In What Situations Should You Yield the Right of Way?

By Amir

In What Situations Should You Yield the Right of Way?

The right of way isn’t just a set of rules for the road; it’s about common sense, respect, and prioritizing the safety of everyone around you. Whether you're a pedestrian, a bicyclist, or a driver, understanding when to yield the right of way is essential to avoiding accidents and ensuring a smooth flow of traffic.

New drivers especially benefit from mastering the right-of-way rules to navigate intersections, crosswalks, and highways without confusion. Even experienced drivers should frequently review these rules to keep themselves and others safe.

Let’s break down what it means to yield the right of way and the most common situations where it applies.

Table of Contents

In What Situations Should You Yield the Right of Way?

What is the Right of Way?

The right of way refers to the rules dictating how drivers should behave in specific situations to prevent confusion or accidents. It’s not about who has the "right" to go but more about knowing when to yield to others. By following these rules, drivers ensure the safety and efficiency of everyone on the road.

It’s important to note that the law doesn’t technically grant the right of way; rather, it clarifies who should yield to whom. Even if the law favors you, exercising patience and caution is essential, especially if another driver fails to yield.

11 Situations When You Should Yield the Right of Way

1. Four-Way Intersection

At a four-way stop, if you and another driver arrive at the intersection simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. If you’re on the left, you must yield. However, if it’s your turn to go, proceed with caution.

Be mindful not to delay, as it could confuse other drivers and lead to accidents.

Tip: If you arrive at the intersection first, you have the right of way. For more tips on handling intersections, check out our driver’s guide to intersection safety.

2. First Come, First Served at Intersections

At any intersection, the car that arrives first has the right of way, regardless of which side they approach from. This rule ensures fairness and prevents traffic build-up. Always proceed with caution to avoid potential miscommunication with other drivers.

3. Pedestrians in a Crosswalk

Pedestrians always have the right of way in a marked crosswalk. Whether the crosswalk is at an intersection or mid-block, stop for pedestrians to cross safely.

Tip: Pedestrians with disabilities, such as those using a cane or guide dog, should always be given the right of way, even if it’s your turn to proceed. Learn more about pedestrian safety in our crosswalk safety guide.

4. Uncontrolled Intersections

At intersections without stop signs or traffic lights, yield the right of way to vehicles already in the intersection. If no vehicles are present, use caution and make eye contact with other drivers to ensure it's safe to proceed.

5. Left-Hand Turns

When making a left-hand turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic, even if you have a green light. Wait for a safe gap in traffic before proceeding.

Tip: In New York, you also need to yield to oncoming cyclists and pedestrians when making a left-hand turn. Brush up on these tips with our complete guide to handling left-hand turns.

6. Emergency Vehicles

You must always yield to emergency vehicles such as ambulances, police cars, or fire trucks, especially if they are flashing their lights or using a siren. Pull over to the side of the road to give them room to pass, regardless of which direction they are coming from.

7. Yield Signs

If you approach a yield sign, you must yield to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians. Always slow down and check for approaching vehicles before proceeding.

8. Driveways

When you are turning into a driveway from the road, you have the right of way. However, vehicles exiting the driveway must yield to you.

9. Roundabouts

In a roundabout, yield to vehicles already circulating within the roundabout. Only enter when it is safe to do so, and once inside, continue driving until you reach your desired exit.

Tip: Learn more about navigating roundabouts in our complete guide to using roundabouts.

10. Multi-Lane Highways

When merging onto a multi-lane highway, yield to the vehicles already on the highway. Adjust your speed to merge safely and avoid disrupting the flow of traffic.

11. Pedestrians with Disabilities

When approaching pedestrians with disabilities, always yield the right of way. If you notice a pedestrian using a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog, stop and let them cross safely.

What Are the Right-of-Way Rules at Traffic Lights?

When approaching an intersection with traffic lights, the driver going straight usually has the right of way. However, if another vehicle is already in the intersection and making a left turn, you should yield to them. By allowing the turning vehicle to complete its maneuver, you ensure a smoother and safer traffic flow.

Right-of-Way for Left Turns in New York

In New York, if you’re making a left turn at an intersection, you must yield to oncoming traffic. This is true even if the light is green in your favor. Always wait for a safe gap in traffic before proceeding.

What Are the 10 Right-of-Way Rules You Should Know?

Obey stop signs and traffic lights at controlled intersections.
Yield to pedestrians and cyclists, especially in crosswalks.
When making a left turn, always yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
When entering a roadway from a driveway or parking lot, yield to vehicles already on the road.
Yield to emergency vehicles using lights or sirens.
At a roundabout, yield to vehicles already inside the roundabout.
When merging onto a highway, yield to vehicles already on the highway.
Stop for school buses with flashing red lights or extended stop signs.
Always yield to trains at railroad crossings.
At uncontrolled intersections, yield to vehicles that arrive before you.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the right-of-way rules is essential for both new and experienced drivers. By understanding when to yield, you help prevent accidents and contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone. Remember, driving is about more than just following the rules it’s about respect and self-discipline.

At Drive Rite Academy, we teach our students not only how to drive but also the importance of safety and courtesy on the road. Whether you're looking for additional practice in yielding the right of way, mastering three-point turns, or perfecting your parallel parking skills, we’re here to help.

In What Situations Should You Yield the Right of Way?