Virginia’s familiar “right turn on red” rule—a staple of everyday driving—has received notable updates in 2025 to address growing traffic and pedestrian safety concerns. Whether you’re a resident, commuter, or just passing through, it’s important to know how these changes affect what you can and can’t do at intersections across the Commonwealth.
The Traditional Rule: What Remains the Same
At its core, Virginia law continues to permit drivers to turn right at a red light after coming to a full and complete stop at the intersection’s stop line or before entering the crosswalk. Once stopped, a right turn is only allowed if:
A rolling stop (not coming to a complete stop) remains illegal and is regularly enforced.
Major 2025 Updates: What’s New This Year
1. Localized Bans and Increased Signage
Expect to see more intersections, especially in urban and high-foot-traffic areas (like Alexandria, Arlington, Richmond, and Fairfax County), with new and larger “No Turn on Red” signs.
Some of these signs may include flashing signals for better visibility during heavily trafficked times or near schools.
2. Automated Enforcement
3. Higher Fines and Stricter Penalties
4. Red Arrow Clarification
Why These Updates?
The updated law is backed by studies showing a rise in pedestrian injuries and fatalities in Virginia, often linked to right-turn-on-red incidents where drivers didn’t fully stop or failed to check for crossing pedestrians. The push for better signage, visibility, and compliance aims to reduce these accidents and save lives, particularly in city centers, school zones, and busy crosswalks.
What Should Drivers Do?
ALWAYS stop fully before turning right on red.
Look carefully for pedestrians, cyclists, and oncoming traffic.
Obey all “No Turn on Red” and red arrow signals—even at intersections where you previously turned.
Be especially vigilant in school zones and dense urban areas.
Anticipate possible delays at major intersections and don’t rely solely on GPS navigation, which may not be updated with all new restrictions.
Virginia’s 2025 traffic rule changes signal a commitment to safer, more pedestrian-friendly streets. The right turn on red remains legal in many places but with increased restrictions, enforcement, and penalties—especially in urban corridors and around vulnerable road users.
Failing to comply can now easily result in a camera ticket or a costly fine, so when in doubt: stop, yield, and check for updated signs before making that familiar right turn.
Sources
[1] https://keeferlaw.org/2025-virginia-traffic-rule-update/
[2] https://virginiabeach.legalexaminer.com/legal/can-turning-right-on-red-lead-to-a-serious-accident/
[3] https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-835/
[4] https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Transportation/Vision-Zero/Action/Tools-and-Guidelines/Tools/No-Right-Turn-on-Red
[5] https://www.nnins.com/blog/4-important-new-2025-laws-for-virginia-drivers
