TL;DR:

Always yield at stop signs to vehicles already in the intersection or the driver to your right.
Pedestrians in crosswalks always have the right-of-way.
At uncontrolled intersections, yield to vehicles on your right.
When making left turns, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Always pull over and stop for emergency vehicles with sirens or flashing lights.

Driving in Fort Worth, TX, like anywhere else, requires more than just basic vehicle control. It involves understanding local traffic laws, including right-of-way rules, which are critical for preventing accidents and promoting a smooth flow of traffic. At Get Drivers Ed, we believe that understanding these rules can make a significant difference in road safety and driver confidence. Below, we’ll walk you through five essential right-of-way laws that every driver in Fort Worth should know to navigate intersections, pedestrian crossings, and more.

1. Right-of-Way at Stop Signs

One of the most fundamental right-of-way laws in Fort Worth is the rule for stop signs. When you approach an intersection with a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that has already entered the intersection. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle to the right typically has the right-of-way. This rule ensures that drivers understand when it’s their turn to proceed and helps maintain order at four-way stops.

Key Points:

Stop completely and check for oncoming traffic.
Yield to vehicles that have already entered the intersection.
If two drivers stop simultaneously, the driver on the right goes first.

Understanding how to navigate stop signs confidently is a skill we emphasize in our online driver’s course at Get Drivers Ed.

2. Yielding to Pedestrians at Crosswalks

In Fort Worth, yielding to pedestrians is not just courteous—it’s the law. Drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians who are using crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, at intersections. Failing to yield can result in fines and endanger the safety of pedestrians.

Important Considerations:

Always be vigilant when approaching crosswalks, especially in busy areas or near schools.
Slow down and be prepared to stop if a pedestrian is crossing or waiting to cross.
Remember that pedestrians always have the right-of-way when they are in a crosswalk.

At Get Drivers Ed, we teach drivers to prioritize pedestrian safety, which is a critical part of responsible driving.

3. Intersections Without Traffic Signals

Uncontrolled intersections, or those without traffic signals or signs, can be confusing for drivers. In Fort Worth, the law states that drivers must yield to vehicles on their right when they arrive at an intersection at the same time. This rule helps reduce confusion and potential accidents when traffic signals are not present to dictate right-of-way.

Tips for Navigating Uncontrolled Intersections:

Approach with caution and be prepared to stop.
Yield to vehicles that are already in the intersection or coming from the right.
Make eye contact with other drivers to confirm who will proceed.

Navigating intersections without signals is part of defensive driving, a concept thoroughly covered in our online driver’s course at Get Drivers Ed.

4. Right-of-Way When Making Left Turns

Making a left turn can be a tricky maneuver, especially when other vehicles or pedestrians are involved. In Fort Worth, drivers making a left turn must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before proceeding. This ensures that the intersection remains clear and that drivers and pedestrians stay safe.

What You Need to Know:

Yield to oncoming vehicles that are going straight or turning right.
Check for pedestrians in the crosswalk before completing your turn.
Only proceed when it is safe to do so and you have a clear view of the intersection.

Understanding when to yield while making left turns can help prevent accidents and keep traffic moving efficiently.

5. Emergency Vehicles and Right-of-Way

The right-of-way laws for emergency vehicles are vital to understand as they can make the difference between life and death during urgent situations. In Fort Worth, if you hear or see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights or a siren, you must yield the right-of-way by pulling over to the right side of the road and stopping. This allows emergency responders to pass through quickly and safely.

How to Respond:

Slow down and signal your intention to pull over.
Move as far to the right as possible and come to a complete stop.
Do not resume driving until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle can result in severe penalties and put lives at risk. At Get Drivers Ed, we stress the importance of knowing and respecting the rules for emergency vehicles in our driver safety lessons.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Understanding and following right-of-way laws is crucial for maintaining road safety and avoiding unnecessary accidents. From yielding at stop signs and crosswalks to making safe left turns and responding to emergency vehicles, these laws are designed to keep everyone on the road safe. At Get Drivers Ed, we provide comprehensive lessons that cover these essential traffic rules and more to help drivers become knowledgeable and confident behind the wheel.

If you’re looking to improve your driving skills or want a refresher on right-of-way laws and other critical driving practices, consider enrolling in our online driver’s course. Our courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge you need to drive safely and responsibly in Fort Worth, TX, and beyond.