What are Arizona’s Right-of-Way Laws?
- Home / Auto Accidents /
- What are Arizona’s Right-of-Way Laws?
December 8, 2017
Arizona has several right-of-way laws in place to help prevent auto accidents caused by drivers who failed to yield.
Right-of-way laws help determine when a person can proceed into an intersection, enter certain roadways or merge into traffic. They also establish motorists’ duty toward pedestrians and cyclists sharing the roadway.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by another driver’s negligence, contact Phillips Law Group. Our Phoenix auto accident attorneys can review the details of your claim during a free, confidential consultation. We can also discuss which options may be available for you to recover for the injuries you sustained in an accident.
Intersections
Arizona has specific right-of-way rules that vary depending on the type of intersection they apply to. This includes:
Controlled Intersections
A controlled intersection is one that has traffic lights, yield signs or stop signs to control traffic. Motorists must obey traffic lights and signals at controlled intersections. However, they should also look before entering an intersection and not assume that the roadway is clear.
When approaching a green light at an intersection, carefully drive through it at a steady speed. If the light has been green for a while, be prepared to stop when it turns yellow.
If you approach a controlled intersection with a yield sign, slow down or stop if necessary and wait until the way is clear before driving through the intersection. Likewise, if you approach a controlled intersection with a stop sign, come to a complete stop and drive through only when the path is clear.
Uncontrolled Intersections
An uncontrolled intersection is one that does not have a traffic signal or light. This includes intersections where the signal or light is inoperative.
Motorists must treat an uncontrolled intersection as if they were approaching a four-way stop. When two vehicles from two different streets or highways enter the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.
T-Intersections
A T-intersection is when two roads meet and form a “T” shape. The driver on the bottom road of the “T” must yield the right-of-way to drivers traveling on the road of the top of the “T.”
Likewise, if a driver traveling in the left lane is on a continuing street while the driver in the right lane is on a street that is ending, the driver on the right must yield to the vehicle that is on the continuing street.
Entering a Freeway
A vehicle that is on an acceleration lane, ramp or other approaching road must yield the right-of-way to existing traffic when merging onto a freeway.
Pedestrians
Motorists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are crossing the street. This applies to pedestrians who are in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Additionally, motorists must yield to pedestrians walking through intersections when the light turns green.
Furthermore, a motorist must come to a complete stop at any school crossing when anyone is in the crosswalk. A motorist cannot pass another vehicle that is allowing for pedestrians to cross.
Alleys and Driveways
If a motorist is emerging from an alley or driveway, he or she must stop before reaching the sidewalk. Then, the motorist must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians or approaching vehicles.
Left Turn
Motorists making a left run must always yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic. Additionally, the driver reaching the intersection first has the right-of-way unless he or she is turning left.
Furthermore, when two vehicles reach the intersection simultaneously, the one on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right-hand side.
U-Turn
Motorists in Arizona are usually permitted to make a U-turn as long as they can do so safely, do not interfere with traffic or violate any signs to the contrary. However, they must yield to approaching traffic when making this maneuver.
Emergency Vehicles
Emergency vehicles must be given the right-of-way when they activate their sirens and begin flashing emergency lights. This applies to the following types of emergency vehicles:
- Ambulances
- Police vehicles
- Other law enforcement vehicles
- Fire trucks
- Other vehicles used by emergency responders
Roundabout
There are several right-of-way rules that must be followed when traveling through or entering or a roundabout:
- Vehicles currently in the roundabout have the right-of-way
- Pedestrians and cyclists crossing the roundabout must be given the right-of-way
- Once in the roundabout, motorists cannot stop to allow entry of other motorists into the roundabout
Contact a Phoenix Lawyer for Help
Right-of-way laws were designed to improve safety while traveling through intersections. Failing to abide by these laws can have serious consequences, including fatal auto accidents.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a right-of-way accident, do not hesitate to contact the skilled Phoenix personal injury attorneys at Phillips Law Group for a free, no obligation consultation. We can discuss your claim and the accident that caused your injury to determine if you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your pain and suffering.
We provide all of our services on a contingency fee basis, so you only have to pay us if we recover compensation for your claim.
Call 1-800-706-3000 to schedule a free consultation today.
Free Case Evaluation
By submitting your contact information, you agree that we may contact you by telephone (including text) and email in accordance with our Terms and Privacy Policy

Your message has been sent
Thank you for your message, we will get back to you soon.
-
Jasmine helped me so so much I want to thank her ! And also Aaron , i was always scared after an accident , knowing I would have to deal with lawyers but not here . Luckily I’ve only been in 3 accidents but this time it was fast and easy . And i received all the treatments I needed to help me recover ! Thank you Jasmine and Aaron!
-
I just wanted to thank Phillips law Group and Vanessa Rodriguez for all the help that she did for my daughter’s case. She was involved in her first accident and she needed the help to deal with these adjusters. Thank you again.
-
Phillips Law Group has a proven track record of success. Juan Roque, in particular, is integral to that. He works with integrity, compassion, and an undefeated optimism that makes him a valuable asset.
-
I didn’t know anything about the area, and Phillips Law Group just took care of everything. They helped made sure I knew where I was going, made sure I didn’t have to worry. They literally just took care of me.
-
Sophia H is very helpful.
-
-
I was recently served court documents that I was being sued from an accident that happened years ago. For someone who has never been through something like this and not familiar with the court lingo or where to even begin, it was very frustrating and stressful. I reached out to a family member who knew Tracy Laskos and the great reputation of Phillips Law Group and within the hours of the initial call for help, I had a direct number to Lead Attorney Nassar. Nassar heard my case and almost instantly put me at ease by explaining the process and how easy it was to handle. Nassar spoke to me like he was a friend, not like I was a client. I am so grateful to Tracy, Nasar and of course my cousin Stephanie for helping out and giving me the direction that I needed to get through this situation. I plan on referring my friends, family and patients that are in need of a personal injury Attorney to Phillips Law Group. Thank you!!
-
I have been with Phillips Law Group for a little over a year and I have learned what teamwork and family in a workplace looks like. There is always someone around to lend a helping hand, which is something I appreciate and cherish. I feel a sense of joy coming to work every day because of my co-workers as well as being able to help people in what can be a scary and stressful situation. I currently work as a Litigation Legal Assistant with an amazing team. When I started here, I was not very knowledgeable in personal injury. I was lucky to have been placed with an amazing team who was willing to take time to teach and pass on some great skills that have been a huge aid in helping me be successful in my position. I would recommend working here at Phillips Law Group, because they care about their employees and there is so much room for growth.
-
Phillips law group has an amazing staff and i recommend them to everyone.
-
Working at Phillips Law Group has been a blessing from the beginning for me and I am extremely thankful to work for a firm that values their employees so much. Here I believe we are a huge family of hard working people that can bring a sense of comfort to our client’s lives in times of hardships, stress and chaos. From intake to Settlement we strive to provide the best customer care to all of our wonderful clients. With a 4.8 rating and over 1100+ star reviews on Google no surprise our firm is extremely well known for the quality of work we do!! #teamPLG!!