Understanding who must yield in traffic is a vital part of protecting your legal rights. Maryland traffic statutes dictate specific behaviors for drivers to ensure safety on the road.
If you have been involved in a collision, these rules help determine who is responsible for the resulting damages. However, Maryland follows a pure contributory negligence standard. This means being found even 1% at fault can prevent you from recovering any compensation.
Rules for intersections and turns
When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at roughly the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. At a “T” intersection without a signal, the driver on the highway that terminates must yield the right of way to through traffic. These rules maintain a predictable flow to keep Maryland drivers safe.
Before you turn left or make a U-turn, you must yield to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. This obligation applies if the other car is in the intersection or close enough to pose an immediate danger. Therefore, you must wait for a clear gap before starting your turn. These laws apply to public roads, alleys, and private driveways alike.
Stopping and entering highways
You must stop at the entrance to a through highway. Yield to any vehicles that are near enough to the intersection to create a hazard. You must also follow proper stopping procedures by stopping at a clearly marked line or before the crosswalk.
Additionally, a driver entering a highway from a driveway or unpaved road must stop and yield to all approaching traffic.
- Yield to emergency vehicles with sirens by driving to a position parallel to the right-hand curb.
- Stop and stay in that position until the emergency vehicle passes you completely.
- Move over for any stopped vehicle with hazard lights if it is safe to change lanes.
If a lane change is not possible, you must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed. These safety measures ensure that motorists and emergency responders remain protected on the shoulder.
Seek professional guidance for your claim
A driver who ignores a stop sign puts your life at risk. While proving the other driver was “unfavored” is a necessary step, you must also show that you did not contribute to the crash.
Because the legal stakes are high, you should ensure a professional who understands local courts hears your story. An experienced attorney can review police reports to protect your right to a fair settlement. Discussing your case with a legal professional allows you to understand how these rules apply to you.