If you’ve ever sat at a red light, you might be tempted to turn. When can you turn right on a red light? In West Virginia, there are rules around turning right on red, but there are a few key exceptions you will want to keep in mind.
Here is what you need to know about the basics of right-on-red laws in West Virginia so you can stay safe and avoid a car accident.
Turning Right on Red Is Legal in Most Cases
In West Virginia, you are allowed to turn right at a red light, but you need to come to a complete stop first and make sure the way is clear. You also need to make sure there is no sign prohibiting right turns.
So, when is turning right on red not allowed? There are certain situations when that right turn is not legal.
These include:
Signs That Prohibit It
You cannot make a turn if there’s a “No Turn on Red” sign. You have to wait for the green light. These signs are posted in busy intersections or areas with lots of foot traffic.
Red Arrow Lights
Right turns are not allowed if you see a red arrow pointing right instead of a regular red light. A red arrow means no right turn until it turns green, even if the road looks empty.
Pedestrians in the Crosswalk
In any situation, you must yield to pedestrians. If someone is crossing the street where you plan to turn, you must wait until they have safely crossed. Rushing a right turn and cutting off a pedestrian is dangerous and illegal.
What Happens If You Turn Right on Red When You Shouldn’t?
If you make a right turn on red when it’s not allowed, that is a traffic violation. You could face:
- A traffic ticket and a fine
- Points on your driving record
- Higher insurance premiums
- Liability in the event of a crash
Even if it feels like “just a quick turn,” the risks can add up quickly. And if someone gets hurt, you could be responsible for paying their hospital bills, property damage claims, and other losses. When in doubt, you should always wait it out.
Who Is at Fault in a Crash Caused by an Illegal Right Turn?
If someone makes an illegal right turn on red and causes a crash, chances are they will be held responsible. Why? Because they did not follow the rules of the road. You are putting everyone else in harm’s way when you violate traffic laws.
Here are a few common situations where this happens:
- A driver turns right on red straight into the path of another car with the right of way.
- A pedestrian or cyclist is already in the crosswalk, but the turning driver either doesn’t see them or waits.
- A vehicle stops too abruptly or hesitates during a poorly timed turn, triggering a rear-end collision.
In these types of accidents, the driver who made the illegal or unsafe turn is usually the one found at fault.
Not only are they breaking the law, but they are also failing to drive with the caution and awareness the law requires.
How Fault Impacts Insurance and Compensation
West Virginia uses a modified comparative fault system. This means the fault is shared when appropriate, directly affecting who can collect damages and how much. If a driver is more than 50% to blame, they cannot recover any damages from the other party.
However, both drivers share fault; the percentage of responsibility reduces any compensation.
What does that mean for you? Fault matters in any car accident case.
Proving the Right Turn Was Illegal
If you are in the position of having to prove someone else made an illegal turn, evidence is your best friend.
You may need:
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage showing the turn happened on red or without a stop.
- Witnesses who saw what happened and can back up your story.
- Police reports that document the scene, statements, and any citations issued.
- Photos or physical evidence that show damage or signs that the driver ignored.
The more details you can gather, the better. Even small things can make a big difference when it comes to proving who was really at fault.
Yes, you can turn right on red in West Virginia. But you need to follow the rules.
If you’ve been injured in a right-on-red crash, you have options. Reach out to Forbes Law Offices for a consultation.
