Guide to Right-of-Way Laws in Wisconsin

Content

Summary of Wisconsin Right of Way Laws
Intersections
Pedestrians
Ambulances
Common Misconceptions About Right of Way Laws in Wisconsin
Penalties for non-compliance

Vehicles and pedestrians will inevitably meet in traffic, and sometimes there will be no warning lights or traffic signs. That's why there are laws of right of way - to determine who can go and who has to wait. No one ever "owns" the right of way - it must be ceded to them, and the law determines only those who must cede. Right-of-way laws are common sense and designed to protect you, so you need to understand and follow them.

Summary of Wisconsin Right of Way Laws

Wisconsin's right-of-way laws can be summarized as follows:

Intersections

If you are approaching an intersection that does not have traffic lights or signs, you must give way to traffic approaching from the right.
If you are approaching a four-way stop and the first vehicle arrives, you must come to a complete stop and then proceed. If you are not sure that you are the first motorist there, then give way to the vehicle on the right.
If you are approaching a main road from a carriageway or lane, give way to vehicles already on the main road.
When entering a roundabout or roundabout, you must give way to a vehicle that is already at the roundabout.
If you are on a dead end road, you must give way to the intersection.
If you are crossing a sidewalk from an alley, driveway, or parking lot, you must give way to pedestrians and vehicles on the road.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians should be given the right of way, even if they cross the road illegally. They can be fined for non-yielding, just like a motorist, but common sense dictates that you should give way, because a pedestrian is more vulnerable than a motorist.
Blind pedestrians, as evidenced by the presence of a guide dog or the use of a white cane, have a legal right of way, even if they cross in ways that would be illegal if it were done by a sighted person.

Ambulances

Police cars, ambulances, fire engines and any other emergency vehicles using a horn, siren or blue or red flashing light must be given right of way. Stop as soon as you can safely do so and listen for instructions that may come from the car's speaker.

Common Misconceptions About Right of Way Laws in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, you can often see people riding horses or using animal-drawn carts. If you think that they are not endowed with the same rights and privileges as ordinary motorists, you are mistaken. In fact, they are given a higher standard of care because the animals can be unpredictable. Always give way to cattle.