Right-of-Way Rules at Intersections in Phoenix

At a Phoenix intersection, the vehicle on the right generally has the right–of–way unless otherwise noted. It’s important to understand the rules surrounding right-of-way at intersections because they make it possible to maintain the flow of traffic and keep everyone safe.

Unfortunately, not everyone knows who has the right-of-way, which can make all the difference between a smooth ride and a dangerous outcome. If you were hurt as a result of another driver failing to understand intersection right-of-way rules, a Phoenix car accident lawyer can help.

Basic Right-of-Way Rules in Phoenix

The concept of the right-of-way is designed to prevent confusion and maintain order on the roads. It tells drivers who must yield and who can proceed, helping to avoid collisions.

Under Arizona law, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way in certain circumstances, ensuring that traffic moves safely through intersections.

While there are exceptions and specific rules for certain types of intersections, here are the basic rules that apply at many intersections in Phoenix:

When turning left: In Phoenix, a driver who is turning left at an intersection must yield the right-of-way to any vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, even if the driver has a green light. This means that if you are making a left turn and there is oncoming traffic, you are required to wait until the road is clear before completing your turn.
When turning right: If you are turning right at an intersection, you must yield to pedestrians, even if you have the green light. Arizona law prioritizes pedestrian safety, so drivers turning right must be extra cautious when pedestrians are present.
At stop signs: When approaching an intersection with a stop sign, drivers must come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to any vehicles that have already entered the intersection or are approaching from another direction. The key here is that you must wait for all other traffic to clear before proceeding, especially if they have a clear right-of-way.
At yield signs: If you encounter a yield sign, it indicates that you must yield the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection or on the road you are entering. This means that if you are driving toward a yield sign at an intersection, you are not required to stop completely unless necessary, but you must yield to any vehicles or pedestrians that have the right-of-way.
When a vehicle is already in the intersection: Arizona law also dictates that if another vehicle has already entered an intersection, that vehicle has the right-of-way, and you must yield to it, even if you have a green light. This is to prevent accidents when traffic is backed up and vehicles enter the intersection before they can clear it.

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Special Types of Intersections

Phoenix is a major metropolitan area with a variety of intersection types, and each one has its own specific rules regarding the right–of–way. Understanding these special types of intersections is important to avoid confusion or misinterpretation of the rules.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are becoming more common in Phoenix as a way to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents. In a roundabout, the driver already in the roundabout has the right-of-way.

This means that if you are approaching a roundabout, you must yield to the traffic that is already circulating within it. However, once inside the roundabout, drivers do not need to yield to other vehicles and can continue through the circle without stopping.

Four-Way Stops

A four-way stop is a common type of intersection in Phoenix, and it comes with specific rules that can sometimes be confusing. At a four-way stop, all drivers are required to come to a complete stop.

The general rule for determining who has the right-of-way is simple: the first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right-of-way and should proceed first. However, if multiple vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.

T-Intersections

T-intersections, where one road ends and meets another road at a perpendicular angle, are common in Phoenix. At these intersections, the driver on the through road (the road that does not end) has the right-of-way.

If you are approaching a T-intersection and you are on the road that ends, you must yield the right-of-way to any vehicles on the through road. This is true whether you are turning left or right.

Uncontrolled Intersections

Uncontrolled intersections are those that do not have any stop signs, yield signs, or traffic signals. These are more often found in rural or residential areas, but they do appear in some parts of Phoenix.

At an uncontrolled intersection, drivers are required to yield to any vehicles that are already in the intersection. If two vehicles approach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.

Common Right-of-Way Violations

Despite clear rules in Arizona regarding the right-of-way at intersections, violations are common and often lead to accidents. Some frequent right-of-way violations include:

Failing to yield at stop signs: A common violation at intersections in Phoenix is failing to stop at a stop sign. Drivers who do not come to a complete stop or fail to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles can cause accidents.
Turning without yielding: Many accidents occur when a driver turns left or right at an intersection without yielding to pedestrians or other vehicles, even when the law requires it. This is especially true when drivers are in a hurry or do not pay attention to who has the right-of-way.
Not yielding to traffic in roundabouts: Drivers unfamiliar with roundabouts sometimes fail to yield to vehicles that are already circulating within the roundabout, causing confusion and accidents.
Misjudging four–way stops: At four-way stops, drivers may misunderstand who has the right-of-way, especially when multiple vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time. This confusion can lead to accidents if drivers do not yield to the vehicle on the right.

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Reach Out to Our Phoenix Car Accident Law Firm Today for More Information About Who Has the Right-of-Way at Intersections

Understanding the right-of-way rules at intersections is important because it keeps everyone safe on the road. These laws not only maintain order but also prevent accidents at intersections, which can be very dangerous when people don’t know how they work.

If you were hurt at a Phoenix intersection because another driver did not obey the rules of the road, you might be eligible to pursue compensatory damages for your injuries. To better understand your legal options, reach out to a car accident attorney in Phoenix.

At Zanes Law, our lawyers have a track record of securing over $500 million in compensation for personal injury victims just like you. Ever since 2003, we have maintained a 99% win rate, and you can trust us to stand up for you throughout every step of the legal process.

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