What is Yield Right of Way?
Updated January 24, 2026
A traffic law requiring drivers to allow other vehicles or pedestrians to proceed first in certain situations. Failure to yield is a common cause of intersection collisions and pedestrian accidents.
Understanding Yield Right of Way
Drivers must yield at yield signs, to pedestrians in crosswalks, when entering highways from ramps, to emergency vehicles, and in other situations defined by state law. Failure to yield creates a presumption of negligence in accident cases. Traffic citations for failing to yield can be used as evidence of fault.
Examples
- 1T-bone collision when driver failed to yield at stop sign
- 2Pedestrian struck by driver who failed to yield at crosswalk
- 3Highway merge accident from failure to yield
Related Terms
Negligence
The failure to exercise the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another person or their property.
Rear-End Collision
An accident where one vehicle strikes the back of another vehicle, typically establishing fault against the following driver.
T-Bone Accident
A collision where the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a T shape, often occurring at intersections.
Head-On Collision
A crash where the fronts of two vehicles collide while traveling in opposite directions, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or death.
Rollover Accident
A crash where a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof, often involving SUVs, trucks, or vehicles with high centers of gravity.
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