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

As of 2025, Virginia law continues to allow right turns on red after a complete stop, unless specifically prohibited by signage or a red arrow. There have been no major statewide changes to this rule for 2025. Here are the key details:

• Right Turn on Red (Steady Red Light):
  • You may turn right at a steady red circular signal after coming to a full stop, unless a sign at the intersection prohibits it.
  • Before turning, you must yield to all pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk and to any other vehicles already in the intersection.
• Red Arrow:
  • If the traffic signal shows a steady red arrow pointing right, you must remain stopped and cannot turn until a signal to proceed is shown-even if there is no posted sign permitting the turn13.
• Signage:
  • If a sign states “No Turn on Red,” you are prohibited from making a right turn at the red light at that intersection13.

How Does This Compare to DC and Maryland?

• Washington, D.C.: Beginning January 1, 2025, DC is implementing a broader ban on right turns on red at many intersections, but enforcement will focus on locations with posted signs25711.
• Maryland: Right turns on red are still generally allowed unless prohibited by signage35.

Summary Table: Virginia Right Turn on Red (2025)

Signal/Sign Condition	Can You Turn Right on Red?	Requirements
Steady red circular signal	Yes	Full stop, yield to pedestrians and traffic19
Steady red arrow	No	Must remain stopped13
“No Turn on Red” sign	No	Must remain stopped13

Key Takeaways

• Virginia’s right turn on red rule remains unchanged for 2025.
• Always come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and cross-traffic before turning.
• Do not turn right on a red arrow or where signs prohibit it.
• The law is more permissive than in DC, where right turns on red are being restricted at many intersections.

In Virginia for 2025, you may turn right on red after stopping, unless a sign or a red arrow prohibits it, and you must always yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.

Sources

[1] https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-835/
[2] https://wtop.com/local/2024/12/new-laws-going-into-effect-across-dc-maryland-and-virginia-on-jan-1-2025/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1cqhmcl/did_va_law_change_in_regards_to_making_a_right/
[4] https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title46.2/chapter8/article3/
[5] https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3272368/new-laws-take-effect-virginia-maryland-dc-2025/