Right-of-way - - CA Vehicle

Section § 21800

When you're driving up to an intersection, you need to let any car already in the intersection from a different road go first. If you and another car arrive at an intersection from different roads at the same time, give way if you're on the left and the other car is on your right. However, if your road doesn't continue through the intersection, let the car on the road that does go ahead.

If stop signs are at all corners, the car on the left should still yield to the one on the right. If the traffic lights aren't working, stop first, then proceed carefully, again giving way to any car on your right, unless it's a terminating road. Some rules don’t apply if there's a working signal, a yield sign, or if cars face stop signs from fewer than all directions. Also, the rules don't apply if you're facing a car making or about to make a left turn from the opposite direction.

(a) The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.

(b)

(1) When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on his or her immediate right, except that the driver of any vehicle on a terminating highway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle on the intersecting continuing highway.

(2) For the purposes of this section, “terminating highway” means a highway which intersects, but does not continue beyond the intersection, with another highway which does continue beyond the intersection.

(c) When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time and the intersection is controlled from all directions by stop signs, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on his or her immediate right.

(d)

(1) The driver of any vehicle approaching an intersection which has official traffic control signals that are inoperative shall stop at the intersection, and may proceed with caution when it is safe to do so.

(2) When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time, and the official traffic control signals for the intersection are inoperative, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on his or her immediate right, except that the driver of any vehicle on a terminating highway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle on the intersecting continuing highway.

(e) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) Any intersection controlled by an official traffic control signal or yield right-of-way sign.

(2) Any intersection controlled by stop signs from less than all directions.

(3) When vehicles are approaching each other from opposite directions and the driver of one of the vehicles intends to make, or is making, a left turn.

right-of-way intersection rules yield to right terminating highway continuing highway inoperative traffic signals stop sign control simultaneous entry traffic control exceptions opposite direction left turn

(Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 200, Sec. 11. (SB 734) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Section § 21801

This law states that if you're driving and want to turn left or make a U-turn on a road, you must let cars coming from the opposite direction go first if they're close enough to be dangerous. You have to wait until it's safe before you turn.

Once you've let those cars pass and you've signaled your intention to turn, you can make your turn, and then the other cars must let you go.

(a) The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left or to complete a U-turn upon a highway, or to turn left into public or private property, or an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard at any time during the turning movement, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to the approaching vehicles until the left turn or U-turn can be made with reasonable safety.

(b) A driver having yielded as prescribed in subdivision (a), and having given a signal when and as required by this code, may turn left or complete a U-turn, and the drivers of vehicles approaching the intersection or the entrance to the property or alley from the opposite direction shall yield the right-of-way to the turning vehicle.

left turn U-turn yield right-of-way opposite direction vehicles turning movement reasonable safety approaching vehicles giving a signal highway turning rules intersection rules public or private property alley turn driver responsibility road safety turn signal requirements

(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 272, Sec. 40. Effective August 2, 1993.)

Section § 21802

If you're driving and come to a stop sign at an intersection, you must stop and let any traffic that is either coming towards you or so close that it's dangerous go first. Once it's safe, you can enter the intersection, and other drivers must then let you go. However, if every road leading to the intersection has a stop sign, this rule doesn't apply.

(a) The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection shall stop as required by Section 22450. The driver shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have approached from another highway, or which are approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety.

(b) A driver having yielded as prescribed in subdivision (a) may proceed to enter the intersection, and the drivers of all other approaching vehicles shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle entering or crossing the intersection.

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(Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 623, Sec. 3.)

Section § 21803

If you're driving and come to an intersection with a yield sign, you must give the right of way to vehicles already in the intersection or close enough to be a danger. Keep yielding until it's safe for you to go.

Once you have safely yielded and decide to move into the intersection, other drivers coming towards you must give you the right of way, allowing you to drive through safely.

(a) The driver of any vehicle approaching any intersection which is controlled by a yield right-of-way sign shall, upon arriving at the sign, yield the right-of-way to any vehicles which have entered the intersection, or which are approaching on the intersecting highway close enough to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to those vehicles until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety.

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(Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 623, Sec. 4.)

Section § 21804

If you're driving onto a highway from a driveway, alley, or any type of property, you must let all the oncoming traffic go first if they're close enough to be a danger. Keep waiting until it’s safe to move.

Once you've yielded and it's safe to go, other drivers on the highway need to let you enter or cross.

(a) The driver of any vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from any public or private property, or from an alley, shall yield the right-of-way to all traffic, as defined in Section 620, approaching on the highway close enough to constitute an immediate hazard, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that traffic until he or she can proceed with reasonable safety.

(b) A driver having yielded as prescribed in subdivision (a) may proceed to enter or cross the highway, and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching on the highway shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle entering or crossing the intersection.

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(Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 623, Sec. 5.)

Section § 21805

This law allows the Department of Transportation and local authorities to mark certain highway intersections as equestrian crossings by installing signs. These signs will alert drivers to the crossing and the need for any additional safety measures.

When a horseback rider is crossing at these marked areas, drivers must yield to them. However, horseback riders must also take care to ensure their own safety, and they should not suddenly move into the path of a vehicle that poses an immediate risk.

(a) The Department of Transportation, and local authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may designate any intersection of a highway as a bridle path or equestrian crossing by erecting appropriate signs. The signs shall be erected on the highway at or near the approach to the intersection, and shall be of a type approved by the Department of Transportation. The signs shall indicate the crossing and any crossmarks, safety devices, or signals the authorities deem necessary to safeguard vehicular and equestrian traffic at the intersection.

(b) The driver of any vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to any horseback rider who is crossing the highway at any designated equestrian crossing which is marked by signs as prescribed in subdivision (a).

(c) Subdivision (b) does not relieve any horseback rider from the duty of using due care for his or her own safety. No horseback rider shall leave a curb or other place of safety and proceed suddenly into the path of a vehicle which is close enough to constitute an immediate hazard.

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(Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 623, Sec. 6.)

Section § 21806

If an emergency vehicle with flashing red lights and a siren is approaching, other drivers must pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until it passes, unless directed otherwise by a traffic officer. Drivers in special lanes need to safely exit those lanes. Street car operators need to stop and wait too. Pedestrians on the road should head to the curb and stay put until the emergency vehicle has gone by.

Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle which is sounding a siren and which has at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light that is visible, under normal atmospheric conditions, from a distance of 1,000 feet to the front of the vehicle, the surrounding traffic shall, except as otherwise directed by a traffic officer, do the following:

(a)

(1) Except as required under paragraph (2), the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway, clear of any intersection, and thereupon shall stop and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.

(2) A person driving a vehicle in an exclusive or preferential use lane shall exit that lane immediately upon determining that the exit can be accomplished with reasonable safety.

(b) The operator of every street car shall immediately stop the street car, clear of any intersection, and remain stopped until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.

(c) All pedestrians upon the highway shall proceed to the nearest curb or place of safety and remain there until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed.

emergency vehicle siren red light yield right-of-way stop for emergency vehicles special lanes street car operators pedestrians moving aside traffic safety right-hand edge of highway stop at curb traffic officer directions safe lane exit

(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1154, Sec. 68. Effective September 30, 1996.)

Section § 21807

This law section states that even if an emergency vehicle driver is allowed certain privileges on the road, they must still drive carefully and ensure the safety of everyone else on the road and surrounding property.

The provisions of Section 21806 shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons and property.

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(Added by Stats. 1961, Ch. 653.)

Section § 21809

If you're driving on a highway in California and see a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, or Department of Transportation vehicle displaying flashing lights, you must be cautious. You should either change to a lane not right next to the vehicle if it's safe and legal, or, if you can't, slow down to a safe speed considering the conditions around you.

If you don't follow these rules, you might face a fine of up to $50. However, these rules don't apply if the vehicle isn't next to the highway or if there's a physical barrier separating it from traffic.

(a) A person driving a vehicle on a highway approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, a stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or a stationary marked Department of Transportation vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, shall approach with due caution and, before passing in a lane immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, or Department of Transportation vehicle, absent other direction by a peace officer, proceed to do one of the following:

(1) Make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, or Department of Transportation vehicle, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, if practicable and not prohibited by law.

(2) If the maneuver described in paragraph (1) would be unsafe or impracticable, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.

(b) A violation of subdivision (a) is an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50).

(c) The requirements of subdivision (a) do not apply if the stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, the stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or the stationary marked Department of Transportation vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights is not adjacent to the highway or is separated from the highway by a protective physical barrier.

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(Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 100, Sec. 3. (AB 2285) Effective January 1, 2021.)