Priority at Uncontrolled Intersections: Right-Of-Way Rules

Uncontrolled intersections are common in rural or residential areas where there are fewer people and cars. The chances of traffic violations or negligent driving are higher at these spots.

However, these intersections can be three-way or four-way, and they work just like controlled intersections, even without traffic signs or lights. 

If you or a loved one has been in an accident at an uncontrolled intersection, a  PI attorney will help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

What is an Uncontrolled Intersection?

An uncontrolled intersection is a place where roads meet, but there are no traffic lights, stop signs, or yield signs. 

These can be confusing because there’s nothing telling drivers when to stop or go. You might see these in:

• Quiet neighborhoods
• Remote areas
• Rural areas
• Parking lots

What Does Yielding the Right-Of-Way Mean?

Yielding the right-of-way simply means letting someone else go first. 

When you yield, you wait for another car to pass before you proceed. The priority is usually based on the order in which cars arrive at the intersection. 

However, these rules only work if everyone follows them. Always stay alert and be prepared to stop, even if you have the right-of-way, to avoid accidents and ensure everyone’s safety. Remember, it’s better to be safe and patient than to rush and risk a collision.

How to Enter an Uncontrolled Intersection

Here are the basic rules for who goes first at an uncontrolled intersection:

• First to stop, first to go. If you stop first, you get to go first.
• Right goes first. If two cars stop at the same time, the car on the right gets to go first.
• Straight before turning. If you’re going straight and the other car is turning, you go first.
• Right turns before left. If one car is turning right and one is turning left, the right-turning car goes first.

What to Do When Approaching an Uncontrolled Intersection

Here’s what you should do when you come to an uncontrolled intersection:

• Slow down as you get close.
• Look left, right, and left again for other cars, bikes, or people walking.
• If there’s another car, decide who has the right-of-way using the rules above.
• If you’re not sure, wait and let the other car go first. It’s better to be safe than sorry in a car accident.
• If it’s clear or it’s your turn, go through the intersection carefully. Never assume anything. 
• Keep looking around as you go through in case something changes.

Contact a Dripping Springs TX, Car Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one have been in a car accident at an uncontrolled intersection, you may be eligible for compensation from the negligent driver. This can include money for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium for spouses. 

A York Law APC car accident attorney will help you understand your rights and seek justice. Call us at 619-233-1033 or contact us online for a free consultation and case review.

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Steven Ray York who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.