Who has the right-of-way at an Arizona intersection

When two vehicles traveling in different directions reach an intersection simultaneously, one vehicle must yield to let the other pass. In Arizona, the driver on the left at an intersection typically yields the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. However, certain circumstances may change who has the right-of-way. To avoid an accident, a driver must know when to yield the right-of-way and when to expect the other drivers to do so.

What Is the Right-of-Way?

The term right-of-way refers to the legal right of a motorist, bicyclist, or pedestrian to proceed along a public road before other road users. Right-of-way rules govern when road users must yield to allow others to pass. Right-of-way rules usually come into play whenever road users arrive at intersections to ensure that each passes safely through the crossroad without hitting someone else. The right-of-way also governs when turning vehicles may pass in front of oncoming traffic.

What Is the Difference Between a Controlled Intersection and an Uncontrolled Intersection?

Intersections can be either controlled or uncontrolled:

• Controlled – A controlled intersection has traffic lights, stop signs, or yield signs to direct traffic traveling through the intersection.
• Uncontrolled  – An uncontrolled intersection either has no traffic lights or signs or has nonfunctional lights.

Drivers must obey traffic control devices at intersections. However, they should still look both ways before entering an intersection. Drivers should also slow down when approaching an intersection – even when control devices give them the right to proceed – in case another road user enters the intersection.

What Are the Right-of-Way Rules for Controlled and Uncontrolled Intersections?

At a controlled intersection, the right-of-way rules depend on whether traffic is directed by lights or signs:

• Lights  – When an intersection has traffic lights, drivers must obey signals. However, turning traffic must yield the right-of-way to straight-traveling traffic unless the turning driver has a protected green left or right turn signal. Drivers must treat blinking red lights like a stop sign and blinking yellow lights like a yield sign. Left-turning drivers must treat a green light without a designated green left-turn indicator as a yield sign.
• Signs  – For intersections with traffic signs, drivers must yield to traffic in the intersection or come to a complete stop as required. Drivers have the right-of-way in the order in which they reach the intersection. When two or more vehicles arrive at the intersection simultaneously, the driver on the right has the right-of-way through the intersection.

Drivers must treat uncontrolled intersections like an all-way stop intersection, which means behaving as though each road entering the intersection has a stop sign. The same right-of-way rules for controlled intersections with stop signs apply to uncontrolled intersections.

What Is a T-Intersection?

A T-intersection refers to an intersection where one road crosses with and ends at another road, with the two roads forming a “T” shape. A T-intersection may have traffic lights controlling the intersection or have a three-way stop. However, many only have a stop sign for the road ending at the intersection.

What Are the Right-of-Way Rules for a T-Intersection?

At a T-intersection without traffic lights, drivers on the ending road of the “T” must yield the right-of-way to drivers on the continuing road at the top of the “T.”

What Are the Right-of-Way Rules for Emergency Vehicles?

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to all emergency vehicles that have activated their lights or sirens, including law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks. All non-emergency traffic must slow down and move to the right to clear a path for emergency vehicles, coming to a complete stop if necessary. On multi-lane highways where emergency vehicles with activated lights have stopped at the side of the road, drivers should move to the left to leave at least one open lane between traffic and the emergency vehicle.

When Must You Yield to a Pedestrian?

In Arizona, all vehicles must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street in a crosswalk or at an intersection. Drivers should always slow down when approaching a marked crosswalk in case a pedestrian steps into the crosswalk, especially if the crosswalk has its flashing lights activated. Although pedestrians must yield to road traffic when crossing the street outside a crosswalk or intersection, drivers should still yield to any pedestrians on the roadway.

When Does a Bicyclist or Motorcyclist Have the Right-of-Way?

Arizona law treats motorcycles and bicycles like any other road vehicle, although they are subject to certain additional rules. As a result, cyclists and motorcycle operators must follow the same right-of-way rules as drivers. However, some riders don’t realize that the same right-of-way rules apply to them or choose to ignore such rules. Drivers should always practice defensive driving around bicyclists or motorcyclists.

What Is the Penalty in Arizona for Failure to Yield the Right-of-Way?

Failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection or for a pedestrian or emergency vehicle can result in a traffic citation for the offending road user. A conviction for failing to yield the right-of-way has penalties that include fines and points on their driver’s license. Accumulating driver’s license points can lead to increased auto insurance rates and temporary suspension of driving privileges.

What Happens If Someone Is Injured After Failure to Yield?

If someone gets injured in an accident caused by a driver’s failure to yield, that driver may be financially liable for the injured victim’s losses. Depending on the circumstances, the driver who failed to yield might also face criminal liability if their conduct rose to criminal negligence or reckless driving.

Contact an Arizona Car Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt in an accident at an intersection in Arizona caused by another driver’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your injuries and other losses. Contact Mushkatel, Gobbato, & Kile, P.L.L.C. today for a confidential consultation to discuss your legal options with a knowledgeable Arizona car accident lawyer.

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About the Author

Zachary Mushkatel

Zachary Mushkatel discovered his affinity for the law by chance. As a political science major at the University of Arizona, he first aspired to become a professor. But an unexpected invitation to participate on a mock trial team at the university encouraged him to turn his competitive spirit and drive…