A guide to Michigan right-of-way laws
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When do you have to give way? Common sense would seem to dictate that you should do this every time it can prevent an accident. Of course, common sense doesn't always win, and that's why we have laws. So, here's a brief overview of Michigan's right-of-way laws.
Summary of Michigan Right of Way Laws
Laws relating to the right-of-way in Michigan can be summarized as follows:
You must give way at any intersection where you see other vehicles or pedestrians.
You must give way to any vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian already at the intersection.
If you are approaching an intersection and there are no signs or signals, you must give way to someone already on the main road.
If you are turning left, you must give way to oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
At a yield or stop sign, you must yield to any vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian already at the intersection.
If you are approaching a four-way stop, then you must give way to the vehicle that reaches it first, and if you are not sure, the right-of-way vehicle has the right of way.
If you are turning right at a red light, you must stop before continuing and then give way to any oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
If you are turning left on a red light onto a one-way street, you must yield to the crossing traffic.
If you are turning left from a two-way street into a one-way street and traffic is moving in the same direction as your turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic, crossing traffic, and pedestrians.
You must always yield if ordered by a policeman or flag officer.
You must always give way to emergency vehicles, regardless of the direction from which they are approaching, as long as they sound their sirens and flash their headlights.
Common Misconceptions About Michigan Right of Way Laws
Most of the time, people yield to funeral processions out of courtesy, and no one will ever say that people in Michigan are impolite. Michigan has a law that requires you to give way to funeral processions. You may be fined if you don't.
Penalties for non-compliance
In Michigan, if you don't yield the right of way, two demerit points can be attached to your license. Penalties will vary from county to county as they are at the discretion of the court.
For more information, see State of Michigan: What Every Driver Should Know, chapter 3, pages 24-26.
