Right-of-way laws are meant to manage traffic and prevent accidents by determining which vehicle should be given priority under certain situations. To motorcyclists, they come in handy, as they help to prevent collisions at intersections, pedestrian crossings, and merging roads.
Failure to yield when required can lead to major crashes, and, as such, it is essential that the riders get to know their role while on the road.
Observance and understanding of right of way laws for motorcycles encourage overall road safety. Motorcycle riders must be respectful of traffic signs, yield to pedestrians, and be wary of merging or left turns. Defensive driving, anticipating that other motorists may be unaware of you, and remaining in a position to react accordingly can greatly reduce risks.
Here are some basic right of way rules motorcyclists should follow.
1. Obeying Traffic Signals and Signs
Motorcyclists must follow all traffic signals and signs, just like any other vehicle on the road. Stop signs, yield signs, and traffic lights dictate who has the right-of-way at intersections. Failing to yield when required can lead to accidents or legal penalties. Additionally, at four-way stop intersections, the first vehicle to arrive and stop has the right-of-way, and if two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first.
2. Intersections and Left Turns
Intersections are one of the most common places for motorcycle accidents. When making a left turn, motorcyclists must yield to oncoming traffic unless they have a green arrow indicating a protected turn. At uncontrolled intersections (those without stop signs or lights), vehicles already in the intersection have the right-of-way, and when arriving at the same time, the vehicle to the right has priority.
3. Lane Usage and Lane Splitting
Lane splitting (riding between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic) is legal in some places, such as California, but is illegal in many other states. Even where it is permitted, there are specific guidelines to follow, such as maintaining a safe speed difference from surrounding traffic. In states where lane splitting is not allowed, motorcyclists must remain in their designated lane and avoid weaving between vehicles.
4. Pedestrian Crossings
Motorcyclists must always yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks and unmarked intersections. If a pedestrian is crossing or has stepped onto the road, vehicles (including motorcycles) must come to a complete stop and allow them to pass safely. Even if you have the right-of-way, failing to yield to pedestrians can lead to fines and potential accidents.
5. Entering and Exiting Highways
When merging onto a highway, motorcyclists must yield to vehicles already in the lane. Acceleration lanes should be used to match the speed of traffic before merging safely. Similarly, when exiting, riders must signal early and ensure they do not cut off other vehicles when moving into exit lanes. Sudden lane changes can be dangerous, as motorcycles are often harder for other drivers to see.
6. Emergency Vehicles
Motorcyclists, like all drivers, must yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars when their lights and sirens are on. The proper response is to pull over to the nearest shoulder and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. In some cases, if you are at an intersection, you may need to proceed through it before pulling over.