Understanding right-of-way laws can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safer on the road. These laws decide who gets to go first when two or more vehicles or people meet at the same place and time. In Georgia, failing to follow right-of-way rules can lead to crashes, injuries, and even serious legal trouble. Below, we’ll break down Georgia’s right-of-way laws, what happens if someone doesn’t follow them, and what to do after a crash involving failure to yield.
What Are the Right-of-Way Rules in Georgia?
Georgia law has specific rules for when drivers need to stop, yield, or let others go first. These rules apply whether you’re at a stop sign, traffic light, or trying to merge into traffic. Right-of-way laws also apply to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, construction zones, and school buses. Here’s what drivers need to know:
Intersections
Intersections are one of the most common places where crashes happen. In fact, about 25% of all traffic deaths and around 50% of traffic injuries in the U.S. happen at intersections. That’s why knowing who goes first is so important.
If two cars get to an intersection with no traffic signs or lights, the vehicle on the left must yield to the one on the right.
At a four-way stop:
- The first car to arrive has the right-of-way.
- If two cars get there at the same time, the car on the right goes first.
- Drivers must yield to any pedestrians crossing.
- If a driver ignores the rules and forces their way in, other drivers must still let them go to avoid a crash.
Stop Signs and Yield Signs
When coming to a stop sign, drivers must come to a full stop and check for other vehicles or pedestrians. Yield signs mean drivers need to slow down and prepare to stop if necessary. You can only go when it’s safe and won’t interrupt the flow of traffic.
Merging Lanes
When lanes merge, drivers should match the speed of traffic and look for a safe gap. The vehicle that’s trying to merge must yield. However, drivers already on the road should also be aware and, when possible, help make space to avoid accidents.
Turning Vehicles
If you’re making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. If you’re making a right turn, you must stop and yield to anyone crossing the street. Even when turning right on red, a full stop is required before turning, and pedestrians always have the right-of-way.
One study found that allowing drivers to turn right on red can increase pedestrian accidents by up to 89%. That’s why it’s so important to stop fully and look carefully.
Entering from Private Roads or Driveways
Drivers entering a road from a private driveway, parking lot, or alley must yield to all oncoming traffic and pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Pedestrians
In most cases, pedestrians have the right-of-way, especially at crosswalks. Drivers must always stop for people walking, even if they’re not at an intersection. Be extra cautious in school zones and neighborhoods.
Emergency and Maintenance Vehicles
If an emergency vehicle is coming with flashing lights and sirens, pull over to the right side of the road and stop. This includes police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances. The same rule applies to utility or maintenance trucks with flashing lights and warning signs. Georgia law also requires drivers to slow down and move over for road workers and vehicles in construction zones.
School Buses
When a school bus has flashing red lights and the stop arm is extended, all traffic must stop—unless you’re on the opposite side of a divided highway. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to stop and wait. Children may be crossing the road in front of or behind the bus.
Penalties for Not Yielding the Right-of-Way
Failing to follow right-of-way laws is more than just dangerous—it can also lead to legal trouble. In Georgia, failing to yield can add 3 points to your driver’s license. This can affect your insurance and even your ability to drive.
Fines can vary depending on the city or county, and they’re usually higher if you fail to yield to an emergency vehicle or a pedestrian. If your actions lead to a crash, you may face even bigger consequences, like extra fines, loss of your license, or even jail time.
On top of that, if someone is hurt, you may be financially responsible for their injuries, car repairs, lost wages, and more.
Who Is at Fault in a Failure-to-Yield Crash?
Most of the time, the driver who didn’t yield is considered at fault. Georgia law sees failure to yield as a form of negligence. If the injured person can prove that the other driver broke the law and caused the crash, they may be able to file a personal injury claim.
Georgia uses something called comparative negligence. This means that if you were partly at fault for the crash, you can still get compensation—as long as you were less than 50% responsible. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%.
What to Do After a Right-of-Way Crash
If you’ve been in a crash because someone failed to yield, take the following steps:
- Get medical attention, even if you feel okay.
- Call the police and get a report.
- Gather as much evidence as you can, like photos, witness contact info, and video.
- Don’t admit fault at the scene.
- Speak with a personal injury lawyer about your options.
A lawyer can help you figure out who was at fault and whether you may be able to get money for your medical bills, lost wages, car damage, and pain.
Call for Help After a Crash
Right-of-way laws are designed to keep everyone safe, but not all drivers follow them. If someone didn’t yield and caused a crash that left you or someone close to you hurt, you have the right to explore your legal options.
Our Atlanta car accident law firm can help you understand what steps to take next. We’ll work to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call (877) 438-7243 for a free consultation.