In Virginia, as in most states, drivers may generally make a right turn on a steady red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign such as “No Turn on Red” prohibits it. The rule keeps traffic moving, but it also creates real risk. A distracted or rushed driver can easily fail to yield to a pedestrian or cyclist and cause a serious crash, especially at busy urban intersections. We frequently represent people injured in exactly these situations, and a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our firm has represented injured clients throughout Virginia and North Carolina since 1985, and we handle injury cases exclusively. Learn more about our background at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. Here is what Virginia law requires and how these crashes happen.
What Virginia Law Says About Right Turns on Red
Virginia permits right turns on red only under specific conditions. Under Virginia Code § 46.2-835, a vehicle facing a steady red circular signal may, after coming to a full stop, cautiously enter the intersection and make a right turn, unless a sign prohibits it. A steady red arrow works the opposite way: a driver facing one must remain stopped and may not turn unless a sign specifically permits it.
A rolling stop is illegal and one of the most common reasons these turns go wrong.
Once stopped, a driver must yield the right-of-way to everyone else using the intersection. That includes pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk, cyclists crossing or approaching the intersection, and oncoming vehicles already in the intersection or otherwise entitled to proceed. Vehicles approaching from the left or making a U-turn may also have the right-of-way.
A driver must also have a clear, safe path to complete the turn, which means accounting for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The turn has to be made into the lane closest to the right curb. Swerving into another lane immediately after turning is prohibited because it causes crashes. Drivers must wait until it is safe and legal to change lanes.
When a Right Turn on Red Is Prohibited
A right turn on red is barred whenever a sign expressly prohibits it. A posted “No Turn on Red” sign overrides the general rule, so watch for one at every intersection. The less common steady red arrow also prohibits the turn unless a sign specifically allows it.
Certain intersections are more likely to have restrictions, especially those with high crash rates or complex lane configurations. School zones may prohibit right turns on red during designated hours to protect students. When an arrow signal is about to change, drivers should be prepared to stop completely rather than slip through.
A driver who breaks these rules can receive a traffic citation with a fine and court costs, and, in some cases, demerit points on their record. More significantly, a driver who causes an injury by turning right on red illegally can face civil liability for the victim’s damages.
Common Causes of Right-Turn-on-Red Crashes
A handful of factors recur in these cases. Understanding them helps explain how courts establish liability.
Failure to yield is the leading cause of injury crashes here. A classic example is a driver at a busy downtown intersection who looks left for oncoming cars but never checks the crosswalk to the right, then pulls forward and strikes a pedestrian who had the walk signal.
Inattention and distraction are close behind. A driver glancing down at a text message while rolling into the turn may never see the cyclist crossing in front of them, and that driver can be held liable for the resulting injuries.
Incomplete stops compound the danger. A driver who slows but never fully stops has less time to spot a hazard and can easily miss an approaching vehicle. Visibility problems make everything worse, since parked vehicles, poor lighting, heavy rain, or a blind corner can hide a pedestrian or cyclist until it is too late. A driver who turns anyway despite a blocked view, say, around a large delivery van parked near the corner, can be held responsible for the collision.
Rounding out the list are misjudging the speed or distance of approaching traffic, and simply ignoring a posted “No Turn on Red” sign. In each case, the driver’s decision to turn when it wasn't safe or legal creates liability.
How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help
If you were injured in a right-turn-on-red crash, the key to recovering fair compensation is proving the other driver turned when it was unsafe or unlawful. Our team investigates the crash, gathers the physical evidence and witness accounts, and works to protect your rights against an insurer looking to minimize your claim.
We did exactly that for a teenage pedestrian struck by a car while crossing Virginia Beach Boulevard, securing a $100,000 settlement for him and his godmother. Results depend on the specific facts of each case, but an outcome like that reflects the care we bring to proving fault and documenting a client’s injuries.
Injured in a Right-Turn-on-Red Crash? Contact Us Today
If you were injured in a right-turn-on-red accident, a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can review what happened, determine who is responsible, and pursue the full compensation you deserve. Contact us at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation with one of our dedicated Virginia Beach car accident lawyers. We have offices in Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you and your family.
