Who Has the Right-of-Way in Arizona?

General Right-of-Way Questions

Who has the right-of-way at a four-way stop in Arizona?

In Arizona, the rules at a four-way stop dictate that the first car to arrive at the intersection gets to go first. But if two or more cars arrive at the same time, the car on the right has the right-of-way. 

When approaching, be sure to come to a complete stop, not a rolling one. Making eye contact with other drivers can help clear up any confusion and avoid misunderstandings—especially when two cars stop at nearly the same time. These basic rules help avoid crashes in Arizona. 

Do pedestrians always have the right-of-way in Arizona?

Not exactly. Pedestrians do have the right-of-way in marked crosswalks and at intersections, but they are still required to follow traffic signals and crossing indicators. If a pedestrian steps off the curb suddenly or tries to cross outside of a marked crosswalk, they may not have the legal right-of-way, and jaywalking can result in a fine. 

Drivers must always be cautious around crosswalks and intersections, but pedestrians also need to cross responsibly and only when it’s safe.

Who has the right-of-way when making a left turn at an intersection in Arizona?

When making a left turn at an intersection, you usually don’t have the right-of-way. It would help if you yielded to:

• Oncoming traffic moving straight. Wait until all vehicles coming toward you have passed or turned before you proceed.
• Pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks, so allow them to cross fully before making your turn.
• Cyclists going straight. Cyclists are treated as vehicles, so they have the right-of-way if they’re traveling straight through the intersection.
• Any emergency vehicles. If an emergency vehicle is approaching with lights and sirens, always yield, as they have priority.

Make sure it’s clear and safe to turn only after these drivers have passed first.

What should I do at an intersection with a blinking yellow light in Arizona?

A blinking yellow light means “proceed with caution.” Unlike a solid yellow light, which signals you to prepare to stop, a blinking yellow allows you to keep moving. 

However, it’s important to slow down and be extra aware of your surroundings. Check carefully for other vehicles that may be crossing or turning, as well as any pedestrians. Treat it as a moment to ensure the intersection is safe before you continue through.

How should drivers handle right-of-way at roundabouts in Arizona?

In Arizona, drivers approaching the roundabout must yield to any vehicles already circulating in the circle. The rule is to always enter the roundabout to the right, driving counterclockwise around the center. 

When ready to exit, use your turn signal to let others know you’re leaving the roundabout. Stay in your lane throughout the roundabout, and keep an eye out for pedestrians, especially at crosswalks near the exits. 

Maintaining the correct flow of traffic requires all drivers and other road users – including bicyclists and pedestrians – to obey Arizona’s right-of-way laws. The right-of-way is the legal right to proceed across a roadway or into an intersection. These laws are in place to maintain traffic patterns and prevent two streams of traffic from colliding with each other. Violating right-of-way laws can lead to deadly automobile accidents.

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What Is the Right-of-Way?

In traffic law, right-of-way means the legal right for a road user to proceed. It is a law that states when the right-of-way must be yielded to someone else. For example, most states give pedestrians the right-of-way to cross. Arizona Revised Statute Section 28-792 states that a vehicle driver must yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the road within a crosswalk if traffic control signals are not in place or in operation, and if the pedestrian is in half of the road in which the vehicle is traveling.

Yielding or giving up the right-of-way means to slow down or come to a complete stop to let another road user proceed ahead of you. At a four-way stop, for example, all drivers should come to a complete stop at the stop sign. Then, all drivers must remain stopped to allow the driver that approached the intersection first to proceed across the intersection. Only when a road user has the right-of-way may he or she proceed across the road or into an intersection. When rights-of-way laws are violated, car accidents can take place.

What Are Arizona’s Right-of-Way Laws?

You can help prevent automobile accidents in Arizona by knowing and obeying the state’s right-of-way laws. These laws apply to you whether you operate a truck, car, motorcycle, bicycle or travel as a pedestrian. You should never assume you automatically have the right-of-way. Take each situation carefully into account to determine who has the right to proceed and when it is your turn.

Below is a summary of Arizona’s right-of-way laws:

• Vehicle drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk.
• If a vehicle is stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, another vehicle cannot pass.
• A pedestrian cannot suddenly leave a curb or place of safety to walk into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to be impossible for the driver to yield.
• At a controlled intersection, pedestrians must wait for the “Walk” signal to proceed.
• A pedestrian crossing anywhere other than a crosswalk or intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway (A.R.S. 28-793).
• Between adjacent intersections with traffic control signals, a pedestrian cannot cross the road except at a crosswalk (also known as jaywalking).
• At a stop sign, the driver who approaches first has the right-of-way.
• If two or more drivers approach an intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
• At an intersection with a traffic control signal, those shown a steady green signal have the right to proceed.
• When making a left turn at a steady green light, the turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic in the opposite lane.
• Drivers who are shown a blinking red light must stop and yield to others who were there first.
• Drivers who are shown a blinking yellow light must proceed with caution but do not have to stop.

Arizona’s right-of-way laws can be difficult to understand, especially when trying to determine fault for a car accident that occurred in an intersection. If you get involved in a collision that appears to involve a violated right-of-way law, contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. The lawyers at The Law Offices of John Phebus Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer can review your case and help you comprehend your legal rights. We know how to interpret and apply Arizona’s right-of-way laws to car accident cases.

Right-of-Way Violations and Consequences

What are the consequences of violating right-of-way laws in Arizona?

Arizona law makes it clear that disregarding right-of-way laws can lead to severe consequences. 

Violators may be fined up to $250 for each offense, which is a hefty penalty for ignoring traffic rules. As an offender, points are added to your driving record with each violation, increasing your risk of accumulating enough points to face further penalties. 

These points can also raise your insurance rates, as insurers see multiple traffic violations as risky behavior. 

For repeat offenders, the penalties escalate—multiple right-of-way violations can result in the suspension of your driver’s license, potentially making it difficult to regain driving privileges. 

Is it legal to pass a car stopped at a crosswalk in Arizona?

In Arizona, it’s illegal to pass a vehicle that’s stopped at a crosswalk. When a car is stopped, it’s often because a pedestrian is crossing, even if you can’t see them right away. 

Passing in this situation puts pedestrians at serious risk, as they might suddenly step into your path. Breaking this law can lead to hefty fines and, in cases where an accident occurs, even criminal charges. This rule is in place to protect pedestrians and ensure safe crossings.

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What are the rules for right-of-way at uncontrolled intersections in Arizona?

In Arizona, vehicles already in the intersection have the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, the rule is simple: 

• The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. 
• Slow down and be ready to stop at these intersections, as everyone relies on courtesy and attentiveness to keep the crossing safe

Emergency Vehicles and Special Cases

In Arizona, emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars with flashing lights and sirens always have the right-of-way. 

If you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching, pull over to the right side of the road as quickly and safely as possible, stopping until it has passed. If you’re in an intersection when an emergency vehicle approaches, continue through and then pull over immediately. 

Failing to yield to emergency vehicles can lead to fines and endanger lives, so it’s essential to respond promptly to keep the road clear for them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Who Has Right-of-Way at Most Intersections?

Always follow any traffic signals and signs, as they take priority in directing who goes first. If you come to an intersection where the signals aren’t working, treat it as a four-way stop. 

Each driver should stop and take turns proceeding based on who arrived first. 

Emergency vehicles with lights and sirens always have the right-of-way, so yield immediately if they approach. 

Finally, remember to watch for pedestrians in crosswalks and yield to them, ensuring they can cross safely. 

• When Do You Have the Right-of-Way?
  

In Arizona, you have the right-of-way at a four-way stop if you arrive first. You’re allowed to go first when already in a roundabout, inside the circle. You have the right-of-way over those entering. 

At a green light, if you’re going straight, you can proceed as long as the intersection is clear. 

Also at an uncontrolled intersection, such as one without signs or signals, if you and another driver arrive at the same time, the car on the right has the right-of-way. 

Having the right-of-way doesn’t guarantee others will follow the rules. Stay alert and prepared to yield if needed. The Law Office of John Phebus personal injury lawyers will help if you’ve been in an accident due to someone else’s carelessness. Call us at (623) 847-7117 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Is Arizona a one-way state?

Recording a conversation without consent in Arizona is illegal. However, Arizona is a one-party consent state, which means it is legal to record a conversation under certain circumstances.

Who has the most right-of-way?

Whoever arrives at the intersection first gets to go. Similar to stop sign etiquette, you should yield to the car on your right when in doubt.

What is the merging law in Arizona?

A vehicle entering a freeway from an acceleration lane, a ramp, or any other approach road shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle on the main roadway of the freeway entering the merging area at the same time.

Who has the right-of-way at a four-way stop in Arizona?

The first driver to reach a stop sign has the right of way. If two or more drivers reach a stop sign at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

John Allen Phebus

Experienced Personal Injury & Criminal Defense Attorney

John Phebus is a seasoned attorney specializing in personal injury and criminal defense law. With a focus on DUI defense, vehicular crimes, and serious injury cases, John has been fiercely advocating for his clients, ensuring they receive the representation and compensation they deserve. His expertise and dedication have led to numerous successful outcomes. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable and passionate attorney who will fight for your rights, John Phebus is here to help.

Years of experience: +30 years

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