When Do You Have the Right of Way?

The “right of way” in traffic refers to the right to proceed first. When drivers do not heed right-of-way traffic laws, they may receive a citation for failing to yield. Right-of-way rules are largely based on common sense, such as always yielding to emergency vehicles, but they can also help resolve unclear traffic situations, such as two drivers arriving at a four-way stop simultaneously. Remember, however, than when you are unsure whether to yield or proceed, you should always yield. You could prevent an accident by doing so. Read on to learn when you do and do not have the right of way on the road.

When to Proceed

Here is a list of scenarios in which you have the right of way:

• In the intersection. Vehicles approaching the intersection must give the right of way to vehicles already in the intersection.
• First arrival at two or more STOP signs. The driver who reaches the STOP sign first at a two-way or four-way stop has the right of way. In the event that two or more drivers arrive at the STOP sign at the same time, the vehicle on the left has to yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right.
• When in a traffic circle. Vehicles entering a rotary, or traffic circle, must give the right of way to traffic already in the circle.
• When the other vehicle is entering from a private road, driveway, or alley. Vehicles entering a roadway through one of these means must yield to vehicles and pedestrians on the roadway.

When to Yield

Here is list of situations in which you must yield the right of way:

• When approaching pedestrians. In traffic, pedestrians always have the right of way. Once a pedestrian has stepped off a curb, regardless of whether he/she is in a crosswalk, you are legally obligated to yield.
• When coming to a backed-up intersection. If vehicles are backed up on the other side of an intersection to the point where you cannot make it all the way through, wait on the other side until traffic clears and then proceed. Never block the intersection.
• When turning left. Vehicles turning left must always yield the right of way to approaching traffic going straight or turning right.
• When emergency vehicles approach. Emergency vehicles always have the right of way, regardless of whether the vehicle is in the same lane or driving in the same direction as you are. Emergency vehicles frequently have to drive on the wrong side of the road, on the median, and/or in turn lanes in order to bypass traffic, so pull to the far right of the road no matter where you are in relation to the vehicle.