As of 2025, South Carolina traffic law permits drivers to make a right turn on a red light after coming to a complete stop, provided there is no posted sign explicitly prohibiting the turn. The driver must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians within or adjacent to the crosswalk and to other vehicles lawfully using the intersection.
Key points about the updated right turn on red rule in South Carolina include:
Drivers must stop fully behind the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection before turning right on red.
The turn can only proceed when the way is clear of pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles.
If a “No Turn on Red” sign is present, the driver must wait until the light turns green.
Yielding to pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk is mandatory.
Violating these rules can lead to liability in case of an accident, as improper right turns on red may be considered negligent driving.
This rule aims to balance traffic flow efficiency with pedestrian and road user safety. While right turns on red are generally allowed in South Carolina, caution is emphasized to prevent accidents involving pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
At the same time, some localities or specific intersections may impose restrictions, so drivers should always watch for signs that could prohibit right turns on red. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety continues to stress the importance of stopping fully and yielding the right-of-way before making such turns.
There is currently no statewide ban on right turns on red, although discussion continues nationally and regionally about their safety impact, particularly regarding pedestrian risks. South Carolina’s 2025 traffic rules maintain the traditional approach, allowing right turns on red with appropriate stops and yielding requirements.
In summary, the South Carolina 2025 update on the right turn on red rule reaffirms that turning right on red is allowed after a complete stop and yielding to others unless specifically prohibited by signage. Drivers should remain vigilant and follow these rules closely to avoid accidents and legal consequences.
This information is consistent with South Carolina state law Section 56-5-970 and recent legal analysis as of mid-2025.
Sources
[1] https://www.gofoothills.com/2025/06/04/north-carolina-new-rule-on-right-turns-at-red-lights-everything-drivers-need-to-know/
[2] https://www.jebailylaw.com/blog/right-on-red-sc/
[3] https://www.johnsonlawyers.com/posts/should-right-on-red-be-banned
[4] https://www.scinjuryattorney.com/right-on-red-sc/
[5] https://drifttravel.com/a-guide-to-north-carolinas-right-turn-on-red-law/
