What Is the Right Turn on Red Rule?
The right turn on red rule allows drivers to turn right at a red traffic light after coming to a complete stop, provided there are no signs prohibiting such a turn. This rule is intended to improve traffic flow by letting vehicles move through intersections more efficiently while ensuring safety by requiring a full stop and yielding to pedestrians and other road users before turning.
Right Turn on Red in South Carolina
In South Carolina, the law permits drivers to turn right on red unless a specific sign explicitly prohibits it at an intersection. Drivers must first come to a full stop behind the stop line or crosswalk and look carefully for pedestrians and oncoming traffic. This rule is consistent with the general practice in most U.S. states, balancing traffic efficiency with safety precautions.
Important Exceptions and Safety Considerations
While right turns on red are widely allowed, there are important exceptions where the rule does not apply:
Intersections with “No Turn on Red” signage prohibit the maneuver.
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks and must not block crosswalks while waiting.
Drivers should be cautious about bicyclists and other vehicles sharing the intersection.
Failure to obey these rules can lead to accidents and legal liability. For example, making a right turn on red without yielding to pedestrians or other road users can result in serious injuries and legal consequences, including being found at fault in a collision.
Legal Consequences for Violations
Ignoring right turn on red rules in South Carolina can have significant legal consequences. If a driver makes an illegal or unsafe right turn on red that causes an accident, they may be held liable for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Courts typically consider such violations as negligence per se, meaning the driver automatically breaches their duty of care by breaking the traffic law.
Recent Updates and Related Traffic Law Changes
While the right turn on red rule remains largely unchanged in 2025, South Carolina has introduced other relevant traffic safety laws aimed at reducing distracted driving and pedestrian injuries. The new Hands-Free Driving Law that takes effect September 1, 2025, prohibits holding a mobile device while driving, emphasizing safer driving practices at intersections and elsewhere on the road.
What Drivers Should Keep in Mind
Always come to a complete stop before turning right on red.
Look carefully for pedestrians, cyclists, and other traffic.
Obey all posted signs that may prohibit a right turn on red.
Yield to all road users with the right-of-way, particularly pedestrians.
Stay alert to new laws like the Hands-Free Driving Act that promote safer driving habits.
Following these guidelines will help drivers comply with South Carolina traffic laws, reduce the risk of accidents, and contribute to safer roads for everyone.
South Carolina allows right turns on red in 2025 provided drivers come to a full stop, yield to pedestrians and vehicles, and observe prohibitive signage. Obeying these rules is critical for safety and legal compliance.
Recent traffic laws such as the Hands-Free Driving Act further support safer driving behaviors at intersections and statewide. Drivers should remain vigilant and informed to ensure smooth and safe navigation through intersections while respecting the right turn on red regulations.
Sources
(https://www.scinjuryattorney.com/right-on-red-sc/)
(https://www.jebailylaw.com/blog/right-on-red-sc/)
(https://www.johnsonlawyers.com/posts/should-right-on-red-be-banned)
(https://economictimes.com/news/international/us/south-carolina-hands-free-driving-law-new-driving-rule-could-cost-you-big-what-every-american-motorist-must-know-before-september-1/articleshow/123147524.cms)
(https://www.steinberglawfirm.com/blog/south-carolinas-hands-free-driving-act-what-you-need-to-know/)
