Thedailymiaminews– The rules of the road in Virginia that govern making right turns on red lights have not undergone any substantial revisions as of January 2025. The statute that is currently in effect in Virginia, which is described in section 46.2-835 of the Virginia Code, continues to be in effect. A comprehensive description of the right turn on red rule that is now in effect in Virginia is as follows:
Turn right on red in the state of Virginia
Rules in General
It is legal for drivers in the state of Virginia to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless the action is expressly banned by a traffic control device. This regulation applies to circular signals that are red and steady.
The Most Important Points
Before making the turn, drivers are required to immediately come to a complete stop.
The turn ought to be executed with caution, and the intersection ought to be approached with caution.
The right-of-way must be given to pedestrians who are crossing the street near to the intersection as well as to other vehicles that are using the intersection.
Exceptions to the rule
Right turns on red are not permitted if there is a traffic control device (sign) that expressly prohibits such turns. This is because right turns on red are considered to be prohibited.
Red Arrow Signals: Vehicles are required to remain stopped until a signal to progress is displayed when they are facing a steady red arrow, unless a traffic control device allows turns on a steady red.
Virginia’s Additional Regulations Regarding Traffic Lights
It is essential to have a solid understanding of the following traffic light signals in Virginia, even though they are not directly connected to making right turns on red:
- Steady Red: This signal indicates that moving traffic must come to a complete stop and stays there.
- When the signal is green, allowing traffic to move in the direction of the light while yielding to pedestrians and vehicles that are already present at the intersection.
- Steady Amber: Alerts drivers that there will soon be a shift in the direction that traffic is moving. Vehicles should come to a complete stop if it is not safe to proceed.
- Flashing Circular Red: Traffic must come to a complete stop before entering a junction and must yield to vehicles that are already present at the intersection when the flashing circular red signal is out.
Provisions that are made specifically for bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles
The state of Virginia has a special rule that applies to motorbikes, mopeds, and bicycles when they are stopped at red lights:
- The following conditions must be met for these vehicles to be allowed to drive through a steady red light:
- They must come to a complete stop for two full light cycles or two minutes, whichever is shorter.
- Make sure to use caution and treat the light as if it were a stop sign.
- Determine that it is safe to move forward.
- Allow vehicles that are approaching to have the right of way.
It is essential for all drivers to maintain a level of awareness regarding traffic regulations and to engage in safe driving practices, particularly when turning at crossroads.