Understanding who has the right of way can be the difference between a safe drive and a serious accident. In Missouri, traffic laws are designed to promote order and reduce confusion on the road. However, many drivers still find themselves in tricky situations where they aren’t sure who should go first.
Right-of-way laws don’t just apply at intersections—they come into play in parking lots, merging lanes, crosswalks, and more. One of the most common questions people have is, can you turn right on red in Missouri? The answer is yes, you can—after a full stop—unless there’s a sign telling you otherwise.
However, just because it’s legal doesn’t always mean it’s safe. Knowing when and where to yield is crucial for everyone on the road. Let’s walk through the key right-of-way rules every Missouri driver should know and what to do when things go wrong.
Yielding at Intersections
In Missouri, the basic rule is: if you’re at an intersection without traffic signals, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. This rule also applies to four-way stops. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the left yields.
At controlled intersections, drivers must obey the traffic lights or signs. If you’re making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic unless you have a green arrow. Failure to follow these simple rules leads to thousands of preventable accidents each year.
Pedestrians and Crosswalks
Pedestrian safety is a major part of right-of-way law in Missouri. Drivers must stop for people in crosswalks, whether they’re marked or not. If someone is walking across your lane, you must come to a complete stop and allow them to pass.
This rule becomes even more important near schools, parks, and in residential neighborhoods. Missouri law is clear—pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. Ignoring that can lead to serious injuries and legal consequences.
Merging and Lane Changes
When merging onto a highway, it’s the responsibility of the driver entering to yield to traffic already on the road. That means speeding up to match traffic and finding a safe gap, not forcing your way in.
Likewise, when two lanes merge into one, the driver behind should yield to the vehicle ahead. Being aggressive in these situations increases the risk of sideswipe accidents, which can be tough to argue in court unless you have legal representation.
A car accident attorney can analyze details like dash cam footage, witness accounts, and road conditions to determine fault in a merging accident.
Emergency Vehicles and School Buses
Drivers in Missouri are also required to yield to emergency vehicles using lights or sirens. Pull over to the right side of the road and stop until the vehicle has passed. Failing to do so can result in serious fines—or worse, collisions that could have been avoided.
You must also stop for school buses that have their stop signs extended and red lights flashing. This rule applies in both directions unless there’s a divided highway.
When Accidents Happen, Know Your Options
Even when you follow all the rules, someone else’s mistake can still lead to an accident. Right-of-way confusion is one of the leading causes of crashes in Missouri. If you’re in this situation, don’t try to handle it alone.
An experienced car accident lawyer will know how to apply Missouri’s right-of-way laws to your case. They’ll help collect the evidence you need and guide you through the legal process, so you can focus on recovery instead of paperwork.
Final Thoughts
Right-of-way laws exist to keep roads safe for everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. By understanding and following these rules, you lower your risk of collisions and keep Missouri roads safer. But if you’re ever hurt in a crash because someone else failed to yield, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted car accident attorney. They can make all the difference in how your case turns out.