No Right on Red Program
The No Right on Red Program improves safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists by restricting right turns on a red signal at intersections with collision risks, visibility concerns and higher levels of pedestrian and cyclist activity. Collision statistics show that right-turning vehicles account for 30% of pedestrian collisions and 50% of cyclist collisions.
York Region uses three types of No Right on Red signs, including warning signs, static signs and digital signs, selected based on traffic patterns and intersection and safety needs.
The program is a safety measure outlined in York Region’s Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan, aiming to reduce severe collisions (those involving injury or death) by 10% over five years.
New Restrictions Showing Positive Safety Results
Intersections with No Right on Red restrictions have shown measurable safety improvements. Static No Right on Red signs were installed at 12 intersections between 2020 and 2022, resulting in a 75% reduction in total collisions.
In 2024, York Region piloted a digital No Right on Red sign at the intersection of Islington Avenue and Langstaff Road in the City of Vaughan. The results were positive, showing a reduction in traffic delays and queue lengths, improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, enhanced visibility for motorists and over 99% compliance rate. This sign was the first one used in Ontario in this way. Following the pilot, a digital sign was installed at the intersection of Kennedy Road and Carlton Road in the City of Markham, further showing the same positive results.
Due to the success of the digital sign pilot, over the next several years, York Region will be replacing more than 50 static signs with digital signs and introducing new digital sign locations.
Sign Types
Warning Signs
- Warning signs are installed at intersections with lower traffic conflicts, typically where there are three receiving lanes and opposite dual left-turn movements
- These signs provide drivers with an advanced notice to yield to turning traffic and pedestrians and cyclists
- Warning signs help improve driver awareness and reduce turning movement collisions
Static Signs
- Static signs are installed at intersections where there are sightline issues, right-turn/through movement conflicts and high pedestrian activity
- Time-of-day (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) or 24/7 restrictions may be applied depending on the intersection and safety needs
- These No Right on Red restrictions protect vulnerable road users and reduce turning movement collisions
Digital Signs
Digital signs increase visibility and activate only when needed, reducing unnecessary delays while maintaining safety
They are programmed to activate the No Right on Red feature when the pedestrian push button is pressed or by vehicle detection
When the No Right on Red feature is displayed, drivers must stop and wait until the light turns green before proceeding to turn right
Digital signs can display different messages, such as “DRIVE SAFE”, depending on the signal phase, activating the No Right on Red restriction only when required
Digital signs reduce right-turn collisions and increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Intersections considered for digital signs include current intersections with No Right on Red static signage, dual left-turn intersections, high pedestrian intersections and school zones
No Right on Red Locations
2026 Locations
| Municipality | Location | Sign type | Activation type |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Gwillimbury and Georgina | Woodbine Avenue and Ravenshoe Road | Digital sign | Activated during the northbound double left-turn signal |
| Markham | 16th at Markham Road | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Markham | 16th Avenue at Woodbine Avenue | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Markham | Highway 7 at Kennedy Road | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Markham | Highway 7 at McCowan Road | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Markham | Kennedy Road at Carlton Road | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Markham | Kennedy Road at The Bridle Trail | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Markham | McCowan Road at Carlton Road/Raymerville Drive | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
2027 Locations
| Municipality | Location | Sign type | Activation type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newmarket | Davis Drive and Parkside Drive/Longford Drive | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Richmond Hill | Major Mackenzie Drive and Bayview Avenue | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Richmond Hill | Yonge Street and Carrville Road/16th Avenue | Digital sign | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Richmond Hill and Vaughan | Bathurst Street and Carrville Road/Rutherford Road | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Vaughan | Bathurst Street and Clark Avenue | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Vaughan | Bathurst Street and Townsgate Drive | Digital sign | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Vaughan | Highway 7 and Martin Grove Road | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Vaughan | Highway 7 and Weston Road | Digital sign | Activated by pedestrian push button |
| Vaughan | Keele Street and Major Mackenzie Drive West | Digital sign | Activated by pedestrian push button |
2028 Locations
| Municipality | Location | Sign type | Activation type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newmarket | Davis Drive and Bathurst Street | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by vehicle detection |
| Markham | McCowan Road and Bullock Drive | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by vehicle detection |
| Markham | Warden Avenue and 14th Avenue/Alden Road | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by vehicle detection |
| Vaughan | Dufferin Street and Centre Street | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by vehicle detection |
| Vaughan | Highway 7 and Highway 27 | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by vehicle detection |
| Vaughan | Jane Street and Major Mackenzie Drive | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by vehicle detection |
| Vaughan | Keele Street and Rutherford Road | Digital sign; replacing static signs | Activated by vehicle detection |
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