What Does Yielding the Right of Way Mean?

James D. Payer | July 5, 2024 | Car Accidents

Managing the traffic system is a lot like conducting an orchestra. Only certain instruments should be operated at a certain time. Right of way rules ensure that only those vehicles that are supposed to be in a particular lane of traffic are allowed to go at that time. 

When motorists disregard these laws, they can cause accidents and serious injuries. Our Orlando car accident attorneys share what you need to know about yielding the right of way in Florida. 

What Yielding the Right of Way Means

Right of way means that a driver in a particular situation has the superior right in traffic. Yielding the right of way requires waiting for that driver to go first before executing your driving maneuver. There are right of way rules that apply to different situations that all motorists in Florida must be aware of and follow.

Consequences of Not Yielding the Right of Way

In minor instances, failing to yield the right of way could mean that you irritate other drivers. In other situations, it can result in a serious car accident. Those who negligently cause traffic accidents by not following the rules can be held financially liable for the harm they cause. 

Failing to yield the right of way can also be a cause for a ticket for a moving violation in Florida.  This can add points to a driving record and result in higher insurance premiums.

Right of Way Laws for Motorists

There are different right of way rules for motorists in Florida depending on where they are, as follows:

Intersections 

At traffic-controlled intersections, motorists must follow the traffic signal. A driver with a green arrow has the right of way over a driver with a green light. Drivers at a red light must stop and wait for the light to turn green before proceeding. If the traffic light is a red flashing light, motorists must follow the same rules they observe at stop signs.

Stop Signs 

Drivers must stop at stop signs. They must yield the right of way to all other motorists who arrived at the stop sign before they did. If two vehicles read the stop sign at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right of way to the driver on the right. 

Uncontrolled Intersections 

When drivers are at an intersection that is not controlled by a traffic device, they must observe various laws, including: 

• Drivers must yield to vehicles already in the intersection.
• Drivers must yield to other vehicles if they are entering or crossing a state highway from a secondary road. 
• Drivers must yield the right of way if they are entering a paved road from an unpaved road.
• Drivers must wait to turn left until an approaching vehicle from the opposite direction has passed or it is safe to turn.
• Drivers on the left must yield the right of way to drivers on the left if they approach an intersection at the same time. 
• Drivers entering a roundabout must yield the right of way to vehicles already in the roundabout. 

If all motorists follow these rules, they can avoid accidents. 

Yield Signs

Drivers approaching a yield sign must slow down to a reasonable speed for the current conditions. If they must stop, they must stop at the point nearest the intersection where they can see approaching traffic. Drivers must yield the right of way to any vehicle currently in the intersection or approaching a nearby highway to represent an immediate hazard. 

Right of Way Laws for Pedestrians

Right of way laws also exist to protect pedestrians from accidents. Drivers have a duty to avoid hitting pedestrians and must keep a lookout for them. They must yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and when turning where pedestrians are at intersections with traffic signals. They must also yield to pedestrians crossing the street at any marked mid-block crossing, driveway, or intersection that does not have a traffic signal. 

Being mindful of when to yield the right of way can help keep pedestrians, motorists, and passengers safer on the road. 

Contact Our Orlando Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Orlando, Florida, and need legal help, contact our experienced car accident lawyers at Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.

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