In Texas, yielding the right-of-way means allowing another driver, cyclist, or pedestrian their right to go first on a road or through an intersection. Unfortunately, many road users fail to yield the right-of-way, putting themselves and others in danger of a crash.
What Are Texas’ Right-of-Way Laws?
Given how vital the right-of-way is to prevent accidents, it’s no surprise that the Texas Transportation Code contains an entire subchapter on right-of-way laws. Some of the state’s key right-of-way rules include:
- Drivers must yield to traffic already moving through an intersection and should not proceed unless they can do so safely.
- When drivers approach a three-way or four-way intersection that does not have a traffic light, stop sign, or other traffic control device, they must yield to other drivers on their right. They should not proceed through the intersection until it’s safe.
- Slower drivers should drive on the right side of the road unless they are preparing to pass someone or getting ready to make a left turn.
- Drivers turning left at an intersection without a left-turn arrow must yield to vehicles in the intersection and drivers coming toward them.
- When approaching yield signs at intersections, drivers must slow down and yield to traffic in the intersection and other drivers close enough to the intersection to be a safety hazard.
- If a traffic light malfunctions, all drivers must stop and ensure it’s safe before going through the intersection. If multiple cars arrive simultaneously, the drivers on the left should yield to drivers to their right.
How Does Right-of-Way Apply to Traffic Lights?
In Texas, you must yield the right-of-way in specific traffic situations. Determining who has the right-of-way will depend on what type of light you have:
- Green light – When you encounter a green light, you have the right-of-way and can proceed through the intersection – assuming it is clear. However, you should always stay alert and ensure other vehicles and pedestrians have obeyed their signals.
- Green light, no turn arrow – If you’re turning left at a green light without a left-turn arrow, you must yield to oncoming traffic moving straight ahead. Even though your light is green, the right-of-way belongs to these oncoming vehicles. You can complete your left turn after yielding and ensuring it’s safe.
- Red light – Red lights are more straightforward. A red light means you must stop and yield the right-of-way to all other vehicles and pedestrians. If you’re at a red light and turning right, you must fully stop and yield to traffic from the left and any crossing pedestrians before proceeding. You can turn left at a red light if you are turning from a one-way street onto a one-way street and no other cars or pedestrians are in your way.
- Yellow light – A yellow light serves as a caution. It indicates that the green light is about to end, and the signal will soon turn red. While some drivers may take it as a signal to speed up, Texas law advises drivers to stop if it is safe.
What Are the Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws in Texas?
The Texas Transportation Code also contains several provisions concerning pedestrians’ right-of-way at intersections and when crossing the street. Some keys laws to note include:
- Pedestrians facing a green traffic light can cross the street within a marked or unmarked crosswalk unless the signal is a turn arrow. Pedestrians facing red traffic lights are not allowed to cross the street.
- Pedestrians must follow “Walk,” “Don’t Walk,” and “Wait” signals at intersections. However, a pedestrian who’s crossing the street when the “Walk” signal changes to “Don’t Walk” or “Wait” can finish crossing the street.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street if there’s no traffic signal and the pedestrian is either on their half of the street or is approaching closely enough from the other half of the street that the pedestrian could be in danger.
- Pedestrians cannot leave a curb or sidewalk so close to oncoming traffic that drivers do not have enough time to stop safely.
When Should I Yield the Right-of-Way?
As drivers in Texas, we must understand right-of-way rules to maintain safety on the roads and avoid unnecessary accidents. Here are a few instances when you should yield the right-of-way:
- Intersections – When two cars arrive at an intersection simultaneously, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right. If you’re turning left and other traffic is approaching from the opposite direction, you should yield to that traffic.
- Stop signs – At a four-way stop, the right-of-way belongs to the vehicle that arrived first. If it’s unclear who arrived first or two cars arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.
- Emergency vehicles – Always yield to emergency vehicles using their lights or sirens, even if you have the green light. Pull over to the right edge of the road or as far away as possible to allow them safe passage.
- Highway entrance and exit ramps – If you’re entering a highway, you should yield to vehicles already on the highway. When you’re on the highway and approaching an exit ramp, you should yield to cars attempting to exit.
Is Relinquishing the Right-of-Way a Good Idea?
Texas law lays out specific scenarios where you must yield the right-of-way. But sometimes it’s smart to relinquish it, even when it’s technically yours. By doing so, you prioritize safety over your legal rights. This can reduce the chance of accidents caused by other drivers’ unexpected or unlawful actions.
What Are Some Car Accidents That Might Occur for Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way?
Failing to yield the right-of-way when required can cause many kinds of accidents, including:
- Intersection accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Side-impact or T-bone collisions
- Merging accidents
- Accidents involving emergency vehicles
Contact a Texas Car Accident Lawyer
After a failure-to-yield accident, you may feel overwhelmed by the physical, emotional, and financial burden you face. That’s where we come in. The Texas car accident lawyers at the Wilhite Law Firm have extensive experience helping people recover the money they need after failure-to-yield accidents. Our team can guide you through the legal maze, negotiate with insurance companies, and work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us or complete our online contact form for a free case evaluation.
