Right of Way Laws in Kansas

When you’re first learning how to drive, there is a considerable amount of information to cover in order to make sure you know how to stay safe on the roads. One of the most important aspects of safe driving is understanding the concept of the right of way. The right of way is addressed in several Kansas traffic laws and is often used as a way to determine who is at fault in the event of an accident.

What is the Right of Way?

The simplest way to think of the concept of right of way is that it outlines the cases in which you, as a driver, must yield to others. There are a variety of instances in which you must know that you are obligated to yield the right of way. Ultimately, it is critical that all drivers (and bikers, pedestrians, etc.) follow right of way because failing to do so will nearly always lead to traffic accidents.

Right of Way Laws in Kansas

In the state of Kansas, right of way rules covers a range of situations you’re likely to encounter as a driver. Failing to follow the right of way regulations in Kansas can result in a traffic fine upwards of $195, with multiple violations potentially causing you to have your driver’s license suspended.

For Kansas drivers, the following laws apply to the right of way:

Intersections

• You must give the right of way to any vehicle already in an intersection you are approaching. 
• If you enter an intersection at the same time as another driver, the vehicle on the right should be given the right of way.
• If an intersection has no signs or traffic lights, the vehicle on the right will have the right of way.
• If you are making a left turn, you must give the right of way to vehicles driving straight through the intersection.
• When entering a public road from a private one, yield right of way to drivers on the public road.
• When entering from an alley or driveway, yield right of way to pedestrians and drivers already on the road.
• In situations in which you are aware that another driver is failing to adhere to the right of way laws, you are obligated to yield to avoid an accident.

Pedestrians

• When approaching a crosswalk, you must always allow waiting pedestrians to cross (your car should stop behind the painted line).
• In situations in which a crosswalk is unmarked, you are still required to yield the right of way to pedestrians.
• Even if a pedestrian is illegally crossing a street (jaywalking or crossing against the light), you are still obligated to yield right of way in the interest of safety.

Maintenance and Emergency Vehicles

• You must always yield right of way to emergency vehicles if they have their sirens, lights, or air horns on.
• You must always yield to maintenance and construction workers and vehicles.

Get Answers to Your Traffic Law Questions from the Palmer Law Group

Whether you’ve been involved in a vehicular, bicycle, or pedestrian accident, the experts at the Palmer Law Group can help you determine the best next steps. Our Kansas attorneys are well-versed in state traffic laws and regulations, making us the perfect resource for navigating the often-complicated legal process after an accident.

Regardless of whether you were the victim or determined to be at-fault, having an experienced, ethical legal advocate on your side is key to achieving the best possible outcome in the court.

For more information about Kansas right of way laws and how they may affect your legal case, contact our office to schedule your free consultation.

Image Credit: Shutterstock By Tupungato