by MONTPELIER, Vt. — Vermont drivers should pay close attention to the 2025 update on the right turn on red rule, which clarifies when and how you can legally turn right at a red light. While the basic rule allowing a right turn on red remains, new guidance emphasizes safety, compliance, and pedestrian protection. Understanding these rules can help you avoid fines, demerit points, and more serious legal consequences.
Complete Stop Required
Under Vermont law, drivers must come to a full stop before making a right turn on red. Rolling through a red light is not permitted, and failure to stop can result in fines. The law specifies that stopping must occur at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection, ensuring drivers have full control of the vehicle and a clear view of any oncoming traffic.
According to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, this requirement helps reduce accidents and ensures that drivers are fully aware of pedestrians and vehicles in the intersection.
Yielding Requirements
After stopping, drivers must yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. Specifically, you must wait for:
- Pedestrians lawfully in the crosswalk. Ensure they have fully crossed before proceeding.
- Other vehicles legally using the intersection. This includes vehicles approaching from other directions or turning through the intersection.
Yielding is not just a legal requirement—it’s a crucial safety measure, as intersections are high-risk areas for accidents. Failing to yield can result in serious penalties, including fines and demerit points on your driving record.
Signage Exceptions
Not all red lights allow a right turn. Vermont’s 2025 update emphasizes specific signage and signal rules:
- No Turn on Red Signs: You must obey these signs and wait for the green light.
- Red Arrow Signals: A solid red arrow prohibits right turns unless a sign explicitly allows it. Attempting a right turn against a red arrow is illegal and can lead to fines and points.
Always check the intersection for signs or signals before turning. Remember that signage can vary between towns, especially in urban areas like Burlington or Montpelier.
Left Turn on Red: Special Circumstances
According to mywaynecountynow, Vermont also permits a left turn on red in limited situations. Drivers can make a left turn from a one-way street onto another one-way street, provided they:
- Come to a complete stop.
- Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
This special case is less common but important for urban areas with one-way streets, such as downtown Burlington.
Penalties for Violations
Vermont’s 2025 traffic updates clarify the consequences for ignoring right turn on red rules:
- Fines: Red light violations may cost around $220, while stop sign infractions are approximately $160.
- Demerit Points: Convictions can add two points to your driving record, with pedestrian-related violations adding four points.
- Serious Offenses: If a violation results in injury or death, criminal charges such as vehicular manslaughter may apply.
These penalties highlight why adherence to the law is critical for both safety and legal compliance.
Read Also: What Arkansas Motorists Must Know About the 2025 Right-on-Red Law Update
Practical Guidance for Drivers
To safely navigate right turns on red in Vermont:
- Always stop fully at the stop line or crosswalk.
- Check for prohibitory signs, such as “No Turn on Red.”
- Yield completely to pedestrians; never assume they will stop.
- Avoid turning on a red arrow unless specifically allowed.
Following these rules not only keeps you safe but also protects pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.
Why This Update Matters
The 2025 Vermont update reinforces the state’s commitment to road safety and accident prevention. By clarifying rules and emphasizing compliance, Vermont aims to reduce intersection-related crashes and protect vulnerable road users. Drivers who ignore these rules risk fines, points, and potentially criminal charges.
Vermont’s approach aligns with national safety guidelines promoted by organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Drivers should also stay informed about local variations in traffic laws, especially in cities and areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Understanding the right turn on red rules in Vermont is essential for safe driving in 2025. Whether you are a local commuter or a visitor navigating Vermont’s roads, knowing when and how to turn legally can save money, points, and lives.
Have questions or experiences about Vermont’s red light rules? Share your thoughts and comments at ibwhsmag.com.
