Atlanta bans right turns on red to protect World Cup pedestrian crowds this summer

Atlanta has rolled out ‘No Turn on Red’ signs across key downtown and Midtown intersections in the weeks leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as city officials move to cut pedestrian casualties and manage the surge of international visitors expected this summer.

The measure draws on sobering local data: between 2013 and 2022, drivers turning right at red lights were linked to 27 crashes that resulted in death or severe injury, according to figures obtained by CBS News. Violations of the new rule carry fines of up to $265.

The underlying city ordinance was passed more than a year ago, so the ban was not created specifically for the World Cup. But Councilmember Michael Julian Bond acknowledged the timing is significant, particularly for international fans unfamiliar with the American practice of allowing right turns at red lights. “We’re going to have a tremendous amount of pedestrian traffic because of the World Cup,” Bond said, adding that the new rules could “absolutely” save lives.

Pedestrian advocates have welcomed the change as a long-overdue improvement to everyday safety, not just a tournament-period fix. Dan Hourigan of the Midtown Alliance said the rule gives residents and visitors alike the freedom to walk, cycle, and ride scooters without constant fear of being struck by a turning vehicle. “This is what people want. They want to be able to walk, scoot, bike in midtown without fear of getting hit by a car,” Hourigan said, adding that the benefit extends well beyond the weeks when hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on the city.

Local residents have also responded positively. Midtown resident Steven Dravo told Fox 5 that roads in the area have grown noticeably busier and that drivers are increasingly failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. “With the number of people coming into midtown and downtown, it’s a good thing all around,” he said.

The exact number of intersections that have received the new signage has not been confirmed by city officials, with installations having taken place gradually over the past year.