The Light That Is Changing
Va. Code 46.2-833 — on amber, stop if it is not reasonably safe to continue, and a fine of no more than $350
Amber means stop, if stopping is reasonably safe. Steady amber indicates that a change is about to be made. When it is shown, traffic that has not already entered the intersection, including the crosswalks, stops if it is not reasonably safe to continue, but traffic that has already entered continues until the intersection has been cleared.
Red, then a right turn. Steady red means moving traffic stops and remains stopped while it is shown. Except where a traffic control device prohibits turns on steady red, traffic facing a steady red circular signal may, after coming to a full stop, cautiously enter and turn right, yielding to pedestrians in an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic. A steady red arrow means remain standing until a signal to proceed, unless a device permits the turn.
| The light | What the section says |
|---|---|
| The lightSteady amber | What the section saysStop if not reasonably safe to continue; already in the intersection, clear it |
| The lightSteady red | What the section saysStop and remain stopped while it is shown |
| The lightRight turn on a red circle | What the section saysAfter a full stop, unless a device prohibits it |
| The lightFlashing red | What the section saysStop before entering, then yield |
| The lightFlashing amber | What the section saysProceed with reasonable care, yielding |
| The lightLights out of service | What the section saysProceed as though every approach had a stop sign |
A motorcycle, moped or bicycle at a red that will not change. Its driver or rider may proceed through a steady red only after a full stop for two complete cycles of the light or two minutes, whichever is shorter, exercising due care, treating the light as a stop sign, determining it is safe, and yielding to vehicles approaching on the other highway.
The penalty. A violation of the traffic light section is a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of no more than $350.
Arrows, flashing lights and pedestrian signals are set out in the same sections, and not all of them are on this page. What a particular ticket means is a question for a licensed Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Va. Code 46.2-833 — Traffic lights; penalty
- Va. Code 46.2-835 — Right turn on steady red light after stopping
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.