Texas Right-of-Way Laws: Essential Information for Drivers

Understanding right-of-way laws is crucial for safe and lawful driving. In Texas, these laws dictate how drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists interact on the roads, ensuring smooth traffic flow and reducing accidents. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Texas’s right-of-way rules, covering various scenarios drivers may encounter.

Intersections

Intersections are common points of conflict, making it essential to know who has the right-of-way.

Controlled Intersections

At intersections regulated by traffic signals:

• Green Light: Vehicles may proceed straight or turn unless prohibited. However, drivers must yield to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk. (Texas Pedestrian Laws)
  
• Green Arrow: Drivers can cautiously enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow but must yield to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully within the intersection. (Texas Transportation Code)
  
• Red Light: Vehicles must come to a complete stop. After stopping, unless a sign prohibits it, drivers may turn right, yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. (Texas Traffic Signal Laws)
  

Uncontrolled Intersections

For intersections without signals or signs:

• Simultaneous Arrival: When two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. (Texas Right-of-Way Laws)
  
• T-Intersections: Drivers on the terminating road must yield to traffic on the through road. (Texas Intersection Rules)
  

Pedestrians and Crosswalks

Pedestrian safety is a priority in Texas.

• Marked and Unmarked Crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians within any crosswalk at an intersection. (Texas Crosswalk Laws)
  
• Crossing Outside Crosswalks: Pedestrians crossing at points other than crosswalks must yield to all vehicles. (Texas Pedestrian Rules)
  
• Sidewalks: Vehicles emerging from alleys or driveways must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks. (Texas Sidewalk Regulations)
  

Turning and U-Turns

Specific rules apply when making turns:

• Left Turns: Drivers intending to turn left must yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to pose a hazard. (Texas Left-Turn Law)
  
• U-Turns: Permitted only when they can be made safely and without interfering with other traffic.
  

Emergency Vehicles

When approaching emergency vehicles with active lights or sirens:

• Immediate Action: Drivers must yield the right-of-way, move over to the right, and come to a complete stop. If unable to move over, reduce speed by 20 mph below the posted limit and proceed with caution. (Texas Emergency Vehicle Laws)

Roundabouts

Navigating roundabouts requires understanding entry and circulation rules:

• Entering: Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. (Texas Roundabout Guide)
  
• Multi-Lane Roundabouts: Yield to large vehicles driving through the roundabout at the same time. If two large trucks approach simultaneously, the driver in the right lane must yield to the driver in the left lane.
  

Merging and Lane Changes

Proper merging ensures traffic flows smoothly:

• Highway Entry: Vehicles entering a highway must yield to traffic already on the highway. (Texas Highway Rules)
  
• Lane Changes: Always yield to vehicles in the lane you intend to enter.
  

School Buses

Protecting children is paramount:

• Stopping: When a school bus has its stop arm extended, all vehicles must stop, regardless of the direction of approach, unless on a divided highway with a barrier. (Texas School Bus Stopping Laws)

Move Over Law

Texas’s Move Over Law enhances safety for stationary vehicles:

• Stationary Vehicles: Drivers must change lanes away from authorized parked vehicles with flashing lights. If unable to change lanes safely, reduce speed by 20 mph below the posted limit and proceed with caution. (Texas Move Over Law)

Conclusion

Adhering to right-of-way laws is essential for the safety of all road users. By understanding and respecting these rules, drivers contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation environment in Texas. For more detailed information, refer to the Texas Transportation Code and the Texas Driver’s Handbook.