Nashville Officials Proposed Right Turn on Red Ban
The city has proposed banning right turns on red at 59 local intersections to improve pedestrian safety.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Should your local government ban right turns on red to improve pedestrian safety?
Nashville officials held a public meeting at Cannery Hall to discuss a proposed ordinance banning right turns on red at 59 intersections in Davidson County. The legislation aims to address recent traffic safety concerns involving pedestrians.
Why it matters
The proposed ban follows a spike in local traffic accidents and is a direct effort to reduce pedestrian deaths. Officials seek to gather public input on the measure before further legislative action.
The bill mandates a total ban on right turns at red lights at 59 identified intersections across Davidson County. The legislation represents a scaling back from an earlier proposal that targeted the entire urban core.
The players
Nashville Department of Transportation
This agency manages the city infrastructure and is responsible for evaluating traffic safety data and intersection designs.
Tennessee Department of Transportation
This state-level organization oversees highway and road safety policies across the region.
Metro Nashville Police
This department is tasked with enforcing traffic laws and maintaining public safety on city streets.
Metro Council
This is the legislative body responsible for passing municipal ordinances and city-wide policies in Nashville.
The details
Representatives from the Nashville Department of Transportation, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and the Metro Nashville Police presented enforcement procedures during the meeting. The proposal is intended to mitigate risks for walkers following documented injury data.
Timeline
The data period for pedestrian injuries and fatalities began in 2025.
The public meeting regarding the ban took place on September 22, 2026, at 5 p.m.
The Metro Council scheduled a second reading of the bill for October 6, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of the ban argue that such restrictions create unnecessary traffic congestion and disproportionately impact commuters using major thoroughfares. Others suggest that targeted intersection improvements rather than blanket bans are a more effective policy approach.
Drivers in Davidson County should expect potential changes to traffic flow and new signage at 59 designated intersections if the measure passes. Residents must adjust their navigation habits to comply with the prohibition of right turns at red signals.
The takeaway
The move reflects a broader municipal trend toward prioritizing pedestrian safety over vehicle throughput at high-risk intersections. Residents should monitor future council votes to understand if these restrictions will eventually expand to other areas of the city.
What happens next
The Metro Council is scheduled to conduct a second reading of the legislation on October 6, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local regulations on the Legislative Policy section of our site.
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Should your local government ban right turns on red to improve pedestrian safety?
