The right-of-way rules in Pennsylvania are found in Pennsylvania Title 75 Chapter 33 and are considered part of the “rules of the road.” The application of these rules depends on a mutual understanding and respect for the principles involved.
Every person who uses the roadway is expected to know how to apply these laws. Those who do not know them risk causing an accident in Pennsylvania for which they could be held legally responsible. Criminal and civil penalties for causing an accident can result in long-term financial and reputational consequences.
What is the “Right-of-way”?
“Right-of-way” is a term that refers to rules dictating which vehicles are allowed to proceed at certain points on roadways. In Pennsylvania, these rules are essential for traffic to be able to move safely at intersections and other places where two or more vehicles converge. Without them, traffic movement would be chaotic, unpredictable, and dangerous.
Saying someone has the “right-of-way” means that a person has the legal right to continue on their way before someone else. For example, if you encounter other traffic at an intersection and you have the right-of-way, you get to proceed through that intersection ahead of any other cars or trucks at the intersection.
Pennsylvania right-of-way laws depend upon the situation each time they apply. Just because you have the right-of-way at one intersection does not mean you automatically have it at every other intersection. Similarly, just because you do not have the right-of-way in one moment does not mean you will not have it in the next.
Intersection Right-of-Way Rules in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania right-of-way laws, specifically those found at PA § 3321, apply when vehicles encounter one another at an intersection. An intersection is a place on the road where two or more streets carrying traffic come together and allow drivers to change their direction of travel if desired.
There are three general types of intersections: controlled, uncontrolled, and “T” intersections. Right-of-way determinations for intersections depend on which one of these types you are encountering and when every other vehicle present arrives at the intersection.
No matter the type of intersection, Pennsylvania right-of-way laws require drivers to watch for pedestrians and bicyclists using crosswalks to cross the street. Individuals who are using a crosswalk should be given the right-of-way. Drivers should not continue driving until these people have crossed the street and are safe on the other side.
Controlled Intersections
A controlled intersection is one where some lights or signs control the flow of traffic. Determining who has the right-of-way at any given moment simply requires you to consult the signs or traffic signals.
Approaching an intersection that is displaying a solid red light indicates you must stop at the light and wait until it turns green. Once you see the green traffic light, that signals that you have the right-of-way and can proceed. You can also make a left-hand turn at a controlled intersection once there is no oncoming traffic.
A controlled intersection can also describe a four-way intersection with stop signs or other traffic signs. The driver who arrives at the intersection first has the right-of-way over others who arrive later.
If two or more drivers arrive at the intersection simultaneously, the one who does not have a car on their right-hand side gets to proceed. If four cars arrive at the same time, cars continuing straight have priority over those that are turning.
Uncontrolled Intersections
Uncontrolled intersections are frequently encountered in residential areas. They are so named because there is no light or sign present to control the flow of traffic. Drivers must instead rely on Pennsylvania’s right-of-way laws to know how to safely get through these areas.
At an uncontrolled intersection, the first person to arrive at the intersection has the right-of-way over others who arrive at the intersection later. If two cars arrive at the intersection at the same time, then the car that is to the right of the other has the right-of-way and can proceed.
The situation at uncontrolled intersections can quickly become complicated if there are more than two cars at the intersection. Suppose four cars arrive at the same intersection at approximately the same time. In this case, it can be impossible to determine who has the right-of-way.
Here, the driver that chooses or is allowed to enter the intersection first has the right-of-way. Then, the motorist who does not have another vehicle to the right gets to proceed. This repeats until all four vehicles have gone through the intersection.
T Intersections
As the name implies, a T-intersection gets its name because one street ends by joining perpendicularly with another street. When viewed from above, the two roads form the capital letter T. At T-intersections, it is common for there to be a stop sign at the intersection for traffic driving on the road that ends.
Therefore, traffic along the road that continues generally has the right-of-way at a T-intersection. Drivers on the road that ends must obey any traffic sign or light present. In the absence of a sign or light, these drivers must stop their vehicles and wait until there is a safe opportunity to turn and enter onto the other road.
Right-of-Way in Roundabouts
An alternative to traditional intersections is the roundabout. Vehicles entering a roundabout travel in a counterclockwise and circular motion. As they do, there are two or more exits that drivers in the roundabout can take to continue along their way. Safely navigating these features requires careful adherence to right-of-way rules.
Any traffic moving within the roundabout has the right-of-way over traffic that is approaching the roundabout. Therefore, as you get closer to the roundabout, you should begin to slow down and start to watch for cars and trucks in the roundabout. Wait for an opening in the traffic before entering the roundabout.
Once you are in the roundabout, continue moving in a counterclockwise direction until you reach the street exit you need. As you do so, you will continue to have the right-of-way over all other traffic trying to enter the roundabout. Then, you can activate your right turn signal to indicate your intention to exit the roundabout.
Some roundabouts feature crosswalks; therefore, be careful and watch for bicyclists or pedestrians at roundabouts. These individuals also have the right-of-way over you when you are trying to enter or leave a roundabout.
Left Hand Turns
If you are traveling down a major road or highway in a business district, you may need to turn left to access stores, gas stations, or other retail establishments. Pennsylvania’s right-of-way laws also govern this movement. According to PA § 3322, a vehicle turning left between intersections must yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic traveling straight.
Vehicles approaching the car or truck turning left are usually permitted to proceed first. The turning vehicle is permitted to complete its left turn when there are no longer any oncoming cars that could collide with it. However, if you are turning left and have a green arrow or other similar signal, you would have the right-of-way over other traffic.
Are U-Turns Legal in Pennsylvania?
A U-turn is a 180-degree turn that allows the driver to quickly reverse their course and proceed in the opposite direction. These maneuvers are generally legal in Pennsylvania, with certain exceptions. Drivers should pay careful attention when approaching an intersection, as there may be a sign indicating that a U-turn is not allowed.
Because of the time it takes you to make a U-turn, you should not attempt these maneuvers on curves or at the tops of hills, where visibility is reduced.
When a U-turn is permitted, wait until no vehicle or person approaching you is within 500 feet of your vehicle. This includes pedestrians and bicyclists who might be in your vicinity. After ensuring you can perform the maneuver safely, you can proceed with making your U-turn.
Pennsylvania’s Rules for Merging and Changing Lanes
Although intersections are a common place where right-of-way issues arise, they are not the only place where they do. Right-of-way laws also play a key role in keeping motorists safe when one is attempting to change their lane of travel to a different one when multiple lanes are present.
When one lane of travel merges into another, such as when a freeway on-ramp merges into the expressway, any traffic already on the main road has the right-of-way. Traffic that is attempting to merge must adjust their speed until there is a break in the other lane’s traffic and it is safe to move over.
In heavy traffic, Pennsylvania right-of-way laws encourage drivers in both lanes to use a “zipper” approach to merging. Drivers in the main lane of traffic leave enough space between their vehicle and the one in front so that one car from the merging lane can slip in between the two, much like how the teeth of a zipper come together.
Similar rules apply when a driver wants to change lanes. That driver does not have the right-of-way until all other traffic in the lane to which they are going is clear. Only then can that driver move into their desired lane.
Stop Signs and Yield Signs
Sometimes, traffic signs like “Stop” and “Yield” signs tell road users who has the right-of-way at that moment. When faced with a stop sign, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop. Then, you acquire the right-of-way and can proceed on your way if any of the following apply:
- There are no other vehicles present at that location
- Another vehicle arrived at the location after you did, and they also had a stop sign or red light
- Another driver with the right-of-way gives it up to you by gesturing for you to proceed
Yield signs function similarly. When you approach a yield sign, you should slow your vehicle down and look for other traffic. You can continue on your way once there is no other traffic approaching your position. Unlike with a stop sign, you do not need to bring your vehicle to a stop if there is no other traffic in your way.
Some intersections might have stop signs and yield signs. In this case, the drivers with the yield signs have the right-of-way over those who encounter the stop signs. Those controlled by the yield signs only yield the right-of-way if another car or pedestrian is already in the intersection.
Emergency Vehicles
According to PA § 3325, drivers who encounter an emergency vehicle using its lights and sirens must immediately yield the right-of-way to that emergency vehicle. Common emergency vehicles include ambulances, fire department trucks, and police cars. When using their lights and sirens, these vehicles get to proceed before all other traffic in order to reach their destination as soon as possible.
Yielding the right-of-way involves moving your vehicle to the nearest curb and waiting until the emergency vehicle passes by you before continuing on your way. If you are caught in an intersection or roundabout, exit onto the nearest street and pull to the side of the road.
Do not stop suddenly in the middle of an intersection or roundabout. This situation is dangerous for both you and the emergency vehicle and may make it difficult for emergency personnel to move around you.
Top Rated Pennsylvania Auto Accident Attorneys
All drivers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and others who use Pennsylvania’s roads are supposed to know and follow the Pennsylvania right-of-way laws. A person who does not follow these laws and causes an accident is liable for the harm they cause to you and others who may have been hurt in the accident.
Wilk Law Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers are committed to helping you and others who sustain harm because another driver did not follow the applicable Pennsylvania right-of-way laws. Our top rated West Chester personal injury attorneys will carefully investigate your case and gather the evidence you need to build a strong compensation claim.
Allow our experienced attorney to help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses from the driver who disobeyed the right-of-way laws and caused your injuries.