MCDOT installs “No Turn on Red” signs at several intersections in Montgomery Village

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) began installing “No Turn on Red” signs at designated intersections over the summer and has recently completed installation at downtown and town center locations around the county. The 200-plus installations are the result of the No Right on Red Law that went into effect on July 1.

The no-right-on-red measure was passed as part of the Safe Streets Act of 2023 (Bill 11-23) to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety on Montgomery County roadways. Drivers who violate the ban on right turns at red lights may face a $90 fine and 1 point on their driver’s license, consistent with other locations within the State In Maryland. A right turn on red is allowed unless there is a sign explicitly prohibiting it.

In Montgomery Village, signs were installed at intersections around the Village Center:

• Montgomery Village Avenue and Centerway Road
• Montgomery Village Avenue and Club House Road
• Clubhouse Road and Watkins Mill Road

In an official Press Release last week, County Executive Marc Elrich said, “With the Safe Streets Act, we are taking action to ensure our streets are safe for pedestrians and cyclists when going to school, to work, or while enjoying our downtown areas. I was pleased to sign into law this bill, which was passed unanimously by County Council.”

The Safe Streets Act also includes provisions enhancing walk times at crosswalks and requiring infrastructure reviews following incidents in school zones, walksheds and bus stops. It also aims to support the county’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating serious and fatal crashes by addressing specific transportation initiatives.

“Too many residents are being injured while lawfully crossing the street, with nearly 60% of all pedestrian- and cyclist-involved crashes occurring at intersections,” said Councilmember Evan Glass, Chair of the Transportation and Environment Committee. “We have a responsibility to make our road areas safe for all users.”

Residents are reminded to look for these new signs all around Montgomery County, especially those around the Village Center and Montgomery Village Middle School.