A guide to right-of-way laws in Minnesota
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Knowing when to give way allows traffic to move safely and smoothly. Although the rules regarding the right of way are enshrined in law, they are in fact based on courtesy and common sense and, if followed, can reduce the likelihood of traffic accidents.
Summary of Minnesota Right of Way Laws
Below is a summary of Minnesota's right-of-way laws and an understanding of how knowing these laws will help you share the road safely.
Intersections
If two vehicles arrive at an intersection at approximately the same time, the vehicle that reaches it first has the advantage. If you are unsure or stopped at the same time, the vehicle on the right has priority.
If you want to turn left, you must give way to any oncoming traffic.
The green arrows tell you that you can cross to the left across traffic, but you must still give way to any traffic that is already at the intersection.
If you are entering a public road from a carriageway or private road, any vehicle or pedestrian on the public road has right-of-way.
Ambulances
Emergency vehicles, without exception, have the right of way if they sound their sirens and flash their headlights. Regardless of what traffic signals tell you, you must stop in front of emergency vehicles, and they have the right to run red lights.
If you violate this right-of-way law, you can be arrested for up to four hours after the offense was committed.
Pedestrians
- Pedestrians always have the right of way, even if they break the law. This is because they are vulnerable. They can be fined in the same way as motorists for failing to yield the right of way, but motorists are always responsible for preventing an accident.
Common Misconceptions About Minnesota Right-of-Way Laws
One of the biggest misconceptions of Minnesota motorists about the rules of the road has to do with funeral processions. If you stop to honor the funeral procession, you can tell yourself that you are a wonderful and compassionate soul who knows how to do the right thing. But did you know that you also just did a legal thing?
In Minnesota, stopping for a funeral cortege is not just a courtesy, it's actually the law, and failure to comply carries the same fines and sanctions as any other transportation violation. You must always give way to funeral processions and allow them to pass through intersections, even when the light favors you. This is the law.
Penalties for non-compliance
Minnesota doesn't have a points system, so you don't have to think about the disadvantages of your failing license. However, you will be fined $50 for each violation and pay an additional $78 if you go to court.
For more information, see the Minnesota Driver's Handbook, pages 39-41.
