Right-of-Way Laws in St. Louis, MO
Ryan Bradley | May 25, 2023 | Missouri Law
St. Louis right-of-way laws exist so that drivers know how to proceed safely in uncertain driving situations. All drivers learn these laws in their driver’s education class. However, since most people take such classes as teenagers, it doesn’t hurt to review how you should react when a St. Louis intersection doesn’t have the right of way marked.
Right-of-way laws are sometimes thought of as unspoken rules of the road. However, the laws surrounding the right of way aren’t driving courtesies — they’re laws. If you violate a right-of-way law and the result is an accident, you can find yourself without the compensation you need to cover the cost of injuries and damage to your vehicle.
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St. Louis Pedestrian Right-of-Way Laws
St. Louis drivers must primarily yield the right of way to pedestrians when a pedestrian is already using a crosswalk.
These situations include:
- When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk on the same side of the street as the car
- When a pedestrian is approaching the driver’s lane in a crosswalk
- When another driver has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross at an intersection
- When a pedestrian is crossing a driveway or entrance
- When a pedestrian is blind (Blind pedestrians always have the right of way)
In most other driving situations, St. Louis pedestrians do not have the right of way and are expected to wait for oncoming traffic. Pedestrians are not allowed to cross in the middle of the street or at times when crosswalk control signals indicate they should wait.
St. Louis Right-of-Way Laws for Drivers
St. Louis right-of-way laws are fairly standard. However, it can be hard to remember all such laws clearly — especially if it’s been a while since you read the Missouri Driver Guide.
St. Louis right-of-way laws all drivers should know include:
- The first driver to reach a four-way stop has the right of way
- Drivers exiting cross streets must yield to traffic on the main road
- Drivers exiting a driveway or parking lot must yield to oncoming traffic
- At roundabouts, drivers must yield to all traffic in the circle
- Drivers merging onto a highway must yield to oncoming traffic
- Drivers attempting to change lanes must yield to vehicles traveling in that lane
- Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic
- Drivers must yield to funeral processions
- Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles with lights or sirens on
None of these laws should come as a surprise, but taking the time to review these common rules of the road can save you from an accident.
What to Do After a Right-of-Way Accident in St. Louis, MO
If you’ve been involved in a St. Louis right-of-way car accident or pedestrian accident, you should seek medical care and then call a St. Louis car accident lawyer.
Never admit fault, apologize, or speak with an insurance agent until you’ve consulted a lawyer. Car accident lawyers work to prove that the other party should be found at fault by investigating the circumstances of the accident and applying the relevant laws.
If you want to protect your finances after a St. Louis right-of-way accident, don’t make assumptions about fault or your car accident case value — play it safe by taking advantage of a free consultation with a lawyer first.
Staying Safe on St. Louis Roads
Right-of-way laws dictate whether your vehicle has the right to proceed in a traffic situation. However, it’s still important to exercise care and vigilance. Even if you have the right of way, you can still find yourself in legal and financial trouble after an accident.
Not all drivers stay up to date on right-of-way laws. Sometimes people remember them incorrectly, and other times they simply don’t care. Know the laws, but be prepared to yield in case your right of way isn’t respected by others.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm For Help Today
For more information, please contact Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.
St. Louis Office
1430 Washington Ave Suite #226 St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 400-0000
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1509 NE Parvin Rd, Suite A., Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 408-3448
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