Alexandria, VA asked in Gov & Administrative Law and Traffic Tickets for Virginia

Q: I am a little confused after reading some virginia codes. Are you allowed to make a right turn on red?

After coming to a complete stop, there is no "no right on red" sign. Just a red light that as the right turn arrows, but the red light is a steady red not a red arrow.

1 Lawyer Answer
Gary D. Godman
Gary D. Godman
Answered
  • Stafford, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: Virginia Code 46.2-835 says: "Notwithstanding the provisions of § 46.2-833, except where a traffic control device is placed prohibiting turns on steady red, vehicular traffic facing a steady red circular signal, after coming to a full stop, may cautiously enter the intersection and make a right turn." So in the intersection you describe, if it is a red circle and there is no sign prohibiting right turns on red, it would be permissible to turn on red.

Interestingly, the same code section DISALLOWS right turns on a red ARROW unless a sign allows it.

Remember to yield to pedestrians when turning!

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