Right turns on red are generally legal in Vermont unless there is a sign posted stating otherwise. In every other case, you can make a right turn on red so long as you yield right of way to other drivers and pedestrians.

The meaning of the steady red traffic light is practically intuitive: stop! But in many states, including Vermont, it’s perfectly legal to turn right on red in most situations.

Emphasis on “most,” of course. Since right turns on red aren’t legal at every intersection, it’s important to know the exact laws for your area to avoid fines and demerit points on your license.

Luckily, the

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has created a guide to right turns on red in Vermont. Read on to learn where you can make them, where you can, and what could happen if you don’t follow the rules. (Then, stay till the end to see how you can save on your

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Can you turn right on red in Vermont?

In Vermont, you can turn right on red as long as there’s no sign specifically restricting it. According to Vermont Statutes, you can legally turn right at a steady red signal if:

You stop clearly at the intersection to check for oncoming traffic

You yield right of way to pedestrians and other vehicles

There is no regulatory sign at the intersection prohibiting right turns

In short, you can determine whether a right turn on red is legal by looking for a sign. If there is none, just follow standard safety procedures—like coming to a full stop at the intersection before making a right turn.

In Vermont, flashing red lights should be regarded in the same way as stop signs. Thus, right turns are permitted so long as you stop first at the intersection and yield right of way when appropriate.

What about left turns on red?

Vermont drivers may turn left after stopping at a red light only if they are at the intersection of two one-way streets. This holds true in most parts of the country.

When making a left on red from a one-way street onto another one-way street, you should always watch carefully for oncoming traffic and yield right of way to other drivers and pedestrians.

Key Takeaway Turning right on red is legal as long as no sign is posted stating otherwise, but you must stop first at the intersection and yield right of way to other vehicles and pedestrians.

Penalties for an illegal right turn on red in Vermont

If you perform an illegal right turn on red at an intersection where right turns are banned by a regulatory sign, you may get ticketed. The consequences can also be stiffer if you were violating other laws at the time of the illegal right turn, such as speeding or failing to yield to pedestrians.

Typically, the fine is $220 for stop sign or light convictions—and you can expect such an infraction to add two demerit points to your driving record. Since drivers who accumulate 10 demerit points within two years can be subject to

license suspensions

in Vermont, it’s important to follow the rules of the road and refrain from making avoidable mistakes.

On top of the cost of your ticket and the demerit points you’ll accrue, you also run the risk of

seeing your insurance premium go up

. Since insurance companies penalize drivers who do not demonstrate consistent safety on the road, a violation of red light statutes can certainly lead to a higher rate.

MORE:

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