Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy (NVCJA) Practice Exam

If a driver makes a right turn on red without stopping, what could be a possible consequence?

1. A warning from authorities

2. A civil penalty

3. No consequences

4. Immediate arrest

The correct answer is: A civil penalty

The potential consequence of receiving a civil penalty for making a right turn on red without stopping is rooted in traffic law regulations. When a driver approaches a red light, they are legally required to come to a complete stop before making a turn, as this allows them to yield to any pedestrians and cross traffic that may have the right-of-way. Failing to stop could lead to a civil penalty, which often takes the form of a fine or citation. This is designed to enforce traffic safety and ensure that drivers are adhering to the rules of the road. The presence of civil penalties acts as a deterrent to unsafe driving behavior and promotes compliance with traffic laws. In many jurisdictions, the consequences for such violations are typically administered through a ticketing system, rather than immediate arrest, especially if there was no accompanying reckless behavior or endangerment to others.