Is it okay to roll forward into the intersection on a red light that is about to turn green?

 

A:

According to Virginia Code, any movement into the intersection on red is unlawful unless you are making a right turn on red and have already come to a complete stop.  If you were to roll forward into the intersection controlled by a red light and cause an accident, you could be considered negligent.

The law can be explained as follows:

“The driver of a motor vehicle facing a steady red traffic light has the duty to stop and remain stopped so long as the light is red and thereafter not to proceed until it is safe to do so in the exercise of ordinary care.

If a driver fails to perform this duty, then he is negligent.”

-Virginia Model Jury Instructions