What Is Oregon’s Right-of-Way Law?

Traffic laws are important for maintaining safety and security while driving, and one of the most important rules you need to remember is the right-of-way. Failure to yield right-of-way can lead to serious collisions, severe injuries, and millions of dollars in damages. Contact Tillmann Law to schedule your free consultation with our Portland car accident attorneys, we are available to take your call now, and will not charge a fee unless we win.

You can find Oregon’s right-of-way laws in Chapter 811 of the Oregon Revised Statutes, which outline the rules of the road in various situations. To stay safe on the road and avoid additional consequences, always keep Oregon right of way laws in mind.

#1: Right-of-Way at Intersections without Traffic Signals

Right-of-way laws are especially important at intersections without traffic lights or signals, since confusion can easily lead to an accident. When approaching these intersections, keep the 4 way stop rules in mind.

• If you enter an intersection at the same time as another driver, the person on the left must yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.
• If you are the first driver at the intersection, you have the right-of-way.
• If the intersection has a stop or yield sign, you must adhere to these rules. You must come to a complete stop at a stop sign before entering the intersection.

#2: Right-of-Way at Intersections with Traffic Signals

Navigating right-of-way at intersections with traffic lights is much easier than intersections without these indicators. When turning right at these intersections, wait until the roadway is clear and the crosswalk is free of pedestrians. You can usually make a right turn on a red or green light, but at some intersections, signs will prohibit you from turning on a red light. Keep an eye out for these indicators.

Right-of-way while turning left is a trickier obstacle. You have the right-of-way at a left-hand turn if there is a green arrow. If there is no green arrow but a solid green light, you must yield to oncoming vehicles before making a left turn.

#3: Right-of-Way While at a Three-Way Intersection

Oregon is home to some three-way intersections, also known as “T” intersections. These occur when one road ends and feeds into a through road, which may contain oncoming traffic. If you are on the road that ends, you must yield to the through traffic before turning.

#4: Right-of-Way While on a Roundabout

Roundabouts can be confusing structures to navigate. If you are entering a roundabout, you must yield to the traffic already driving through the roundabout. You should enter the roundabout once a break in the traffic occurs while carefully watching the traffic to your left. Keeping an eye on these vehicles will help you avoid collisions.

#5: Right-of-Way with Pedestrians in the Area

Under pedestrian Oregon laws, there is a crosswalk at every intersection. If you are approaching a crosswalk, you must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrians who enter the intersection. Some pedestrians may enter unmarked crosswalks or engage in jaywalking; it is important to yield to the pedestrians in these situations to avoid injuries or deaths.

Contact Tillmann Law in Portland, Oregon

While adhering to Oregon traffic laws may keep you out of harm’s way most of the time, not all drivers follow these rules. If you are in a collision with a driver who failed to yield the right-of-way, you may be eligible for compensation through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.

Tillmann Law can advocate for your right to a fair settlement. Our Portland personal injury attorneys will evaluate your claim, help you understand your legal options, and fight aggressively for your right to compensatory damages each step of the way.