Matthew Mincone | August 27, 2024 | Florida Law
Whether you’re a new driver or one with decades of experience, you should know the laws regarding yielding the right of way. Even though the term is familiar, not everyone remembers exactly what that means or how new traffic laws may alter right-of-way regulations.
The CDC reports that motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading preventable causes of death in the U.S. Failure to yield the right of way is a common error that can cause a severe car accident.
When There Is a Yield Sign
If you’ve ever accidentally driven right through a yield sign without slowing down, you’re not alone. Many drivers don’t understand what they’re supposed to do when they encounter a yield sign on the road, and some of them choose to do nothing.
Like a stop sign, a yield sign isn’t a suggestion. The Department of Motor Vehicles classifies a yield sign as a regulatory sign, meaning it controls traffic and sets limits.
In the presence of a yield sign, drivers must slow down and be ready to stop. A driver at a yield sign does not have the right of way. They must check for other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians before proceeding.
If there is oncoming traffic, the driver must come to a complete stop. Some yield signs have a designated stop line, but others do not. Once other vehicles or pedestrians have passed, the driver is free to proceed.
When There Is No Yield Sign
Intersections can present a challenge to drivers who don’t understand how to properly yield the right of way.
4-Way Intersections
Whether there are signs present (controlled) or not (uncontrolled), the method for yielding at a 4-way intersection is the same. When vehicles arrive at the intersection in a staggered manner, each driver must give the right of way to the driver who arrived before them.
If two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, the driver to the right is recognized as having the right of way.
3-Way Intersections
The position of arrival has no meaning at a 3-way intersection. In this example, the driver on the perpendicular road has the right of way.
Left Turns
Drivers making a left turn must always yield the right of way to oncoming traffic, including pedestrians. Many intersections have a left-turn arrow to indicate when a turn is allowed. If no traffic sign exists, the driver must wait until traffic is clear and it’s safe to turn left.
Right Turns
Encountering different kinds of traffic lights at an intersection can be confusing. In all cases, a driver must yield to a pedestrian even if the pedestrian is in the wrong. A red flashing light at an intersection means you should come to a full stop and yield to all oncoming traffic before turning right.
If you see a green arrow at an intersection, you may turn right, but you must still yield the right of way to any pedestrian, bicycle, or motor vehicle in a crosswalk.
Yielding in Parking Lots
Drivers on the main roads of a parking lot, including entrances and exits, typically have the right of way. Drivers who are pulling out of a parking spot must yield to all other traffic, including pedestrians.
Always Yield For Safety
The failure to yield the right of way can result in not only a traffic violation but also a major accident that leads to injury or even death. Don’t take a chance with your safety or the safety of your passengers.
Sometimes, the best option is to yield the right of way even when the other driver is in the wrong. Preventing an accident — not being “right” — is the responsibility of all drivers.
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