Anderson Injury Lawyers | June 9, 2023 | Texas Law
Right-of-way laws are intended to provide clear guidance on where drivers can and cannot travel while on the road. Think of them as a sort of order of operations devised to minimize the occurrence of car accidents and other traffic problems.
Some of Texas’s right-of-way laws are straightforward and widespread to the extent that many drivers outside the state likely adhere to them. For example, you are only permitted to make a right turn at a red light if there is no oncoming traffic. However, the state has other specific right-of-way laws that drivers are expected to adhere to.
To help you avoid running afoul of law enforcement (or, worse, causing an accident), this post will explain some of the notable right-of-way laws in Fort Worth, TX. After reading this article, you should understand a little more about these regulations so you can keep your passengers and other commuters safe.
Texas Right-of-Way Laws
The state of Texas sets specific right-of-way laws for almost any situation. Knowing when to yield the right of way can make all the difference in terms of safety and can help motorists from all walks of life avoid crashes, expensive fines, and other undesirable outcomes.
Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws
When it comes to pedestrians in roadways, Texas drivers have a legal obligation to yield the right of way. Accidents involving pedestrians can result in severe consequences for the driver, including hefty fines and potential criminal charges. This also applies to instances where the pedestrian does not have the right of way.
Pedestrians in Texas have the right of way in all of the following situations:
- Crosswalks, especially those with indicator lights for pedestrians
- Intersections where the light has turned red, but they are already walking
- Any green light unaccompanied by a pedestrian light
- When crossing in front of alleys or driveways
In Texas, a four-way intersection is classified as a crosswalk. Drivers must be aware of this to ensure that they follow the law and avoid contributing to preventable mishaps.
Additionally, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at all times, even if the pedestrian is crossing illegally. If the vehicle in front of you has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross, you are also required to stop.
Intersection Right-of-Way Laws
Many of us intuitively follow most intersection laws, such as allowing the oncoming lanes to clear before turning left at a green light or making a complete stop at a red light. However, some of Texas’s intersection laws are more nuanced. Here are some laws you may not be aware of.
Entering Roadways or Alleys
Drivers entering alleys or roadways must yield to all traffic on the main road.
Intersections Between Paved and Unpaved Roads
Drivers on paved roads have the right of way on intersections between paved and unpaved roads.
Uncontrolled Intersections
Remember that traffic in the intersection has the right of way when at an uncontrolled intersection. Additionally, drivers to the right have the right of way over drivers to the left.
Other Situations Where Right-of-Way Laws Apply
Texas drivers must yield the right of way to all of the following vehicles:
- Ambulances
- Police vehicles
- Trains
- Fire trucks
- School buses
It is also important to note that emergency vehicles automatically have the right of way whenever their sirens are active.
Follow Fort Worth’s Right-of-Way Laws To Keep Yourself and Others Safe
Now that you know more about the right-of-way laws in Fort Worth, Texas, you can conduct yourself in a safe manner without putting yourself or other road users at risk.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our car accident lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 610, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711
