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Omaha’s New No-Turn-on-Red Law: What Drivers Need to Know

By Jason Bottlinger on August 23, 2025

Omaha drivers will need to adjust to a significant update in Nebraska traffic law. Under the new legislation, it is now illegal to turn right on a red arrow in Nebraska. This update to Omaha’s driving laws is part of a broader effort to enhance road safety and reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities across the state.

What Does the New Law Say?

Nebraska law now prohibits turning right on a red arrow at any intersection. This change applies statewide but is especially impactful in high-traffic urban centers like Omaha, where red arrow signals are common.

Before this law, drivers in Omaha could turn right on red arrows unless a sign specifically prohibited it. Now, the red arrow turn prohibition is a uniform rule: red arrow = no turn, no exceptions.

The law was signed in response to a growing concern over pedestrian injuries and deaths at intersections—many of which were caused by drivers failing to yield during red-light right turns.

Focusing on Pedestrian Safety

In 2023, Omaha recorded a sharp increase in pedestrian-related accidents. Many of these incidents occurred when drivers failed to notice crossing pedestrians during a right turn on the red.

According to Nebraska Department of Transportation data, nearly 20% of pedestrian collisions at intersections involved a vehicle turning right on red. As a result, safety advocates and city planners pushed for stricter regulations, pointing out that:

• Drivers often roll through red lights instead of stopping completely.
• Red arrow turns create visual conflicts with pedestrian crosswalk signals.
• Children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities are especially at risk.

By eliminating ambiguity about whether a right turn is allowed during a red arrow, the new Omaha traffic law changes are expected to create safer, more predictable intersections.

Increased Driver Liability for Violations

Violating the red arrow turn prohibition could lead to the following:

• Fines and points on your license
• Higher insurance premiums
• Increased liability in the event of a collision

If a driver turns right on a red arrow and strikes a pedestrian or another vehicle, they may be considered fully liable—even if the other party was partially at fault. This is because the new law makes the turn itself illegal, creating a clear-cut case of negligence per se (violation of statute).

New Enforcement Measures

Omaha police have stated that enforcement will begin immediately, with both warnings and citations being issued. Cameras at key intersections may be used to monitor compliance.

Violations of the Nebraska no-turn-on-red law could result in:

• Traffic tickets with fines ranging from $100 to $200
• Possible license points assessed by the Nebraska DMV
• Greater liability in civil claims, especially if the violation results in injury

Situational Awareness for Drivers

To stay compliant with the Omaha driving laws, drivers should:

• Always stop and assess the signal. A solid red circle may still allow a right turn after a stop, but a red arrow means stop and wait.
• Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk, even on green arrows.
• Don’t assume other drivers will follow the rule—proceed with caution at all intersections.
• Be especially cautious around schools, hospitals, and downtown Omaha, where pedestrian traffic is heaviest.

Broader Implications for Nebraska Traffic Updates

This law is not isolated to Omaha—it’s part of broader Nebraska traffic updates focused on Vision Zero initiatives, which aim to eliminate traffic fatalities. Similar laws have been implemented in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. with positive results.

In Nebraska, state legislators and urban planners are likely to monitor the impact of this law closely. If successful, additional restrictions or redesigns of high-risk intersections may follow.

This move also reflects a shift in how lawmakers balance driver convenience against pedestrian safety. Until now, drivers were often given the benefit of the doubt on red light turns. That is changing—and the red arrow turn prohibition is a strong signal that pedestrian safety in Nebraska is now a legislative priority.

What If You’re Involved in a Traffic Accident After July 2024?

If you’re involved in an accident after turning right on a red arrow—whether or not you struck a pedestrian—you may face enhanced legal exposure. The new law simplifies fault analysis:

• Injury to a pedestrian or cyclist? Turning on the red arrow may make you immediately liable.
• Collision with another car? You may be cited and sued for illegal operation of a vehicle.
• Hurt as a pedestrian due to someone else’s red-arrow turn? You may be entitled to file a personal injury claim.

Legal guidance is critical in these cases, especially as Omaha traffic law changes take full effect and local courts begin interpreting them.

How Bottlinger Law L.L.C. Can Help

At Bottlinger Law L.L.C., we understand that even minor updates to driving laws can have major consequences when it comes to traffic violations and accident liability. Our firm has helped Nebraska residents navigate complex personal injury and traffic-related claims for over a decade.

We handle a wide range of cases involving:

• Pedestrian injuries at intersections
• Car accidents caused by traffic signal violations
• Wrongful death claims stemming from negligent driving
• Insurance claims denial due to traffic infractions

Lead attorney Jason Bottlinger is licensed in Nebraska, Iowa, and Texas and was recently recognized as one of the Best Personal Injury Attorneys serving Omaha. We pride ourselves on offering personal, compassionate legal service while aggressively pursuing your right to compensation.

Be Safe and Proactive

Ultimately, these changes in the law are designed to save lives, reduce injuries, and make our communities safer for everyone—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

As this law takes effect, it’s important that you stay informed, stay cautious, and don’t hesitate to seek legal counsel if you are involved in an accident involving a red arrow violation.

Speak With an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Omaha

Whether you were driving, walking, or biking, You may be eligible for compensation if you were hurt because someone ignored Nebraska’s new no-turn-on-red law.

Call Bottlinger Law L.L.C. at (402) 505-8234 today for a free consultation with our Omaha pedestrian accident attorney. We will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and guide you toward a resolution with care, clarity, and confidence.