Right of Way Laws In North Carolina
Knowing the right-of-way laws helps drivers stay safe on the road. These laws tell you who has priority in proceeding in any situation, which prevents collisions at intersections, crosswalks, and other areas where different types of traffic mix.
North Carolina Right-of-Way Rules
Right-of-way laws in North Carolina set clear rules about who goes first in traffic, whether passenger vehicle drivers, pedestrians, bike riders, or first responders.
According to North Carolina General Statute § 20-155, drivers must yield in these common cases:
- When another vehicle arrives first at an intersection
- When turning left at an intersection
- When entering a highway from a secondary road
- When emergency vehicles with active signals approach
Not letting others go when they should is a major cause of car accidents in Charlotte and across North Carolina.
Who Has the Right of Way At Intersections?
The rules for right of way at intersections are especially tricky. Here’s what North Carolina drivers should know.
Controlled Intersections
At intersections with traffic lights, the signal determines who has the right of way. When lights are functioning normally:
- Green light means proceed with caution
- Yellow light means prepare to stop
- Red light means stop completely
However, if traffic lights aren’t working right or are flashing, follow these rules:
- Flashing Red: Treat the light like a stop sign
- Flashing Yellow: Slow down and be careful
- No Lights Working at All: Everyone stops and takes turns
Following the light signals prevents disorderliness at intersections.
Uncontrolled Intersections
At intersections with no traffic lights, the car that gets to the intersection first has the right of way. If two cars get there at the same time, the driver on the right gets to go first.
Pedestrian and Driver Right-of-Way Laws
North Carolina law gives people walking the right to go first in many cases.
According to North Carolina General Statute § 20-173, drivers must wait for people on foot who are:
- In marked crosswalks
- In unmarked crosswalks at intersections
- Crossing with a walk signal
Crucially, a driver who wants to turn right at a green light must yield to any pedestrians who are crossing the street or waiting to cross. Someone who doesn’t understand these rules could seriously harm someone and get in legal trouble.
Backing Up Right-of-Way Rules
Drivers never have the right of way when backing up.
This means:
- Before backing up, you must make sure nothing is behind you
- You must let any cars that are going forward pass before you back up
- Be extra careful when backing out of driveways or parking spots
Backing-up crashes can damage cars and seriously hurt people, especially people walking nearby.
Parking Lot Right-Of-Way Rules
Parking lots have their own right-of-way rules in North Carolina, but many drivers don’t know them.
In parking lots, follow these rules:
- Drivers in the main lanes get to go before drivers in smaller lanes
- Drivers leaving parking spaces must wait for moving cars
- People who are walking don’t have to wait for cars to pass
- All drivers must obey stop signs and road markings
The slow speeds in parking lots can lower your guard and make you think you’re safe. However, parking lot accidents can still cause bad injuries, especially to people on foot.
Right Of Way For Emergency Vehicles
When you see or hear an emergency vehicle:
- Pull over to the right side of the road when it’s safe to do so
- Stop until the emergency vehicle goes by
- Stay at least 500 feet behind the vehicle
- Never stop in the middle of an intersection
Also, North Carolina’s Move Over law says you must change lanes away from any stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights. If you can’t change lanes, slow down as much as possible.
Road Safety In North Carolina
North Carolina’s right-of-way laws are there to keep traffic orderly and prevent vehicle crashes. The rules protect all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. You can stay safer on the road by knowing right-of-way rules and applying them effectively.
Contact an Experienced Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients in Charlotte, NC, and its surrounding areas.
Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers
1009 East Blvd Suite 110, Charlotte, NC 28203
(704) 980-9999
Open Monday to Friday
from 8:30 am to 5 pm
