Right of Ways Laws: New York

Right of way laws are rules that determine which vehicle gets to proceed ahead of another. For example, right of way laws are needed to resolve problems that arise when cars are turning left or when there are pedestrians nearby. These laws can apply to cars, boats, or airplanes. Usually, they exist to control automobile traffic at intersections. When an operator of one of these vehicles fails to yield the right of way, it can present a dangerous situation for the driver and others. The driver may cause an accident and be held legally liable for it or be ticketed and fined under New York law.

Right of Way Laws for Intersections 

There are several important right of way laws in New York for intersections:

• One law states that when a driver approaches an intersection, the driver must yield to other drivers who are already at the intersection. This rule would apply, for example, in a situation in which someone is already in the intersection and turning left.  Even though your light is green, you have to wait until the other car completes the turn. 
• When two drivers are entering an intersection from opposite directions and one is planning to turn left, the one turning left must yield to the oncoming car. This law applies if the oncoming car is going straight or turning right. If you are in this situation, you may pull forward and wait until the approaching traffic clears out or the light turns for you. You need to make sure your wheels stay straight so that if someone hits you from the rear, you will not be pushed into oncoming traffic. This law also applies if you are turning left into a driveway, parking space, or alleyway.  
• At intersections without traffic signals but with stop signs, a problem arises when two drivers stop at the same time. When two drivers are at right angles to one another, New York law stipulates that the driver on the left must yield the right of way to the driver on the right.  
• U-turns can present right-of-way problems and should not be made unless absolutely necessary.  In New York, you may make a left turn from the left turn lane and when the traffic light gives you the go-ahead. Of course, you are the driver that must yield the right of way to other cars, whether they are oncoming or turning right onto the lane you are turning into.  

Pedestrian Right of Way Laws 

There are also specific rules that apply when cars and pedestrians meet on the road, such as the following:

• When you are entering a roadway from something that is not a roadway, like an alley, driveway, or alley, you must yield the right of way to traffic on the roadway and to pedestrians. If a pedestrian is crossing in a crosswalk by the exit, you have to yield to the pedestrian. 
• Pedestrians almost always have the right of way in most situations. For example, if you are stopped and the pedestrian begins to cross in front of you even if the light turns green, you still have to wait for the pedestrian to cross. If you are turning, the pedestrians will also have the right of way.  

Roundabouts and Mountain Roads 

Special right-of-way rules apply in New York for mountain roads and roundabouts as well.

• A driver entering a traffic circle or rotary has to yield the right of way to vehicles that are in the circle. One advantage of roundabouts is that drivers have to slow down when approaching, which is not always true of intersections. 
• The only traffic law that is different for mountain roads concerns a narrow road. If you meet another car, and there is not room for both of you, the car traveling downhill yields to the car going uphill. However, sometimes the uphill car can pull over onto a wider space or turnout.

Getting Help

If you have been involved in an accident that you believe was caused by someone not obeying New York's right-of-way laws, you should strongly consider speaking with an attorney. Your lawyer can help you to determine if the other driver should be held responsible for your accident and can assist you in taking steps to make claims against the other driver.