Guide to Missouri Right-of-Way Laws
Content
Where vehicles are likely to collide with other vehicles and pedestrians and there are no signals or signs, right-of-way laws apply. These laws do not give the right of way to the driver; rather, they indicate who must yield the right of way. Laws are based on common sense and exist to reduce the chance of harm to motorists and their vehicles, as well as pedestrians.
Summary of Right-of-Way Laws in Missouri
Missouri's right-of-way laws can be summarized as follows.
Intersections
Drivers must give way if pedestrians are legally crossing the road.
Drivers must give way to pedestrians when entering or leaving a lane, roadway, or parking lot, or when crossing a sidewalk.
Drivers turning left must give way to vehicles moving straight ahead.
At four-way stops, the driver who has reached the intersection goes first.
When entering the roadway from a lane, roadway or roadside, drivers must give way to vehicles that are already on the roadway.
At intersections where there are no traffic lights or stop signs, drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right. Roundabouts are an exception to this rule.
At a roundabout, you must yield to a vehicle that is already on the roundabout, as well as to pedestrians.
Ambulances
When emergency vehicles sound their horns or sirens and flash their headlights, you must give way. If you are at an intersection, continue driving and then stop and stop until the vehicle has passed.
Pedestrians
Pedestrians are sometimes required by law to yield to vehicles. For example, if you are approaching an intersection on a green light, a pedestrian is breaking the law if he or she crosses in front of you on a red light. Keep in mind, however, that even if the pedestrian is wrong, you must still give way. A pedestrian may be fined for refusing to give way, but you may not proceed.
Blind pedestrians, as evidenced by the presence of a guide dog or a red-tipped white cane, always have the right of way.
Common Misconceptions About Right of Way Laws in Missouri
Perhaps you have a habit of giving way to a funeral procession simply because it is polite. In fact, you have to do it in Missouri. Regardless of road signs or signals, the funeral procession has the right of way at any intersection. The only exception to this rule is that the funeral procession must give way to ambulances.
Penalties for non-compliance
In Missouri, refusing to yield a right-of-way will result in two demerit points on your driver's license. You will also be fined $30.50 plus legal fees of $66.50, for a total of $97.
For more information, see the Missouri Department of Revenue Driver's Manual, Chapter 4, pages 41-42 and 46, and Chapter 7, pages 59 and 62.
