Right-of-way laws play a crucial role in maintaining safety on Georgia’s roads. These laws dictate who has the legal right to proceed first in various traffic situations, reducing confusion and helping prevent accidents.
However, understanding your right-of-way isn’t enough—being considerate and following safe driving practices is essential. Drivers should not only know when they have the right-of-way, but also when to yield to others to avoid potential collisions.
What Does “Right-of-Way” Mean?
The term right-of-way refers to the legal right for a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian to proceed ahead in specific traffic situations. This could be when entering a roadway, going through an intersection, or making a turn.
While Georgia law outlines who has the right-of-way in various situations, it’s important to remember that being legally right doesn’t always mean you should move forward. Often, it’s safer to yield to avoid an accident, even if you technically have the right-of-way.
Important Georgia Right-of-Way Rules
Here are some key right-of-way situations commonly encountered on Georgia roads:
Intersections with Stop Signs
If you have a stop sign at an intersection but other traffic doesn’t, you must yield to vehicles and pedestrians approaching the intersection. If they’re close enough to pose a danger or are already in the intersection, you should wait for them to clear before proceeding.
Crossroads Without Signs or Signals
At intersections without traffic signs or signals, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right when both arrive at the same time. At four-way stops, if all vehicles have stop signs, vehicles should proceed in the order they arrived. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the car on the left must yield to the one on the right.
Making Left Turns
When turning left at an intersection, into an alley, or into a driveway, you must yield to oncoming traffic. If you’re waiting for a gap in traffic to make a left turn, be sure to yield to vehicles coming from the opposite direction. This ensures that you only turn when it’s safe.
Yield Signs
When approaching a yield sign, you must slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary. Make sure the road is clear and safe before proceeding into the intersection or crossing.
Crossing Traffic
Always ensure that your speed and position are appropriate for merging safely into traffic. If another vehicle is moving into your lane, you should either move over to give them space or slow down to allow them to merge safely.
Traffic Lights
Even when the traffic light is green, ensure that the intersection is clear before proceeding. Wait for pedestrians and vehicles to finish crossing before you continue moving forward.
Private Roads and Alleys
If entering a public road from a private driveway, alley, or road, you must stop and give way to any vehicles or pedestrians already on the road.
Unique Cases of Right-of-Way
Right-of-way laws are even more critical in certain situations for public safety:
Emergency Vehicles
If you hear sirens or see flashing lights from an emergency vehicle, you are required to pull over to the right side of the road and stop. Make sure not to block intersections or other roads. Wait until the emergency vehicle has passed before moving again.
Construction Zones
Drivers must give way to workers and construction vehicles in maintenance zones. When driving through construction areas, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop at any time.
School Buses
All vehicles must stop for school buses when they have their red lights flashing and their stop sign extended. It is illegal to pass a school bus in this situation. Make sure to stop at least 20 feet away from the bus to ensure the safety of children getting on or off.
The Right Turn on Red Rule in Georgia (2025 Update)
The right turn on red law in Georgia allows drivers to turn right at a red light, but only under certain conditions. Here’s what you need to know about this rule in Georgia:
General Rule
You may turn right on red in Georgia unless otherwise posted. Always come to a complete stop at the red light, check for oncoming traffic, and yield to pedestrians before making the turn. Make sure the intersection is clear before proceeding.
Signs That Restrict Right Turns on Red
In some locations, signs may prohibit right turns on red, particularly at high-traffic intersections or areas where pedestrian safety is a concern. Always look out for these signs and follow them.
Pedestrian Considerations
When making a right turn on red, be especially cautious of pedestrians in crosswalks. Yield to pedestrians at all times before making the turn, even if the light has turned red for your direction.
Prohibited Right Turns on Red
Some intersections or areas, such as those with heavy pedestrian traffic or complex road layouts, may not allow right turns on red. Pay attention to any posted signs that explicitly state when right turns on red are not permitted.
Understanding the right-of-way laws in Georgia is vital for ensuring safety on the roads. These rules help prevent confusion and accidents by clearly outlining when and how drivers should yield.
Whether you are at an intersection with a stop sign, making a left turn, or dealing with emergency vehicles, knowing how to follow these laws can make a huge difference in preventing crashes.
As for the right turn on red rule, it offers convenience but requires extra attention to detail, such as checking for pedestrians and ensuring that the intersection is clear before proceeding. Always be mindful of the traffic signs and the laws that apply to your specific location to keep the roads safe for everyone.
