Nashville Will Consider Right Turn on Red Ban

The city looks to restrict right turns at 59 intersections to protect pedestrians and students.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in City Hall

Isometric editorial illustration of an urban street corner with a crosswalk and traffic pole, representing municipal traffic safety policy. — The Nashville Metro Council is evaluating a proposal to prohibit right turns on red at 59 designated intersections to prioritize pedestrian and student safety. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your city ban right turns on red at busy intersections to improve pedestrian safety?

Nashville Metro Council is considering a new ordinance to ban right turns on red at 59 high-risk intersections across the city. The proposal aims to increase safety for pedestrians and children in school zones following a series of recent traffic incidents.

Why it matters

The plan is part of the city's broader Vision Zero strategy to eliminate traffic deaths. Officials believe the restrictions will protect vulnerable road users while causing minimal inconvenience to drivers.

The proposal targets 59 intersections in downtown Nashville and school zones. Officials estimate the new restrictions will cause a maximum traffic delay of less than 40 seconds per driver.

The players

Metro Council

This is the legislative body for Nashville that is responsible for voting on the city's ordinances and budget.

Nashville Department of Transportation

This municipal agency manages the planning, development, and maintenance of the city's transportation infrastructure.

The details

Narrowed down from a previous 700-intersection proposal, this initiative relies on static signage to enforce compliance. The Nashville Department of Transportation fully supports the measure, citing the city's Connect Downtown study as a framework for the change.

Since January 1, 2025, 22 pedestrian injuries and one death occurred.
A community meeting regarding the plan is scheduled for September 22, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents or skeptics of the plan often raise concerns regarding the impact on overall traffic flow and the potential for increased congestion at busy interchanges. The debate highlights the tension between prioritizing rapid vehicular throughput and enhancing infrastructure safety for non-drivers.

Commuters should anticipate minor delays of up to 40 seconds at affected intersections if the proposal is enacted. These changes will specifically impact daily routes through downtown and designated school zones to improve safety for students and pedestrians.

The takeaway

Drivers in affected zones should prepare for new signage as the city moves to curb turning behaviors that have contributed to recent accidents. Adopting these new traffic habits will be essential for maintaining safety in high-pedestrian areas.