Understanding California's Right-of-Way Laws

Right-of-way laws in California exist to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. While these laws do not give anyone an absolute right-of-way, they outline who should yield to whom in different traffic situations. Understanding and adhering to these laws is crucial for avoiding traffic violations, reducing accidents, and ensuring smooth traffic flow.

Intersections Without Signals

At intersections without traffic signals or stop signs, the driver who arrives first has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way. This rule is commonly applied at four-way stop intersections.

Additionally, when making a left turn, you must yield to all oncoming traffic until it is safe to complete the turn. This also applies when turning left across traffic at an uncontrolled intersection or green light without a green arrow.

Stop Signs and Yield Signs

At a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop before the limit line, crosswalk, or intersection. Yield to any vehicle or pedestrian already in the intersection or close enough to pose a hazard.

When approaching a yield sign, slow down and be prepared to stop. Yield the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection and on the intersecting road if they are close enough to be an immediate hazard.

Pedestrian Crosswalks

California law requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the street at marked crosswalks and unmarked intersections. This is true even if the pedestrian is on the other side of a divided highway, provided they are within the crosswalk or near your half of the roadway.

Pedestrians also have the right-of-way when entering the road from a driveway or alley.

Roundabouts

In roundabouts, vehicles already circulating within the roundabout have the right-of-way. Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to traffic already inside and proceed only when it is safe to do so. Do not stop within the roundabout except to avoid a collision.

Emergency Vehicles

Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles using sirens and/or flashing lights. Move to the right edge of the road and stop until the vehicle has passed. If you are in an intersection, continue through it and then pull over.

Failing to yield to emergency vehicles is a serious offense and can result in heavy fines and points on your driving record.

School Buses and Transit Vehicles

You must stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and an extended stop sign arm, whether you are approaching from the front or rear (unless on a divided highway). Do not proceed until the lights stop flashing and the stop sign is withdrawn.

Also, yield to transit buses signaling to re-enter traffic from a bus stop. This is not only courteous but required under California law.

Merging and Lane Changes

When merging onto a freeway or changing lanes, yield to vehicles already in the lane you are entering. Use turn signals to indicate your intentions and check mirrors and blind spots before proceeding.

Special Situations

• Driveways and Alleys: Vehicles exiting a driveway, alley, or private road must yield to all traffic on the main road, including pedestrians.
• Mountain Roads: On steep, narrow roads where two vehicles cannot pass, the vehicle facing downhill must yield by backing up until the other vehicle can pass.

Understanding these laws helps reduce collisions and maintain safety for all road users. For a deeper dive into California's driving regulations, check out California's Rules on U-Turns and Left Turns and California's Carpool Lane Regulations.

Learn how these rules tie into getting your license in Steps to Obtain a California Driver's License, or ensure you’re REAL ID ready with California REAL ID: What You Need to Know.