Understanding and being aware of right-of-way legislation is essential. In the event of an accident, the driver who violates them is probably going to be held responsible.
Here are some facts concerning Indiana’s right-of-way laws that motorists, pedestrians, and bicycles should be aware of. The laws governing who has the right-of-way vary depending on the type of crossing.
Managed Crossroads
An intersection with an automated traffic light is considered regulated.
Red-light vehicles must stop completely, whereas green-light or green-arrow vehicles have the right-of-way.
When the road is clear, a car making a right turn must stop completely before making the turn if they come across a red light.
Drivers must yield to oncoming traffic when turning left at a controlled intersection when the light is green. Drivers must yield to those turning right, but the same is true for those executing a U-turn.
Unmanaged intersections
- An intersection with a two-way or four-way stop sign is considered uncontrolled.
- All vehicles approaching a four-way stop sign are required to stop completely. The driver on the right has the right-of-way when many vehicles approach a stop sign simultaneously. He or she may stop completely and then proceed.
- There will probably be a two-way stop sign on the side street if the intersection is between a main road and a side street. Since vehicles on the main highway have the right-of-way, traffic with stop signs must stop completely and wait for them to pass. Drivers are free to turn onto or cross the main road when it is clear.
Three-way intersections
- A “T” is formed by a three-way intersection. This usually happens when one route ends and crosses over into another. A stop sign, yield sign, flashing red light, or flashing yellow light may be present at these intersections. Each has a distinct meaning.
- The oncoming vehicle must yield to the oncoming traffic if there is a yield sign at the end of the road. He or she may proceed cautiously after the road is clear. The same thing is indicated by a flashing yellow light.
- When a stop sign or red light flashes, the approaching vehicle must stop completely, make sure the road is clear, and then continue.
Roundabout right-of-way regulations
- Formally speaking, roundabouts—also referred to as traffic circles—are intersections.
- The difference is that there are no stop signs and traffic flows in a counterclockwise circular pattern. Rather, each roundabout entry point has yield signs placed.
- Those attempting to enter the traffic circle must yield because the cars on the roundabout have the right-of-way.
What Are the Right of Way Laws for Cyclists and Pedestrians?
- When sharing the road, bikers and pedestrians usually have the right-of-way.
At an intersection, drivers are required to yield to crosswalk pedestrians. As a result, a vehicle turning right, left, or U-turning at a junction must wait for the crosswalk to clear before turning. - When there is a controlled crossing with a “do not cross” sign, pedestrians are not allowed to cross. Outside of a crosswalk, pedestrians do not have the right-of-way. They must make room for oncoming vehicles. Jaywalking is the act of crossing the roadway outside of a designated crosswalk in Indiana and is penalized by a fine.
The laws of controlled and uncontrolled crossroads must also be observed by cyclists. Unless they are making a right turn, they are not allowed to continue when the traffic light is red.
But just like a car, the bicycle needs to stop completely and wait for traffic to clear. The same rules that apply to drivers also apply to cyclists.
In conclusion
A driver will probably face consequences if they fail to yield the right of way to other drivers and cause an accident. A bicycle or pedestrian who does not give up their right-of-way will probably only be partially responsible for the damages.
This is due to the expectation that cars will be more cautious when interacting with cyclists and pedestrians. In other situations, though, a cyclist or pedestrian might be solely to blame for an accident. Since each case is different, speak with a knowledgeable lawyer.
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