Maine’s right-turn-on-red rule remains a key part of the state’s traffic code in 2026, with no major updates altering its core provisions. Drivers must understand it to avoid tickets and ensure safety. This guide breaks down the current law based on longstanding statutes like Title 29-A §2057.
Core Right-Turn-on-Red Rule
In Maine, you can make a right turn at a steady red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign prohibits it, such as “No Right Turn on Red.” Stop at the marked line, crosswalk, or intersection edge if no markings exist. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, oncoming traffic with a green light, and any vehicles or cyclists lawfully in the intersection.
This applies statewide, including in cities like Portland and rural areas. A flashing red light follows the same stop-and-yield process as a stop sign. Left turns on red are not allowed, even onto one-way streets—unlike some other states.
Stop and Yield Requirements
Always perform a full stop before entering the intersection. Scan for pedestrians first, as they have priority in crosswalks. If safe, proceed cautiously; “reasonable safety” is required for any turn under §2071.
Factors like nearby schools, fire stations, or high pedestrian areas may prompt “No Turn on Red” signs. Municipalities and the Maine Department of Transportation evaluate these based on traffic volume, crash history, and visibility.​
No 2026 Updates Confirmed
Maine’s traffic rules under Title 29-A show no 2026 changes to right-on-red via recent legislative reviews or safety plans. Red-light cameras have been banned since 2009, so enforcement relies on officers. Proposed bills, like one for left-on-red in 2017, never passed.
The FY24-26 Highway Safety Plan focuses on general intersection improvements but doesn’t target this rule.​
Penalties for Violations
Failing to stop or yield on red carries fines starting at $100–$250, plus points on your license. Accumulating points risks suspension. Tickets often stem from not yielding to pedestrians, a common crash cause.
| Violation Type | Typical Fine | License Points |
|---|
| Violation Type | Typical Fine | License Points |
|---|---|---|
| Right on Red (No Stop/Yield) | $100–$250 ​ | 2 |
| Pedestrian Right-of-Way Failure | $150–$500 ​ | 2–4 |
| Sign-Prohibited Turn | $50–$150 ​ | 1 |
Safe Driving Tips
- Double-check for peds and bikes, even if the crosswalk looks empty.
- At night or in rain, creep forward slowly after stopping.
- Use your turn signal early per §2071.​
- Bicyclists follow the same rules but may dismount.​
Sources
- https://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/maine-red-light-stop-sign-tickets.html
- https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-a/title29-asec2057.html)
- (https://law.justia.com/codes/maine/title-29-a/chapter-19/subchapter-1/section-2071
