Under West Virginia law, the right turn on red rule is governed by state statute and local ordinances, with no sweeping changes for 2025 reported as of now. Here’s how the rule currently stands:
Statewide Rule
- Right Turn on Red:
- After coming to a full stop, drivers are permitted to make a right turn at a red light unless a sign specifically prohibits it.
- Drivers must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians lawfully within the crosswalk and to any other vehicles already in the intersection.
- Left Turn on Red:
- On a one-way street turning onto another one-way street, after a full stop, drivers may cautiously make a left turn on red, unless a sign prohibits it.
- As with right turns, drivers must yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
- Yellow and Red Light Rules:
- If the light turns red while you are in the intersection, you must stop before entering or crossing.
- If you are stopped at a red light, you may turn right (or left, as above) after stopping, unless a sign says otherwise.
Local Restrictions
- Municipal Ordinances:
- Local authorities in West Virginia may ban right (or left) turns on red at certain intersections by ordinance.
- Such restrictions are effective only if a sign is posted at the intersection making the prohibition clear to drivers.
- For example, cities like Clarksburg have specific intersections where right turns on red are not allowed. These locations are marked with signs.
Summary Table
| Situation | Right Turn on Red Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No sign, after full stop | Yes | Must yield to pedestrians and other traffic |
| “No Turn on Red” sign posted | No | Must wait for green |
| Left turn on red from one-way to one-way street | Yes (if no sign) | Must stop and yield to pedestrians and other traffic |
| Intersections with local ordinance | No (if signed) | Check for posted signs at the intersection |
Key Takeaways
- Right turn on red is allowed in West Virginia after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it.
- You must yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
- Left turn on red from one-way to one-way is allowed, unless prohibited by a sign.
- Local ordinances can restrict right or left turns on red at specific intersections; these are always posted with signs.
- There are no major statewide changes to these rules for 2025.
Always watch for posted signs at intersections and prioritize pedestrian safety when making turns on red.
Sources
[1] https://code.wvlegislature.gov/17C-3-5/
[2] https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/clarksburg/latest/clarksburg_wv/0-0-0-23172
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/nova/comments/1cqhmcl/did_va_law_change_in_regards_to_making_a_right/
[4] https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-835/
[5] https://mywaynecountynow.com/delaware-right-turn-on-red-rule-explained-2025-latest-traffic-law-changes/
