Having the right-of-way when driving a vehicle gives you the immediate right to use part of the road. Most experienced drivers would probably say they are safe drivers who know when to yield the right-of-way. Yet, failure to yield the right-of-way led to more than 100,000 traffic accidents in Texas in one recent year.
The Texas Driver Handbook advises that, in every situation, the right-of-way is given, not taken. Here’s a roundup of right-of-way laws and safe practices in Texas:
Intersections Without Traffic Signals
In an open intersection not controlled by signs, signals, or medians, a driver should yield to any vehicle already in or approaching the intersection. A driver may proceed if the intersection is clear and oncoming traffic is far enough away that it is safe.
Before driving through an unmarked intersection, look for approaching vehicles to ensure they properly yield the right-of-way.
On a one- or two-lane road that intersects with a road with three or more lanes or a divided highway, yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the larger or divided highway. When on an unpaved road that intersects with a paved road, yield to vehicles on the paved road.
Intersections with Traffic Signals
Always obey traffic lights at intersections:
- Solid green – Drivers have the right-of-way to go straight with a solid green light. If turning, the driver must yield to oncoming traffic.
- Green arrow – A driver turning on a solid green arrow has the right-of-way.
- Flashing yellow arrow – Turning drivers must yield to oncoming vehicles.
- Yellow – Drivers should slow down and stop at a yellow light if they can safely.
- Solid red – Other traffic has the right-of-way. Drivers must come to a complete stop at a red light.
- Flashing red – Drivers should treat an intersection with a flashing red light like a stop sign.
Even if traffic signals give you the right-of-way, you should still make sure it’s safe before going through the intersection.
Right Turns on Red Lights
Come to a complete stop at a red light and yield to all traffic and pedestrians in the intersection. If traffic allows, a driver may turn right against a red light in Texas. However, some intersections in Texas have signs that prohibit right turns on red.
Turning Left
If you are making a left-hand turn at an intersection, oncoming traffic has the right-of-way. You must wait for traffic to clear and allow other vehicles to go before you may turn.
Stop Signs
Come to a complete stop at a stop sign, check traffic in all directions, yield to vehicles in the intersection, and then proceed.
At an intersection posted with multiple stop signs, all vehicles should come to a complete stop and proceed in the order of their arrival at the intersection. If vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver to the right has the right-of-way.
Yield Signs
A yield sign indicates the road you are on is about to merge with another. Slow down for a yield sign and stop if necessary to yield to vehicles on the other road.
Pedestrians
Always yield to a pedestrian if necessary to avoid hitting them. Pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing under a “Walk” signal or at uncontrolled intersections (without traffic or pedestrian crossing signals). The pedestrian has the right-of-way as long as they entered the intersection when the “Walk” signal was still on, even if it changes while they are crossing. If there is no crossing signal, yield to a pedestrian when the light turns green. Watch for signs saying “Yield Here to Pedestrians” to allow any to cross.
Emergency Vehicles
Yield the right-of-way and clear a path for police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles that are sounding a siren or flashing red lights. If you can, pull to the far right edge of the road and stop. Otherwise, slow down and move as far as possible to the right.
School Buses
Drivers must also yield to school buses. When approaching from either direction, stop for a school bus displaying alternately flashing red lights, which signals it is stopping. Do not pass a stopped school bus until:
- The school bus begins to move,
- The bus driver signals for you to proceed, or
- The red lights stop flashing.
Railroad Crossings
Stop between 15 and 50 feet from the nearest rail at a railroad-grade crossing if:
- A railroad signal (e.g., red light or bells) or a flag person warns of an approaching train.
- A crossing gate has been lowered.
- Any other official traffic-control device or signal alerts drivers to stop.
- An approaching train is within about 1,500 feet of the crossing or can be seen close to it. The train should sound a warning whistle.
Yield to the train until the crossing gate has been raised again and it’s safe to go.
Roundabouts
You must yield to vehicles already in a roundabout. Wait until you have enough time to safely enter.
Merging Traffic
As you try to exit one lane of traffic to join another, vehicles already in that lane have the right-of-way. On the entrance ramp to a freeway, yield to traffic on the freeway. To enter a freeway, gain speed and join traffic without stopping, if possible.
Private Roads and Driveways
Stop and yield the right-of-way to traffic on public roads when entering from a private road, driveway, alley, parking lot, or garage.
Need to Discuss an Accident? Contact Our Experienced Attorneys Today
Failing to yield the right-of-way can lead to car wrecks and a variety of serious and costly traumatic injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident in Dallas, TX, that was someone else’s fault, the experienced car accident attorneys at Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. can help you demand compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other costs and losses.
For more than 45 years, our car accident lawyers have helped victims with their trauma and financial recovery after collisions caused by other drivers’ negligence. Past clients call us “very professional, helpful, and honest.” Plus, we believe that everyone should have access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. If we can pursue a claim for you, you won’t owe us attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact us today at (214) 999-9999 or online for a free initial legal consultation and learn how we can help you.
