When Does a Driver Have to Yield the Right of Way?

One way to ensure safety and efficiency on the roads is yielding the right of way in diverse scenarios. In Dripping Springs, Texas, there are several scenarios in which a driver is required to yield the right of way, particularly where other road users have the legal priority to proceed first.

If an accident happens as a result of a driver not yielding to the right of way, and you sustain injuries, you may have legal recourse. Get a car accident lawyer from a reputable Dripping Springs personal injury lawyer to help fight for your rights. They will interpret the law for you and argue your case based on the applicable traffic laws.

Here is what you need to know about yielding the right of way in Texas.

What Does It Mean To Yield the Right of Way?

Yielding the right of way means allowing another person or vehicle to go first. When you yield, you pause or stop and let others move before you continue.

Section 541.401 (8) of the Texas Vehicle and Traffic Act defines the right way as lawfully proceeding before another approaching from a direction, speed, and distance at which a collision would likely occur unless one yields.

For example, when entering a crosswalk in Dripping, TX, you will let pedestrians walk by before you drive through. It helps prevent accidents and keeps traffic flowing smoothly.

When To Yield the Right of Way in Texas

Under the Texas Transportation Code, there are specific rules that dictate when a driver must yield to another vehicle or pedestrian. You need to yield the right of way in these situations:

• T- intersections. If there’s a stop sign, allow other vehicles that arrived first or are already moving through to go before you. If a T-intersection lacks a light or stop sign, drivers on the ending road must stop and yield to traffic on the through street.
• For pedestrians. Always let pedestrians cross at marked or unmarked crosswalks.
• To emergency vehicles. Move over and stop for police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances with flashing lights and sirens.
• When turning left. Yield to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.
• Entering a roadway. When joining traffic from a side street, driveway, or alley, let the vehicles on the main road go first.
• Roundabouts. Yield to vehicles already moving within the roundabout.
• School buses. Yield to school buses with a stop sign when loading or unloading from whichever side of the street.

Failing to yield the right of way when required can result in traffic violations and fines. However, when another driver violates Texas law, causing you losses, you need to engage a Dripping Springs auto accident lawyer to help you pursue fair compensation.

Contact a Dripping Springs, TX, Car Accident Lawyer

Yielding the right of way can be a significant consideration in motor accident claims. If someone injures you as a result of their negligence, you need to open a car accident claim to seek justice. Usually, it is in your best interest to hire a Dripping Springs Tx car accident lawyer to analyze your claim and advise on the best course of action. If you or a loved one is a victim of violating the right of way, don’t hesitate to contact York Law today. We offer free case evaluation.

“Justice isn’t a distant goal; it’s the real outcome we pursue for every client, every case, every day.”

Steven Ray York

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.