As of 2025, Virginia drivers can make a right turn at a red light unless a sign is posted specifically prohibiting such turns. This rule has been in effect in Virginia for over 20 years. However, to execute a right turn on red legally and safely, drivers must adhere to specific requirements.
Key Aspects of Virginia’s Right Turn on Red Rule:
- Full Stop Required: Before turning right on red, drivers must come to a complete stop.
- Yield the Right-of-Way: Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in adjacent crosswalks and to other traffic using the intersection.
- Obey Posted Signs: Turns on red are not permitted where signs prohibit them.
Right Turn on Red and Automated Enforcement:
Norfolk, Virginia, utilizes automated enforcement systems to monitor and capture violations of the right turn on red law, especially at intersections with a history of accidents or red-light running. The city has installed “STOP HERE ON RED” and “PHOTO ENFORCED” signs at camera-enforced intersections to provide additional warnings.
DC’s Ban on Right Turns on Red:
It’s important to note that while right turns on red are generally permitted in Virginia, the District of Columbia (D.C.) has implemented a ban on right turns at red lights, which took effect on January 1, 2025. However, enforcement of this ban in D.C. may be delayed due to a lack of funding for new signage.
Comparison to Left Turn on Red:
In countries that drive on the right side of the road, the right turn on red is the simplest version of “turn on red”. A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street in some jurisdictions.
Other New Virginia Traffic Laws in 2025:
- Increased Insurance Minimums: The minimum coverage amounts for car insurance increased in January 2025. The new minimums are $50,000 for bodily injury coverage per person, $100,000 for bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 for property damage coverage.
- Reckless Driving: Driving over 85 mph is considered reckless driving, regardless of the posted speed limit.
- Minimum Wage Increase: The minimum wage in Virginia increased to $12.41 per hour, effective January 1, 2025.
Sources:
[1] https://virginiatrafficlawyer.net/understanding-virginias-reckless-driving-laws-in-2025/
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
[3] https://wjla.com/news/local/dmv-new-laws-dc-maryland-virginia-2025-take-effect-wages-driving-finances-legislation-red-light-fines-car-insurance-road-worker-act-health-care-housing-programs-minimum-wage-businesses-residents
