South Carolina’s traffic rules for turning right on red remain largely consistent in 2025, allowing drivers to make right turns at red lights with important safety conditions. According to South Carolina law, drivers may turn right on red unless a sign explicitly prohibits it. Before turning, drivers must come to a complete stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection, and yield to pedestrians and other vehicles with the right-of-way.
Key Requirements for Right Turn on Red in South Carolina (2025)
- Complete Stop: Drivers must stop fully before turning right on red to ensure the intersection is clear and safe.
- Yield to Pedestrians: Pedestrians lawfully crossing or waiting at crosswalks have priority and must be yielded to.
- Yield to Traffic: Drivers must yield to other vehicles proceeding through the intersection or turning with the right-of-way.
- No Prohibitory Sign: If a “No Turn on Red” sign is posted, turning right on red is prohibited.
Safety Concerns and Legal Implications
Right turns on red can improve traffic flow but pose risks, especially to pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers often focus on merging with oncoming traffic and may overlook pedestrians in crosswalks, increasing accident risk. Illegal or unsafe right turns on red can cause pedestrian injuries, bicycle crashes, sideswipes, and confusion among road users.
Violating right-on-red rules can lead to serious legal consequences. If a driver causes a collision by making an improper right turn on red, they may be held liable for injuries, medical expenses, and other damages under negligence per se.
Potential Legislative Changes and Safety Initiatives
While no statewide ban on right turns on red currently exists, some cities in South Carolina involved in Vision Zero-a strategy aiming to eliminate traffic fatalities-may advocate for restrictions in high-risk areas. Additionally, new distracted driving laws are being considered in 2025, which could indirectly affect how drivers approach intersections and right turns on red.
Summary
| Aspect | 2025 South Carolina Rule |
|---|---|
| Right turn on red allowed? | Yes, unless prohibited by sign |
| Required action before turning | Full stop behind stop line or crosswalk |
| Must yield to | Pedestrians and other vehicles with right-of-way |
| Legal risks | Liability for accidents caused by illegal turns |
| Potential changes | Possible local restrictions; new distracted driving laws |
South Carolina drivers in 2025 can turn right on red after stopping and yielding, but must remain vigilant to avoid accidents and legal trouble. Following these rules helps protect pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists while maintaining smooth traffic flow.
Would you like details on the new distracted driving laws or specific city initiatives related to right turns on red?
