As of 2025, South Carolina law generally allows drivers to make a right turn at a red traffic signal after coming to a complete stop. This rule is designed to keep traffic flowing efficiently while maintaining safety at intersections.
Key Requirements for Right Turn on Red
Before making a right turn on red in South Carolina, drivers must:
- Come to a Complete Stop: Stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection before turning right on red.
- Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within or adjacent to the crosswalk.
- Yield to Other Traffic: Yield to other vehicles already in or approaching the intersection.
- Check for Prohibitive Signs: Right turns on red are only allowed if there is no sign explicitly prohibiting the maneuver at that intersection.
Exceptions and Local Variations
- No Right on Red Signs: If a sign is posted that prohibits right turns on red, you must obey it and wait for a green signal.
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety: Drivers must be especially cautious of pedestrians and cyclists, as many intersection accidents involve right turns on red.
Legal and Safety Implications
- Negligence and Liability: Violating the right-on-red rule-such as failing to stop, not yielding, or ignoring posted signs-can result in legal liability, especially if an accident occurs. Such violations are considered negligence per se, meaning the at-fault driver can be held responsible for damages and injuries.
- Comparative Negligence: South Carolina follows a comparative negligence system, so fault and compensation may be divided if multiple parties contribute to an accident.
- Potential for Future Changes: While there is ongoing debate about banning right turns on red for safety reasons, particularly to protect pedestrians, there is currently no statewide ban in South Carolina. However, some cities may consider local restrictions in the future as part of Vision Zero or similar safety initiatives.
Summary Table
| Step/Requirement | Rule in South Carolina (2025) |
|---|---|
| Stop completely | Required before turning right on red |
| Yield to pedestrians | Always required |
| Yield to other vehicles | Always required |
| Check for “No Turn on Red” | Must obey posted prohibitive signs |
| Legal if all rules followed | Yes |
| Statewide ban on right on red | No (as of 2025) |
In South Carolina, you can turn right on red after stopping completely, yielding to pedestrians and other traffic, and ensuring there is no posted sign prohibiting the turn. Failure to follow these rules can result in legal consequences and liability for any resulting accidents.
While some cities may consider stricter local rules in the future, the statewide law remains unchanged for 2025. Always exercise caution and prioritize safety at intersections.
Sources:
- https://www.scinjuryattorney.com/right-on-red-sc/
- https://www.jebailylaw.com/blog/right-on-red-sc/
- https://www.johnsonlawyers.com/posts/should-right-on-red-be-banned
- https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-56/chapter-5/section-56-5-970/