Right-of-Way Laws in Georgia (2024 Updated)

Right-of-way laws in Georgia are very important for keeping Georgia’s roads safe. These rules spell out which driver or passenger has the legal right to go first in different types of traffic situations. This helps keep things clear and avoids accidents. However, knowing your rights isn’t enough to understand and follow these rules. Being careful and polite on the road are both important. People should not have to take the right-of-way; they should give it to others.

What Does “Right-of-Way” Mean?

Right-of-way is the legal right of a driver, cyclist, or pedestrian to move forward in a certain situation, like joining a roadway, going through an intersection, or turning. Georgia law says who always has the right-of-way, but it’s important to remember that, even if you’re legally in the right, you should give way when it’s necessary to avoid a crash.

Important Georgia Right-of-Way Rules

There are some common right-of-way situations you might see on Georgia roads. These include the following:

• Intersections where you have a stop sign but other traffic does not. The right-of-way must be yielded to other vehicles and pedestrians who are approaching close enough to pose a danger or are already in the intersection.
• Places where there are stop signs. When you have a stop sign, but other traffic doesn’t, you must give way to other vehicles and people who are already in the intersection or are coming up close enough to be a hazard. You can only go forward after stopping to make sure the path is clear.
• Crossroads that don’t have any signs or signals. The driver on the left must give way to the driver on the right when two cars arrive at an intersection without traffic lights or signs at the same time. When there are four-way stops, and all drivers are facing stop signs, cars should go in the order they came. When two cars arrive at the crossing at the same time, the driver on the left must let the driver on the right go through.
• Making left turns. If you want to make a left turn at an intersection, into an alley, or into a driveway, you must yield to traffic going the other way. If you are waiting to make a left turn and there is a steady flow of traffic coming the other way, you must also follow this rule.
• Signs to yield. You must slow down and be ready to stop when you get to a yield sign. Make sure the road is clear and that it is safe to enter or cross the crossing or road before going any further.
• Crossing traffic. Make sure your speed and position are right for a smooth and safe move into traffic. In the same way, if you can, you should move over to give other cars room when they are moving into your lane. If you can’t do that, slow down so they can join safely.
• Lights that control traffic. You have to make sure the crossing is clear before going forward, even if the light is green. This means you should wait until all the cars and people on foot have gone through the crossing before moving forward.
• Coming in from a private road or alley. If you are coming onto a public road from a private driveway, an alley, or another road, you must stop and give way to any people or cars that are already on the road or path.

Unique Cases of Right-of-Way

In addition to normal driving situations, right-of-way rules are even more important for public safety in the following conditions:

• Vehicles for emergencies. You have to pull over to the side of the road and stop if an emergency car with flashing lights and sirens comes up behind you. Move as far to the right as you can go, but watch out that you don’t block any roads. Do not move until the emergency car has gone by.
• Maintenance and construction zones on the highway. Drivers must give way to workers and vehicles engaged in highway upkeep. When you get into a construction zone, you should slow down and be ready to stop.
• School buses. All cars in Georgia are required by law to stop for school buses that are getting on or off the road. It is against the law to go around a bus that has bright red lights and extended stop signs.

Georgia Right-of-Way Law FAQs

Q: How Many Feet Is the Right-of-Way in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, the width of the right-of-way differs based on the type of road and city rules. About 30 to 100 feet is the norm for most state highways. This includes room for sidewalks, utilities, and road maintenance. The right-of-way may be narrower on private roads or smaller city streets, though. For more information, check with the city or state government in each place.

Q: What Is the Difference Between an Easement and a Right-of-Way in Georgia?

A: An easement is a legal right that allows a person or entity to utilize a section of another’s property for a defined purpose, such as utilities or access. A right-of-way, however, is a form of easement that permits passage across a property, typically for roads or pedestrian routes. Right-of-way is often reserved for public or transit use, but an easement can be used for a variety of purposes.

Q: What Is the 40-6-70 Law in Georgia?

A: Georgia Code Section 40-6-70 tells drivers how to give way at intersections. One of the rules is to stop and let cars that are already in the intersection or are coming up behind you go first. Also, drivers must let people cross the street first. By making it clear when and where cars must yield the right-of-way, this law can keep intersections safe and traffic moving smoothly.

Q: What Are the Rules for Right Turns in Georgia?

A: In Georgia, cars must signal their intention to make a right turn at least 100 feet ahead of time. When turning, cars should stay as close as possible to the right curb or road edge. At traffic light intersections, drivers may make a right turn on red unless prohibited by a sign, but they can only do so after coming to a complete stop and yielding to other vehicles and pedestrians.

Contact Barnes Law Group

Knowing the Georgia right-of-way laws is helpful for securing a safe driving environment and avoiding accidents. To learn more, contact Barnes Law Group today.