Every state has its own traffic laws in place to help with the smooth and efficient flow of traffic. These laws address nearly every topic you can think of related to the operation of a vehicle on the roadway. One of the most important things they address is who has the right of way in certain situations.
Right-of-way laws are important because one vehicle must yield to another as they approach certain traffic conditions. Without right-of-way laws, traffic flow would turn into mass chaos, and car accidents would likely become much more prevalent. A car accident lawyer in Seattle can help you understand how these laws apply if you’ve been injured in a crash. Keep reading below to learn all the ins and outs of Washington’s right-of-way laws.
Right of Way at Washington Intersections
Washington’s Rules of the Road govern how vehicles should handle approaching intersections. There are many types of intersections a driver may encounter, and the rules can be somewhat different for each. Some intersections are controlled by traffic signals, while others are not. Here is how to handle the right of way at different types of controlled intersections.
Red Lights
A red light is the universal signal for stopping, and that is what you must do at an intersection with a red light. This includes both solid and flashing red lights. At solid red lights, you should remain stopped until the signal turns green. If you have a flashing red light, you should treat it as a stop sign and proceed when the intersection is clear of oncoming traffic.
At most Washington intersections, you may turn right on red after coming to a complete stop. However, if the intersection has signage prohibiting a right turn on red, you must remain stopped until the light changes.
Yellow Lights
Some controlled intersections have flashing yellow lights. Yellow is a sign of caution, and you should approach these intersections slowly and carefully. If you see the flashing yellow light, you have the right of way. However, you should proceed cautiously through the intersection while ensuring that other vehicles yield the right of way as appropriate.
Solid yellow lights indicate that the traffic signal is about to turn red. You have the right of way until the signal changes, but you should be prepared to stop once you see the solid yellow light.
Green Lights
Most Washington drivers know that green means go, and drivers may proceed safely through an intersection with a green light. Even though you have the right of way, you should still be careful and cautious as you proceed through the intersection.
Stop Signs
Some intersections are controlled by stop signs instead of traffic signals. If you have a stop sign, you must come to a full stop and may proceed once the traffic is clear. If the intersection is a four-way stop, the vehicle that arrived at the intersection first has the right of way. When two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way to proceed first.
Right of Way Involving Pedestrians
Seattle is a popular place for pedestrians, with many great restaurants and activities in the area. Both pedestrians and motorists should be aware of the right-of-way laws to help avoid accidents and injuries. Traffic fatalities involving pedestrians increased 62.5% from 2010 to 2019, so it is imperative to become familiar with these right-of-way laws.
Generally, pedestrians have the right of way when:
- They are on the sidewalk.
- They are crossing the street in a crosswalk.
- They are crossing at an intersection in either a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
However, Washington law states that a pedestrian “crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.” So, pedestrians do not have a universal right of way.
Penalties for Failing to Yield the Right of Way
Drivers and pedestrians may be given citations for failing to properly yield the right of way. The first offense will usually result in a ticket and a fine. Second and subsequent offenses may be considered moving violations, and those offenses can start to go on your driving record. It is best to become familiar with the right-of-way laws and follow them in all situations to avoid penalties.
Contact The Seattle Car Accident Lawyers at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer For More Help
If you have been injured because a driver failed to yield the right of way, you may have a personal injury claim. Call Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation with a Seattle personal injury lawyer.
For more information, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Seattle
701 5th Ave Suite 4300A, Seattle, WA 98104
(253) 948-0250
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Tacoma
909 A St Ste 700, Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 264-0225
Monday to Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM