The Dangers of Running Red Lights In Arizona

 Running Red Lights

In 2023, more than 1,000 people nationwide lost their lives because someone ran a red light. Thousands more were left injured, families disrupted, and communities shaken.

Here in Arizona, red-light running isn’t just a statistic — it’s one of the leading causes of deadly intersection crashes. Phoenix consistently ranks among the nation’s worst cities for red-light fatalities, and Tucson has also seen tragic outcomes at busy intersections like Golf Links & Kolb and Grant & Swan. Too many Arizona families are left wondering why their loved one didn’t make it home.

What’s Driving the Problem in Arizona

Nationally, red-light running has become a growing crisis. Between 2018 and 2022, traffic deaths tied to red-light violations jumped by nearly 50%, from 856 fatalities in 2019 to 1,272 in 2022. Pedestrians and bicyclists have been especially vulnerable, with fatalities climbing from 57 deaths in 2018 to 84 deaths in 2022, according to NHTSA data.

Arizona ranks among the top 10 states in the U.S. for red-light crash deaths, with Phoenix consistently listed as one of the most dangerous cities for these crashes. State data shows 43 cases of disregarding traffic signals in recent crash reports. While that’s only 1.3% of all violations, it accounted for 1.5% of fatal motorcycle crashes, showing how deadly a single lapse at a red light can be.

So what’s fueling this rise? Research and state crash data point to familiar but dangerous patterns:

  • Speeding & Aggressive Driving — Arizona’s wide, high-speed arterials, especially in Phoenix and Tucson, tempt drivers to “beat the light.”
  • Distraction — Phones, GPS, and multitasking contribute to missed signals and split-second mistakes.
  • Alcohol & Impairment — National studies show nighttime red-light runners are far more likely to be impaired.
  • Driver Profile — Offenders are disproportionately younger, male, and more likely to have prior moving violations or license suspensions.

These aren’t harmless “oops” moments. They are risky, repeated behaviors that place everyone on Arizona’s roads at risk.

What Counts as Running a Red Light in Arizona

Arizona law is clear, and knowing the details can help you avoid risks and protect your rights.

Entering the Intersection After Red

If the traffic signal turns red before your vehicle fully enters the intersection or crosswalk, it’s considered a legal violation. Courts typically agree that if your vehicle was already past the stop line or inside when the signal changed. That’s not running the light, but creeping past after the turn begins is considered a violation.

Right on Red? Yes—With Conditions

Arizona Revised Statutes § 28‑645 allows drivers to turn right on red after:

  • Coming to a full stop at the marked limit line or crosswalk (or the intersection entrance if none exist),
  • Yielding to both pedestrians and other traffic,
  • Ensuring there’s no “No Turn on Red” sign at the intersection

Left on Red? Only in Very Limited Cases

Turning left on red is legal in Arizona only when:

  • You’re turning from a one-way street onto another one-way street, and
  • You make a complete stop, then yield to any pedestrians and incoming traffic before proceeding, unless a sign prohibits the turn.

A steady yellow light means “prepare to stop,” not “you must stop.” It’s still legal to enter the intersection as long as you clear it before the light turns red. The danger comes when drivers try to “beat the yellow” and end up inside when the light changes, and this is often where serious crashes occur drivinglaws.org.

These rules can feel nuanced, but they’re not about tricking drivers. They’re about safety.

The Consequences of Running Red Lights in Arizona

In Arizona, the consequences of running a red light go far beyond a traffic ticket. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-645, drivers are required to obey all traffic control signals.

  • If it’s your first violation: Running a red light can result in a civil traffic citation, fines that typically range from $250–$500, and two points added to your driving record. Those points can increase your insurance premiums, and repeat offenses may lead to license suspension.
  • If you run a red light and cause an accident: The penalties are much more severe. Beyond the citation and fines, you may be held civilly liable for the injuries, property damage, and financial losses suffered by the victims. In serious cases involving reckless driving or impairment, you could also face criminal charges.

And the consequences don’t end with the law. Red-light collisions are often high-speed, side-impact (T-bone) crashes, which are among the most dangerous types of collisions. Victims may suffer catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or permanent disability. For the driver at fault, the fallout includes financial responsibility, legal liability, and the lasting knowledge that a reckless decision caused serious harm to another person or family.

How Running a Red Light Impacts Liability and Your Claim in Arizona

When a driver runs a red light and causes a crash, it doesn’t just put lives at risk; it also has major consequences for how fault and compensation are determined.

Clear Liability

Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-645, drivers must obey traffic control signals. Running a red light is a clear violation, which means the red-light runner is usually considered at fault for the crash.

Comparative Negligence

Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence system. Even if the other driver ran the red light, insurance companies may still try to argue you share some fault, for example, if you were speeding or distracted. Any percentage of fault assigned to you can reduce your compensation.

Impact on Your Claim

If you’re injured by a red-light runner, your claim may include:

  • Medical expenses (emergency care, rehab, long-term treatment)
  • Lost wages and reduced earning ability
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)

Because running a red light is a serious and preventable violation, juries and insurers often view these cases strongly in favor of the victim, especially with clear evidence like police reports, witness statements, or traffic camera footage.

  • Insurance pushback — Adjusters may minimize injuries or shift blame.
  • Evidence matters — Photos, video, and medical records strengthen your case.
  • Punitive damages — If the driver was reckless (like speeding excessively or driving impaired), additional damages may apply.

If another driver ran a red light and injured you, they are very likely liable. But don’t assume insurance will make it simple.

Tips for Arizona Drivers

You can’t control other drivers, but you can reduce your own risk:

  • Don’t race the yellow. Slow down instead of speeding up.
  • Full stop on right turns. Yield to pedestrians and cross-traffic.
  • Look both ways when your light turns green — assume someone may still be entering against red.
  • Stay alert. Phones down, eyes up.

Running red lights isn’t just a traffic violation, it’s one of the deadliest driving behaviors on Arizona roads. Whether it’s a distracted driver racing through a yellow or someone blatantly ignoring a red signal, the results are often devastating: serious injuries, financial strain, and families left trying to pick up the pieces.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a red-light crash, know that you don’t have to go through this alone. Our car accident team can help you gather evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

We have extensive experience handling accident cases across Arizona. Our attorneys know how to challenge insurance companies, build strong claims, and pursue the maximum recovery available. Most importantly, we stand with Arizona families—making sure you receive the medical care, financial support, and justice you need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

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