What Are the Right-of-Way Rules in NY?

Getting hit by a car while crossing a busy New York City street is a terrifying experience — one that can leave you shaken, seriously injured, and unsure of what to do next. With constant traffic, aggressive drivers, and congested intersections, NYC pedestrians are often at risk, even when they’re following the law.

The reality is that many drivers either don’t know or don’t respect the right-of-way rules designed to keep people safe. If you were struck while crossing the street or riding a bicycle, understanding these laws is the first step toward holding a driver accountable and getting the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Right-of-Way Basics

Right-of-way laws in New York State govern traffic flow at intersections, crosswalks, and other areas where vehicles and pedestrians interact. They're designed to prevent confusion and reduce the risk of collisions by establishing clear guidelines for everyone using NYC's roads and sidewalks.

These rules apply to all road users: drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. When followed correctly, they help maintain order on New York's roads and highways and reduce the potential for dangerous accidents.

Right-of-Way Rules for Drivers

As a driver in New York, you are responsible for knowing the following rules to prevent accidents and maintain traffic flow.

At Intersections

Intersections are critical points where right-of-way rules are essential for preventing accidents. New York's laws on intersection right-of-way are designed to manage traffic flow smoothly and safely:

• When approaching an intersection, you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already in the intersection, regardless of who arrived first.
• At intersections with traffic signals, drivers must follow the directions of traffic lights:
  • Green light: Proceed through the intersection after yielding to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.
  • Yellow light: Prepare to stop if you can do so safely.
  • Red light: Come to a complete stop before the stop line or crosswalk.
• When turning left at an intersection, you must yield to oncoming traffic and any crossing pedestrians. As the law states, you cannot turn left until all other traffic has passed your location and you can complete your turn safely.
• At intersections without traffic signals (such as those controlled by stop or yield signs):
  • The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection has the right-of-way.
  • If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle to the right has the right-of-way.
  • Drivers on a terminating road (at a "T" intersection) must yield to all traffic on the continuing road.
• At uncontrolled intersections (those without signs or signals), drivers should exercise extra caution and:
  • Yield to vehicles already in the intersection.
  • If vehicles arrive simultaneously, yield to the vehicle on the right.

At Traffic Circles and Rotaries

When approaching a traffic circle or rotary, you must yield the right-of-way to drivers already in the circle. Once you've entered the circle, maintain your position until you reach your exit point.

During Lane Changes

When changing lanes on multi-lane roads:

• Signal your intentions well in advance
• Ensure there is sufficient space in the target lane
• Check blind spots before executing the lane change
• Drivers already in the target lane have the right-of-way, and the merging vehicle is responsible for ensuring a safe transition

In Special Lanes

New York has designated lanes for specific purposes:

• Bus lanes: Unless otherwise restricted, vehicles may only enter bus lanes to:
  • Make a right turn at the next intersection
  • Access a driveway or curb cut within 200 feet
  • Quickly drop off or pick up passengers at the curb
• Bicycle lanes: Drivers must yield to cyclists when crossing or merging into bicycle lanes. Remember that cyclists have the same rights as motorists on the road.

For Emergency Vehicles

Drivers must yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles (ambulances, fire trucks, police cars) that are displaying flashing lights (red, red and blue, or red and white) and sounding a siren or air horn. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle:

• Safely pull over to the right edge of the road
• Come to a complete stop
• Wait until the emergency vehicle passes before proceeding

Right-of-Way Rules for Pedestrians

Pedestrian safety is a paramount concern throughout New York State. The state's right-of-way laws provide specific protections for pedestrians:

• At marked crosswalks: Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street within a marked crosswalk.
• At intersections without traffic signals: If there are no traffic signals or they are not functioning, drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the roadway at the intersection.
• At intersections with signals: Pedestrians should cross during the "Walk" phase of the pedestrian signal. Pedestrians have the right-of-way when they have the walk signal.
• For turning vehicles: Drivers making either a left or right turn must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk, regardless of the traffic signal.
• For blind pedestrians: Drivers must yield to any pedestrian using a white cane or guided by a service animal, even if they are not at a crosswalk or are violating traffic signals.

However, pedestrians also have responsibilities:

• They should not suddenly leave the curb and enter the path of a vehicle when it's too close for the driver to yield safely.
• When crossing outside of marked crosswalks or intersections, pedestrians must yield to vehicles on the roadway.
• Pedestrians must use sidewalks when available and safe to use rather than walking in the roadway.

Specific Situations and Right-of-Way Rules

While general right-of-way principles exist, various specific situations on the road require a more nuanced understanding of who yields.

Private Driveways and Parking Lots

Vehicles entering a roadway from a driveway, alley, private road, or parking lot must stop and yield the right-of-way to:

• Traffic already on the roadway
• Pedestrians on the sidewalk crossing the driveway entrance/exit

When Traffic Is Backed Up

You cannot enter an intersection if traffic is backed up on the other side and you cannot get through completely. Wait until traffic ahead clears to avoid blocking the intersection ("blocking the box").

At Stop Signs

When approaching a stop sign:

• Come to a complete stop at the stop line or crosswalk
• Yield to pedestrians in or about to enter the crosswalk
• Yield to vehicles that have already reached the intersection
• If you and another vehicle arrive simultaneously, yield to the vehicle on your right

Tips for Safe Interaction Between Drivers and Pedestrians

The relationship between drivers and pedestrians in NYC requires mutual respect and awareness. Here are some tips for both groups to safely share the road:

For Drivers

• Stay alert for pedestrians at all times, especially at intersections and crosswalks.
• Slow down in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as school zones, residential neighborhoods, and commercial districts.
• Be extra cautious in low visibility conditions like rain, fog, or night driving.
• Always check for pedestrians when turning, even if you have a green light.
• Give pedestrians plenty of space when stopping at crosswalks.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, as it may be yielding to a pedestrian.
• Avoid distractions like using your phone, adjusting the radio, or eating while driving.

For Pedestrians

• Use designated crosswalks whenever possible.
• Look both ways before crossing, even if you have the right-of-way.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure they see you.
• Avoid distractions like texting or wearing headphones that prevent you from hearing approaching vehicles.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing at night to increase visibility.
• Never assume a driver will stop just because you have the right-of-way.
• Wait for a walk signal at intersections with pedestrian signals.

Even when following all safety precautions, accidents can still happen due to others' negligence. Fellows Hymowitz Rice can use their decades of experience to help traffic accident victims obtain fair compensation.

Following Right-of-Way Rules: Legal Implications

Failure to follow right-of-way laws can have serious consequences:

• Traffic violations: Fines ranging from $50 to $250 or more, depending on the specific violation.
• Points on your license: Many right-of-way violations result in points that can lead to increased insurance rates or license suspension.
• Liability in accidents: Failing to yield when required can make you legally liable for damages and injuries in the event of a collision.
• Criminal charges: Drivers may face criminal charges in severe cases where failure to yield results in serious injury or death.

Stay Safe on New York Roads with Fellows Hymowitz Rice

Navigating New York's roads safely requires knowledge, patience, and mutual respect among all road users. By understanding right-of-way rules and consistently applying them, we can all help make the state's transportation system safer and more efficient.

Fellows Hymowitz Rice is dedicated to promoting safety on our roads while providing outstanding legal representation to those injured in traffic accidents. We believe that education about traffic laws, including right-of-way rules, is essential to preventing injuries. Contact us today for a free case review!