In Vermont, the right turn on red rule remains in effect for 2024, allowing drivers to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign specifically prohibits it. This rule is consistent with the general practice across most U.S. states, where right turns on red are permitted to help improve traffic flow, provided the intersection is clear and the maneuver can be made safely.
Key points of the Vermont right turn on red rule:
Complete Stop Required: Before making a right turn on red, you must come to a full stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection, as required by Vermont law.
Check for Prohibitions: Look for any posted signs or a red right arrow signal. If there is a sign that says “No Turn on Red” or a red right arrow is illuminated, you are not allowed to turn right on red at that intersection.
Yielding: Even when a right turn on red is allowed, you must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to all other vehicles that have the right of way.
Red Arrow Exception: If the traffic signal displays a red right arrow, turning right on red is prohibited unless a sign specifically allows it. A solid red circle allows a right turn after stopping, but a red arrow does not, unless otherwise indicated.
Left Turn on Red: Vermont also allows a left turn on red, but only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a complete stop and if no sign prohibits it.
Penalties:
Violating the right turn on red rule—such as failing to stop, turning where prohibited, or failing to yield—can result in a fine (typically around $220 for a red light violation) and two demerit points on your driving record. Accumulating too many points may lead to license suspension, and more serious consequences can apply if a violation results in an accident or injury.
Vermont law in 2024 allows right turns on red after a full stop, unless a sign or a red right arrow prohibits it. Always yield to pedestrians and other vehicles before turning, and be aware of any intersection-specific restrictions.
Sources
[1] https://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/vermont-red-light-stop-sign-tickets.html
[2] https://law.justia.com/codes/vermont/title-23/chapter-13/section-1022/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/burlington/comments/1kunhgl/right_on_red_or_no/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turn_on_red
[5] https://mywaynecountynow.com/alaska-traffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule-2/
