Right-Of-Way Laws In Maryland

Understanding Maryland’s right-of-way laws is essential for drivers and pedestrians. These laws clarify when you must yield to others on the road, helping to reduce accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly. By knowing when to yield your right of way, you can avoid potential collisions and enhance safety for everyone.

Following right-of-way laws is especially important in a busy city like Baltimore, where traffic congestion is expected. Intersections, crosswalks, and traffic circles can be tricky to navigate, and understanding who has the right of way can help prevent confusion and accidents. Whether driving through town or bicycling to your destination, knowing Maryland’s right-of-way rules can make a big difference in ensuring safe passage.

Right of Way at Intersections

Controlled Intersections

At intersections controlled by traffic or stop signs, drivers must follow the posted signals and signs. According to Maryland Transportation Code § 21-401, when a driver approaches a stop sign, they must yield the right of way to any vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection. This ensures traffic moves safely and prevents potential accidents, especially at four-way stops where multiple vehicles might arrive simultaneously.

If there is a traffic signal, drivers must yield to vehicles and pedestrians with the green light or the right of way based on the traffic signals. Even when you stop first, checking for any approaching traffic before moving through the intersection is essential.

Uncontrolled Intersections

Uncontrolled intersections, with no stop signs or traffic lights, can be trickier. Maryland law requires drivers to yield to vehicles coming from the right. This simple rule helps keep traffic flowing smoothly, even when formal traffic controls aren’t present. As a general safety measure, it’s advisable always to slow down when approaching an uncontrolled intersection and be prepared to yield to vehicles or pedestrians.

Left Turns and Vehicles Making a U-Turn

Making a left turn at an intersection is one of the most common scenarios where right-of-way confusion can lead to accidents. Maryland Transportation Code § 21-403 clearly outlines that drivers turning left must yield the right of way to any oncoming traffic close enough to pose a hazard. This rule applies when turning at a traffic signal or an uncontrolled intersection. Even if you have a green light, checking for approaching vehicles before proceeding with the turn is essential.

Failing to yield while making a left turn is a leading cause of collisions in Maryland. Drivers often misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming traffic, leading to severe car accidents. It’s essential to exercise caution and wait until it’s safe to make the turn. Additionally, drivers should always signal their intent to turn well in advance to alert other road users.

U-Turns and Right of Way

Maryland law also regulates the conditions under which drivers can make U-turns. According to the law, a U-turn can only be made when it is safe and does not interfere with other vehicles. Maryland Transportation Code § 21-403 further states that drivers must yield to oncoming traffic before attempting a U-turn, just as they would when making a left turn.

Additionally, U-turns are prohibited in specific areas, such as near the crest of a hill, at intersections controlled by traffic signals, or in other places where visibility is limited. Making a U-turn in these locations can lead to accidents, as other drivers may not have enough time to react.

Right-of-Way When Entering a Highway

When entering a highway, drivers must yield the right of way to vehicles already on the roadway. Maryland law requires drivers merging onto a road to adjust their speed to traffic flow and merge safely without disrupting the vehicles already traveling on the highway.

This means the merging driver is responsible for ensuring enough space to enter the lane without forcing other drivers to brake suddenly or swerve.

Drivers should also use turn signals to indicate their intent to merge, giving other motorists time to adjust. Failure to yield when merging onto a highway is a common cause of accidents, as high-speed traffic makes sudden stops or lane changes more dangerous. It’s crucial for merging drivers to remain patient and wait for a safe opening in traffic before entering the highway.

Yield Signs and Stopping Before Entering

At some highway entrances, drivers may encounter stop or yield signs. In these cases, Maryland law mandates that drivers come to a complete stop or yield to oncoming traffic before proceeding.

Vehicles already on the highway have the right of way, and merging drivers must wait until it is safe to enter the roadway. This is particularly important at highway ramps or intersections where traffic conditions may vary and require additional caution.

Failure to yield or stop when entering a highway can lead to severe accidents, especially in areas with heavy traffic or reduced visibility. See John Leppler’s blog about highway accidents in Baltimore County to learn more about these types of crashes.

What is Maryland’s “Move Over” Law?

Maryland’s “Move Over” law protects emergency responders, service vehicles, and other roadside workers by requiring drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching stopped vehicles with flashing lights.

According to the law, drivers must make every effort to move to an adjacent lane when passing vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, tow trucks, and utility vehicles on the side of the road. If changing lanes is not possible or safe, drivers must slow down significantly to reduce the risk of accidents.

This law is essential for the safety of those working on the roadside, as it helps prevent collisions caused by distracted or speeding drivers. Violating the Move Over law in Maryland can result in fines and points added to your driving record. The law protects not just emergency vehicles but also any vehicle with flashing hazard lights, making it a broad safety measure for anyone stopped on the side of the road.

Who is Protected Under the “Move Over” Law?

The Move Over law applies to many vehicles beyond traditional emergency responders. Tow trucks, utility service vehicles, and road maintenance crews are all covered under this law. Additionally, if any car is displaying hazard lights or flares while stopped, drivers must either change lanes or reduce their speed to ensure the safety of the occupants.

The law was expanded to include more types of vehicles in response to growing concerns over the number of accidents involving roadside workers. Maryland aims to eliminate the risk of injury and fatality for anyone assisting with a roadside emergency or performing necessary work.

What Are The Laws For Merging in Maryland?

As stated, In Maryland, drivers merging onto a roadway are legally required to yield the right of way to vehicles already traveling on that road. State guidelines emphasize that merging drivers must adjust their speed to match traffic flow and ensure they enter the lane safely.

The merging driver is responsible for avoiding causing other vehicles to slow down or make sudden maneuvers to accommodate them. The cars already on the road have the right of way, and it’s up to the merging driver to find a suitable gap in traffic. Failing to do so can lead to collisions, which frequently cause accidents, particularly on busy highways and interchanges.

During rush hour, drivers must remain alert and patient when merging in congested or high-traffic areas, such as Maryland’s highways. It’s crucial for merging drivers to use their turn signals to indicate their intent and ensure they adjust their speed appropriately when entering traffic.

Sudden or reckless merging can disrupt traffic flow and increase the risk of merging car accidents. Maryland’s merging laws are designed with safety in mind, ensuring that the merging process happens smoothly and does not endanger other road users. By adhering to these laws, drivers can help reduce congestion and avoid potential collisions.

The Boulevard Rule in Maryland

An essential element of Maryland’s merging laws is the “Boulevard Rule.” This rule mandates that any driver entering a main road from a more minor or secondary road must yield to vehicles already traveling on the main road. The Boulevard Rule is designed to prioritize cars on larger, busier roads to avoid disruptions in traffic flow.

It applies to vehicles merging from side streets, parking lots, driveways, and private roads. Drivers entering from these more minor roads must come to a complete stop and ensure there are no oncoming vehicles before proceeding. The idea behind this law is to maintain the safety and consistency of traffic on major roadways.

In particular, the Boulevard Rule is critical when merging onto fast-moving roads where vehicles travel at higher speeds.  Failure to yield in these situations can result in severe accidents, as cars on the main road may need more time to react to a vehicle suddenly entering their path.

Maryland law holds drivers entering from more minor roads accountable for avoiding accidents. This means they must stop, look carefully, and yield when necessary before merging onto a busy roadway.

Right-of-Way Laws for Pedestrians in Maryland

Maryland’s right-of-way laws are designed to protect pedestrians and ensure their road safety. Pedestrians generally have the right of way when crossing at marked crosswalks or intersections.

This means drivers must stop and yield to pedestrians legally crossing the road. Whether at a traffic light or a designated crosswalk, vehicles must wait until the pedestrian has safely crossed the street before proceeding.

However, pedestrians also have responsibilities under Maryland law. They are required to follow traffic signals and use crosswalks where available. If pedestrians cross a road outside a crosswalk or against a traffic signal, they forfeit their right of way. In these situations, pedestrians must yield to oncoming traffic and ensure it is safe before crossing.

Responsibilities of Drivers Toward Pedestrians

Maryland law holds drivers accountable for yielding to pedestrians in specific situations. For example, if a vehicle has stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross, other vehicles are prohibited from passing that stopped vehicle. This rule prevents accidents caused by drivers who may not see the pedestrian in front of the stopped car.

Additionally, drivers must exercise caution in areas where pedestrian traffic is expected, such as school zones, residential neighborhoods, and parking lots. Even if a pedestrian is not using a designated crosswalk, drivers must remain alert and avoid any behavior that could endanger a pedestrian’s safety.

Pedestrian Safety and Shared Responsibility

While pedestrians often have the right of way, road safety is a shared responsibility between drivers and pedestrians. Pedestrians should remain vigilant, use crosswalks, and obey traffic signals. Similarly, drivers must be aware of their surroundings and yield to pedestrians by the law. Maryland’s right-of-way laws help prevent accidents by clearly defining the responsibilities of both parties, ultimately ensuring safer streets for everyone.

What are Maryland’s Right-of-Way Laws for Bicyclists and Motorcycle Riders?

In Maryland, bicyclists and motorcyclists have specific rights and obligations under the state’s right-of-way laws. Both must follow the same traffic rules as motor vehicle drivers, including stopping at red lights, obeying stop signs, and yielding to other vehicles and pedestrians where necessary.

At intersections, for instance, bicyclists and motorcyclists must yield to vehicles that already have the right of way and allow pedestrians to cross. In return, other drivers must treat bicyclists and motorcycle riders with the same respect as any other vehicle, yielding when appropriate.

For bicyclists, state law emphasizes the importance of maintaining safety on the road. Maryland law requires drivers to give at least three feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist to prevent sideswipe accidents, a common cause of injuries.

This safe passing law is part of Maryland’s broader bicycle safety regulations, which aim to protect cyclists on busy roadways. Bicyclists must ride as close to the right side of the road as possible, except when making a left turn or avoiding obstacles, and should use bike lanes where available. However, drivers should always be aware of bicyclists, especially in urban areas with heavier bike traffic.

Right-of-Way Laws for Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists in Maryland must also follow the same traffic rules as cars and trucks. They must yield the right of way to other vehicles and pedestrians where applicable and follow all traffic signals.

Due to their smaller size, motorcycles can be difficult to see, so drivers must be cautious and check blind spots before changing lanes or turning. Failing to yield to a motorcycle or turning in front of one can easily result in a collision due to their quick speed and vulnerability on the road.

Motorcyclists must also observe specific rules that apply only to them, such as the prohibition on lane splitting—riding between two lanes of traffic—which is illegal in Maryland.

Additionally, motorcyclists must keep their headlights on at all times, even during daylight hours, to increase visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. Motorcyclists are encouraged to wear helmets and reflective gear for safety, particularly in low-visibility conditions.

Both bicyclists and motorcyclists have a right to use Maryland’s roadways, and all road users must understand and respect each other’s specific rights. Maryland’s right-of-way laws protect bicyclists and motorcyclists on the road. Still, they also require these riders to follow safety regulations to minimize the risk of accidents. By following these laws, drivers, cyclists, and motorcyclists alike can contribute to a safer road environment for everyone.

Experienced Baltimore Auto Accident Attorney

If you’ve been in a car accident in Baltimore, having an experienced attorney like John Leppler can make all the difference in your case. With a strong understanding of Maryland’s traffic laws and a commitment to personal injury law, John is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of their claims.

Unlike large mega-firms that may treat you like just another case, Leppler Injury Law prioritizes personal attention and is never too busy to speak with you. He believes in keeping communication open, ensuring you have all the information you need. If you’re looking for knowledgeable legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Leppler Injury Law for a free consultation today. Your recovery and peace of mind are top priorities.