As of 2025, South Carolina continues to allow drivers to make a right turn at a red light, provided certain conditions are met and unless otherwise posted by signage.
Key Requirements for Making a Right Turn on Red
- Complete Stop: You must come to a full stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection before turning right on red.
- Yield to Pedestrians: You are required to yield to all pedestrians lawfully within or adjacent to the crosswalk.
- Yield to Other Traffic: Yield to any other vehicles that have the right of way in the intersection.
- Check for Prohibitive Signs: If there is a sign stating “No Turn on Red,” you must obey it and wait for the green light.
- Approach Position: The approach and the turn itself must be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
Exceptions and Enforcement
- Prohibited Turns: Local authorities or the Department of Transportation may install signs or signals that specifically prohibit right turns on red at certain intersections. In these cases, you must follow the posted instructions.
- Legal Consequences: Failing to follow the right turn on red rules can lead to traffic citations and, if an accident occurs, may be considered negligence per se-potentially making the driver liable for damages.
Safety Considerations
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: Right turns on red are a common factor in intersection accidents, especially involving pedestrians and cyclists. Always check for people crossing before proceeding.
- Comparative Negligence: In the event of a collision, fault may be divided among parties based on their contribution to the accident.
Table
| Rule/Requirement | South Carolina Law (2025) |
|---|---|
| Right turn on red allowed? | Yes, unless posted otherwise |
| Must stop completely? | Yes |
| Must yield to pedestrians? | Yes |
| Must yield to other vehicles? | Yes |
| Prohibited by sign? | Must obey sign |
The right turn on red rule in South Carolina remains unchanged in 2025: drivers may turn right on red after a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles, unless a sign prohibits it. Strict adherence to these rules is crucial for safety and legal compliance.
Sources
[1] https://www.scinjuryattorney.com/right-on-red-sc/
[2] https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-56/chapter-5/section-56-5-2120/
[3] https://www.joyelawfirm.com/accidents/car-accident-lawyer/traffic-signal-car-accidents-south-carolina/
[4] https://local.newsbreak.com/news/3786645519012-south-carolina-traffic-rule-2025-update-understanding-the-right-turn-on-red-rule
[5] https://www.jebailylaw.com/blog/right-on-red-sc/