You can no longer turn on a red arrow in Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Starting Friday, drivers in Nebraska won’t be able to make left or right turns on red arrows.

Under the new law, drivers facing a red arrow signal must make a complete stop and wait for a green arrow before entering a crosswalk or stop line.

The Lincoln Transportation and Utilities Department said the new statute “aims to enhance safety for all road users, including drivers and pedestrians.”

Dan Carpenter, the traffic engineering manager for LTU, said the new law clarifies the traffic rule that red means stop.

“This push right now is to educate travelers in Nebraska about what the law is, what the change is and how state statute defines the rules of the road,” he said.

One Lincoln driver said he’s happy officials are taking people’s safety seriously.

“I think it’s a good thing if it’s going to save lives,” John said. “We can all slow down a little bit and not be in such a hurry.”

Another man said the new law won’t stop him from turning on red arrows if there’s no oncoming traffic.

Carpenter said drivers still have the ability to turn right on a solid red light.

“At your standard four-way intersections, you’ll typically face a red ball, and you’re still permitted to turn on red unless there’s additional signage telling you not to,” he said.

The Lincoln Police Department said it plans to enforce the law the same way it does any other traffic law.