Navigating the bustling streets of New York requires a clear understanding of right-of-way laws to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. Both drivers and pedestrians must be aware of these regulations to prevent accidents and legal infractions. This article provides a detailed overview of New York’s right-of-way laws, emphasizing key scenarios and recent legislative updates.

Approaching or Entering Intersections

In New York, drivers must yield the right-of-way to traffic already in an intersection. If two vehicles approach an intersection simultaneously from opposite directions, the following rules apply:

Left Turns: A driver intending to turn left must yield to oncoming traffic moving straight or turning right.

Right Turns: When turning right, drivers must yield to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the street.

Stop and Yield Intersections

At intersections controlled by stop or yield signs:

Stop Signs: Drivers must come to a complete stop and yield to any vehicle or pedestrian in the intersection or approaching closely.

Yield Signs: Drivers must slow down and yield to traffic and pedestrians; stopping is required only if necessary to yield.

Entering Roadways

Vehicles entering a roadway from a driveway, alley, private road, or another place that is not a roadway must stop and yield to traffic on the main road and to pedestrians.

Pedestrian Crosswalks

Drivers must yield to pedestrians legally using marked or unmarked crosswalks. This includes slowing down or stopping if necessary to allow pedestrians to cross safely.

Notably, New York City has recently legalized jaywalking, allowing pedestrians to cross streets outside of crosswalks and against traffic lights. However, pedestrians must still yield to vehicles with the right-of-way and exercise caution to avoid accidents.

Emergency Vehicles

All drivers must yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars, when they are responding to emergencies. This includes pulling over to the right side of the road and stopping until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Roundabouts and Traffic Circles

Drivers approaching a traffic circle or rotary must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already in the circle. Entering without yielding can lead to collisions and is against traffic regulations.

Exiting Parking Spots

When exiting a parking spot, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians on the sidewalk to prevent accidents.

Due Care by Drivers

New York law mandates that drivers exercise due care to avoid colliding with pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles. This includes being vigilant, adhering to speed limits, and adjusting driving behavior based on road conditions.

Recent Legislative Updates

In addition to the legalization of jaywalking, New York has implemented measures to enhance pedestrian safety:

Clarified Pedestrian Right of Way: Legislation has established that pedestrians have the right-of-way while crossing the roadway, even when the flashing “Don’t Walk” signal is displayed, provided they began crossing during the “Walk” signal.

Understanding and adhering to right-of-way laws is crucial for the safety of all road users in New York. Both drivers and pedestrians share the responsibility of following these regulations to ensure a harmonious and secure traffic environment. Staying informed about current laws and recent legislative changes is essential for compliance and safety.