will impact 250 intersections in these neighborhoods, where large crowds often navigate busy streets during events.

The legislation, sponsored by council member Jason Dozier, aims to make pedestrians safer, responding to an increase in pedestrian fatalities. Pedestrian deaths in the city rose by 23% from 2021 to 2022. The legislation also bans left turns on red lights at a few intersections.

However, the full implementation of this change is expected by December 2025, raising concerns about confusion due to the slow process of posting signage. The move is part of ongoing initiatives, including the “Vision Zero” plan, to eliminate pedestrian deaths in Atlanta.

The legislation passed with a 10-3 vote, with some council members suggesting a citywide approach for consistent pedestrian safety measures.