Virginia Traffic Rule 2025 Update: Understanding the Right Turn on Red Rule

Virginia Traffic Rule 2025 Update Understanding the Right Turn on Red Rule

As of January 2025, there have been no significant updates to Virginia’s traffic rules regarding right turns on red lights. The existing law in Virginia, as outlined in § 46.2-835 of the Virginia Code, remains in effect. Here’s a detailed explanation of the current right turn on red rule in Virginia:

Right Turn on Red in Virginia

General Rule

In Virginia, motorists are permitted to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a full stop, unless explicitly prohibited by a traffic control device. This rule applies to steady red circular signals.

Key Points

  • Drivers must come to a complete stop before making the turn.
  • The turn should be made cautiously, entering the intersection with care.
  • Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in adjacent crosswalks and other traffic using the intersection.

Exceptions

  1. Prohibited Turns: Right turns on red are not allowed if there is a traffic control device (sign) specifically prohibiting such turns.
  2. Red Arrow Signals: When facing a steady red arrow, vehicles must remain stopped until a signal to proceed is shown, unless a traffic control device permits turns on a steady red.

Additional Traffic Light Rules in Virginia

While not directly related to right turns on red, it’s important to understand other traffic light signals in Virginia:

  • Steady Red: Indicates that moving traffic must stop and remain stopped.
  • Green: Allows traffic to move in the signal’s direction, yielding to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.
  • Steady Amber: Warns of an impending change in traffic direction. Vehicles should stop if it’s not safe to continue.
  • Flashing Circular Red: Requires traffic to stop before entering an intersection and yield to traffic already in the intersection.

Special Provisions for Motorcycles, Mopeds, and Bicycles

Virginia law includes a unique provision for motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles at red lights:

  • These vehicles may proceed through a steady red light if:
    1. They come to a full stop for two complete light cycles or two minutes (whichever is shorter).
    2. Exercise due care and treat the light as a stop sign.
    3. Determine it’s safe to proceed.
    4. Yield right-of-way to approaching vehicles.

It’s crucial for all drivers to stay informed about traffic laws and practice safe driving habits, especially when making turns at intersections.

Sources

  1. https://www.tthlaw.com/d-c-passes-bill-banning-right-turns-at-red-lights-and-implements-the-idaho-stop-for-cyclists/
  2. https://wjla.com/news/local/dmv-new-laws-2025-washington-dc-bans-right-turns-at-red-lights-ddot-drivers-january-1-council-transportation-traffic-signage-public-education-campaign-cars-vehicles-police-accidents-crashed-pedestrian-cross-walks-tickets-fines
  3. https://wtop.com/local/2024/12/new-laws-going-into-effect-across-dc-maryland-and-virginia-on-jan-1-2025/
  4. https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Transportation/Vision-Zero/Tools-and-Guidelines/Multimodal-Safety-Engineering-Toolbox-Web-Format/No-Right-Turn-on-Red