What are the Right-of-Way Laws in Texas?
Certain situations require that a driver yield the right-of-way to pedestrians or other drivers. A right-of-way is the right of some traffic to take precedence over other traffic.
Right-of-way laws protect motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians by helping traffic flow as smoothly and orderly as possible. Some right-of-way laws are well known; others cause confusion. Sometimes, that confusion results in motor vehicle collisions, property damage, and bodily injuries. Accordingly, everyone traveling on Texas’s roadways should learn and be familiar with its right-of-way laws.
Right-of-Way at Intersections
Chapter 545, Subchapter D of the Texas Transportation Code contains Texas’s right-of-way laws for vehicular traffic. Different right-of-way laws govern depending on the type of intersection at issue. A summary of these laws are:
Stop and Yield Signs - Drivers approaching an intersection must stop, yield, and grant use of that intersection to comply with a traffic-control device (e.g., a stop or yield sign). Drivers must also stop if a traffic signal is present but does not display an indication in any of the signal heads (e.g., when the traffic lights are not working).
Uncontrolled Intersections - A driver approaching an intersection not controlled by a traffic-control device must yield the right-of-way to vehicles that have entered the intersection from the driver’s right. After stopping, the driver may proceed when the driver can enter the intersection safely.
Turning Left - Drivers turning left at an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway must yield the right-of-way to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.
T-Intersections - Drivers approaching an intersection not controlled by a traffic-control device from a roadway that terminates at the intersection must stop and grant use of the intersection to traffic traveling on the through street.
Private Roads - Drivers about to enter or cross a highway from an alley, private road, or driveway must yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the main roadway.
Unpaved Streets - Drivers on an unpaved roadway approaching an intersection of a paved roadway must stop and yield use of the intersection to nearby vehicles on the paved roadway.
Right-of-Way for Pedestrians
Chapter 552 of the Texas Transportation Code contains several laws that protect pedestrians crossing roadways. A summary of these laws are:
Green Light - Pedestrians facing a green signal may proceed across a roadway unless the sole green signal is a turn arrow.
Red or Yellow Light - Pedestrians facing a red or yellow signal may not enter a roadway.
“Walk” Signal - Pedestrians facing a “Walk” signal may proceed across a roadway in the direction of that signal. Drivers must stop and yield the right-of-way to crossing pedestrians.
“Don’t Walk” Signal - Pedestrians may not start crossing a roadway in the direction of a “Don’t Walk” or “Wait” signal. Pedestrians who have partially crossed while the “Walk” signal is displayed may proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the “Don’t Walk” or “Wait” signal is displayed.
No Signal - Drivers must stop and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing a roadway in a crosswalk if there is no traffic control signal and the pedestrian is already on the half of the roadway in which the drivers are traveling.
Because pedestrians do not have the same protection as drivers, a good rule of thumb is always to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, even if crossing the roadway illegally.
Right-of-Way to Emergency Vehicles
Emergency vehicles (e.g., ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars) have lights and sirens to alert other drivers when these vehicles are responding to an emergency. Section 545.156 of the Texas Transportation Code requires drivers to yield the right-of-way when approached by an emergency vehicle using its lights or sirens. Specifically, Texas drivers must move out of the emergency vehicle’s pathway as soon as possible by pulling over to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway. Drivers must stop and remain there until the emergency vehicle passes.
Right-of-Way for School Buses
When a school bus is stopped with flashing lights or an extended stop sign to load or unload students on the roadway, drivers approaching from either direction must stop before reaching the school bus. These drivers may not pass the school bus until the bus resumes motion, the bus driver signals the other drivers to move, or the bus turns off its flashing lights.
Speak With an Experienced Accident Attorney After a Car Wreck
If someone fails to yield the right-of-way and injures you or a loved one, you have enough things to worry about. Do not let dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company be one of them. We deal with the insurance company so you can focus on getting your life back to normal. You have one chance to do this; make the right choice by choosing the right attorney. Call us at (956) 291-7870 or email us at contact@rdjlawyer.com for a free consultation and case evaluation.