3.3 Right-of-Way & Intersections
Key Takeaways
- Right-of-way is something you give to others; the law does not 'give' the right-of-way to anyone, it only states who must yield.
- At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive and stop goes first. If two arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
- At open intersections with no stop signs or traffic signals, you must yield to vehicles already in the intersection and vehicles approaching from the right.
- When turning left, you must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.
- When entering a roadway from a driveway or alley, you must stop and yield to all pedestrians and approaching vehicles.
A significant portion of traffic collisions in Florida occur at intersections. The primary cause of these crashes is a failure to properly yield the right-of-way. It is important to understand a core principle: the law does not "give" anyone the right-of-way. Instead, the law only states who must yield (give up) the right-of-way to others to prevent a collision.
Always be prepared to yield, even when you legally should have the right-of-way, if it is necessary to avoid an accident. Safety is the ultimate priority.
Four-Way (All-Way) Stops
Intersections controlled by stop signs in all directions require specific coordination among drivers.
- First to arrive: The general rule is that the first vehicle to arrive at the intersection, come to a complete stop, and prepare to move has the right to proceed first.
- Simultaneous arrival: If two vehicles arrive at the intersection and come to a complete stop at the exact same time, the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
- Head-to-head arrival: If two vehicles arrive at the same time facing each other, and one intends to turn left while the other is going straight, the vehicle turning left must yield to the vehicle going straight.
Always make eye contact with other drivers at a four-way stop to ensure they intend to yield before you proceed.
Open / Uncontrolled Intersections
An open intersection is one that has no traffic control signs or signals. These are often found in residential neighborhoods. When approaching an open intersection, you must slow down and be prepared to stop.
You must yield the right-of-way if:
- A vehicle is already in the intersection.
- You enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road.
- You enter a paved road from an unpaved road.
- Two vehicles arrive at the same time: Just like at a four-way stop, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle approaching from the right.
Turning Left at Intersections
Left turns are among the most dangerous maneuvers at intersections because you must cross the path of opposing traffic.
Whenever you are making a left turn, you must yield the right-of-way to any oncoming traffic (vehicles, motorcycles, or bicycles) that is going straight ahead or turning right. You can only initiate your left turn when there is a sufficient gap in oncoming traffic to complete the turn safely.
Even if you have a green light (but not a green arrow), you must pull forward into the intersection and yield to oncoming traffic before completing the turn.
T-Intersections
A T-intersection occurs where one road ends at a perpendicular cross street, forming the shape of a "T".
At a T-intersection, the road that ends is considered the minor road. Vehicles on the minor road must stop and yield the right-of-way to all traffic and pedestrians traveling on the through road (the top of the "T"). Traffic on the through road has the right-of-way.
Driveways, Alleys, and Private Roads
When you are entering a public roadway from a driveway, alley, or private road, you do not have the right-of-way.
You must come to a complete stop before crossing the sidewalk or the edge of the roadway. You must yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians and bicyclists on the sidewalk, and then yield to all vehicles traveling on the roadway before you pull out.
Special Yielding Situations
Florida law requires you to yield in several special circumstances to protect vulnerable road users and essential services:
- Visually Impaired Persons: You must always yield to a pedestrian carrying a white cane (with or without a red tip) or using a guide dog. You must come to a complete stop.
- Mobility Devices: You must yield to pedestrians using wheelchairs or motorized mobility scooters on sidewalks and crosswalks.
- Transit Buses: Once a public transit bus has signaled its intention to re-enter the flow of traffic from a designated pullout bay, you must yield and allow the bus to merge into your lane.
- Emergency Vehicles: When an emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance) is approaching with its flashing lights and sirens on, you must yield the right-of-way by pulling over as close as possible to the right edge of the roadway and stopping until the vehicle has passed.
If two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the exact same time, who has the right-of-way?
When making a left turn at an intersection with a standard solid green light, what must you do?
What is the yielding rule when entering a public street from a driveway or alley?