A guide to Oklahoma right-of-way laws
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Right-of-way laws provide unhindered traffic in places where motorists and other motorists or motorists and pedestrians cannot cross safely at the same time. They regulate who must give way and who must wait, and they also help determine who is at fault in the event of an accident. Laws are in place to protect you, so make sure you know what those laws are and make sure you follow them.
Summary of right-of-way laws in Oklahoma
Oklahoma's right-of-way laws can be summarized as follows:
People to whom you must always yield
There are many crowded places in Oklahoma cities, which means that children can play in the streets. You must exercise extreme caution in the presence of children. They don't know the rules of the road, so it's up to you.
You must give way to the blind. They can be identified by the presence of a guide dog or the use of a cane.
Pedestrians crossing the carriageway at a marked or unmarked pedestrian crossing must have the right of way.
concession to cars
When turning left, you must give way to oncoming traffic and proceed only when you can do so without interfering with oncoming traffic.
If you are crossing a highway where there are no signals or signs, yield to highway traffic and enter only when you can safely do so.
At an intersection with a “give way” sign, you must slow down and be ready to give way to other vehicles and pedestrians.
When leaving a private road, driveway, lane or parking lot to enter a public road, you must stop and give way to a vehicle already on the road.
You must always give way to emergency vehicles when you hear sirens and see flashing lights.
At a four-way stop, the right of way is granted to the vehicle that reaches it first. If it is not possible to reasonably determine who arrived first, then the right of way must be given to the vehicle that is on the right.
Common Misconceptions About Right of Way Laws in Oklahoma
Right-of-way laws are based on courtesy and common sense. Unfortunately, not all drivers are reasonable and polite. Some drivers think they have the right of way, and they will use it no matter the consequences. The fact is that by law you do not have the right of way. You only get it when another driver gives it to you. In fact, most collisions can be avoided if drivers are careful and ready to give way.
Penalties for non-compliance
Oklahoma operates on a points system, and if you don't yield the right of way when required, two penalty points will be added to your driver's license. Penalties are heterogeneous - they vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. However, they tend to be on the high side. For example, in Oklahoma City, a crop failure will cost you $182.
For more information, see the Oklahoma Driver's Handbook, Section 2, Chapter 6, Pages 1-3.
