Driving in Virginia requires a solid understanding of traffic laws to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. One of the most frequently misunderstood rules is the right turn on red, and with updates to traffic regulations in 2025, it’s more important than ever for drivers to know when and how to make these turns safely.
This guide breaks down Virginia’s right-of-way rules, focusing on the right turn on red and other key traffic regulations that keep the roads safe and efficient for everyone.
What Are Right of Way Rules?
The right of way refers to the priority given to a driver, pedestrian, or vehicle in specific traffic situations. These rules are not just a formality; they are designed to prevent accidents, minimize confusion, and make roadways safer for everyone.
Right-of-way rules apply to various situations, such as at intersections, when merging into traffic, or when dealing with pedestrians. Understanding these rules helps ensure smooth, predictable traffic flow and protects drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
Key Right of Way Rules in Virginia
Virginia law has specific rules that define who goes first in different driving situations. Here are the most important right-of-way rules to follow:
Uncontrolled Intersections
If two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. This helps prevent confusion and accidents in intersections without stop signs or signals.
Stop and Yield Signs Before Entering Highways
When approaching a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop and yield to traffic on the highway. At yield signs, slow down and proceed only when it’s safe to do so.
Roundabouts
In roundabouts, vehicles already circulating in the circle have the right of way. Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to traffic in the circle before proceeding.
Turning Left
When turning left at an intersection, you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Left turns are risky because they often involve crossing lanes of oncoming traffic, so caution is essential.
Merging from Private Roads or Driveways
If you’re entering a public road from a private road, alley, or driveway, you must stop and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Emergency Vehicles
When an emergency vehicle with flashing lights and sirens is approaching, you must pull over to the nearest edge of the road and stop. This ensures that the emergency vehicle can pass without obstruction.
Funeral Processions
Vehicles in funeral processions have the right of way, and other drivers must not cut through or interfere with the procession. Respecting funeral processions is an important part of adhering to Virginia’s traffic laws.
Pedestrian Crossings
Virginia law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians in the following cases:
Marked Crosswalks: Always yield to pedestrians crossing at marked crosswalks, whether midblock or at the end of a block.
Unmarked Crosswalks at Intersections: Yield to pedestrians crossing at unmarked intersections, which are considered extensions of sidewalks.
Low-Speed Intersections: At intersections with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, drivers must yield to pedestrians.
Right Turns on Red
Virginia law allows drivers to make a right turn on red unless there is a sign explicitly prohibiting it. However, before making a right turn on red, the driver must come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. It’s important to check both directions carefully and proceed cautiously to avoid accidents.
Unlawful Speed
Drivers who are speeding forfeit the right of way they would have had if they followed Virginia’s speed limits. Speeding not only increases the risk of accidents but also can result in penalties and fines. Always adhere to posted speed limits to ensure safety for everyone on the road.
Why Right of Way Rules Matter
Prevents Confusion and Promotes Safety
Right-of-way rules reduce confusion and establish clear expectations for drivers. When drivers understand who has priority in any given situation, it prevents misunderstandings that could lead to accidents. These rules are especially important at busy intersections and pedestrian crossings, where miscommunication can lead to collisions.
Reduces Traffic Violations and Legal Consequences
Failing to follow right-of-way rules can result in traffic violations. In Virginia, a citation for improper driving due to failure to yield can lead to fines, increased insurance premiums, and even points on your driving record. Adhering to right-of-way rules reduces the chances of receiving tickets and facing legal consequences.
Minimizes Liability in Accidents
Virginia follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if you are even slightly at fault in an accident, you may be unable to recover damages in a personal injury claim. By following right-of-way rules, you reduce your risk of being held partially responsible for an accident, which protects your legal and financial interests.
The Right Way to Make a Right Turn on Red in Virginia
To make a right turn on red in Virginia, follow these simple steps:
Come to a Complete Stop: Before turning, you must stop completely at the red light. This is important for safety and ensures that you have time to assess the situation.
Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield to any pedestrians who are crossing the street. Pedestrian safety is a top priority, and failing to yield can result in serious accidents.
Check for Oncoming Traffic: Look both ways to ensure that no vehicles are coming from either direction. If the way is clear, proceed with the right turn.
Proceed Cautiously: Even if the intersection is clear, always make your right turn cautiously, checking for any other vehicles or pedestrians who may have appeared unexpectedly.
By following these steps, you ensure that your right turn on red is made safely and in accordance with Virginia’s traffic laws.
