West Virginia New Rule on Right Turns at Red Lights: Everything Drivers Need to Know

West Virginia has updated its regulations regarding right turns at red lights, clarifying driver responsibilities and potential penalties. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what drivers in the state need to know about the new rule and how it affects everyday driving.

Overview of the New Rule

West Virginia law allows drivers to make a right turn at a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless there is a posted sign prohibiting such a turn at that specific intersection. This rule aligns with traffic safety standards across the United States, but the state has reinforced certain requirements and penalties to ensure compliance and safety.

Key Provisions of the Right Turn on Red Rule

• Complete Stop Required: Before making a right turn at a red light, drivers must come to a complete stop as close as practicable to the crosswalk or intersection entrance.
• Right-of-Way: Drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully within the crosswalk and to any vehicles already in the intersection or approaching closely enough to constitute a hazard.
• Local Restrictions: Local authorities can prohibit right turns on red at specific intersections. These prohibitions are effective only when a sign is posted at the intersection indicating “No Turn on Red”.
• Proper Lane Position: The approach for a right turn and the turn itself must be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
• Signal Use: Drivers are required to signal their intention to turn right continuously for at least the last 100 feet before the turn.

Penalties for Violations

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West Virginia imposes penalties for failing to comply with right turn on red rules:

• First Offense: Fine up to $100.
• Second Offense (within one year): Fine up to $200.
• Third or Subsequent Offense: Fine up to $500.

These penalties apply to violations such as failing to stop, not yielding the right-of-way, improper lane position, or not signaling.

Special Considerations and Local Variations

• Prohibited Intersections: Some intersections, especially in cities like Clarksburg, specifically prohibit right turns on red due to safety concerns or traffic patterns. These intersections are clearly marked with signage3.
• Left Turn on Red (One-Way to One-Way): In certain cases, a left turn on red is allowed from a one-way street onto another one-way street, provided the driver comes to a complete stop and yields to pedestrians and other vehicles.
• Pedestrian Safety: Pedestrians always have the right-of-way in crosswalks. Drivers must remain vigilant and only turn when it is safe to do so.

Practical Steps for Drivers

• Always come to a full stop at a red light before turning right.
• Check for posted signs prohibiting right turns on red.
• Yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
• Signal your intention to turn for at least 100 feet before the intersection.
• Make the turn from the rightmost lane, as close to the curb as possible.
• Be aware of local ordinances that may restrict right turns on red at certain intersections.

Right Turn on Red in West Virginia

West Virginia’s updated rule on right turns at red lights emphasizes safety, clarity, and local flexibility. By following these guidelines—stopping fully, yielding appropriately, obeying signage, and signaling intentions—drivers can avoid penalties and help keep intersections safe for everyone

Sources

1. https://code.wvlegislature.gov/17C-3-5/
2. https://law.justia.com/codes/west-virginia/chapter-17c/article-8/section-17c-8-2/
3. https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/clarksburg/latest/clarksburg_wv/0-0-0-23172
4. http://www.legis.state.wv.us/bill_status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=HB4026+INTR.htm&yr=2022&sesstype=RS&i=4026
5. https://code.wvlegislature.gov/17C-8-8/

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