Pennsylvania Right of Way

• Category: Oil Gas and Minerals - Easements and Rights of Way
• State: Multi-State
• Control #: US-OG-1117
• Format: Word; Rich Text

Description

This form is a right of way form.

Pennsylvania Right of Way: Understanding the Rules and Types In the state of Pennsylvania, the term "right of way" refers to the legal privilege granted to individuals or vehicles to proceed first in a specific situation on roads, highways, or intersections. It establishes a hierarchy that ensures smooth traffic flow and prevents accidents. Understanding the rules and types of Pennsylvania Right of Way is crucial for all motorists and pedestrians to ensure safety and compliance with the law. 1. Pennsylvania Right of Way Rules: — When two vehicles approach an uncontrolled intersection simultaneously, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. — Pedestrians generally have the right of way at marked crosswalks and intersections. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians and allow them to cross safely. — Emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, police cars, or fire trucks, always have the right of way. All other vehicles must yield and make way for these vehicles. — Vehicles must yield to other cars already in a roundabout before entering it. — Drivers must yield when merging with traffic from an on-ramp or when changing lanes. 2. Types of Pennsylvania Right of Way: a. Pedestrian Right of Way: — Marked Crosswalks: Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing at a marked crosswalk. Vehicles must yield and stop until pedestrians have safely crossed. — Unmarked Crosswalks: In Pennsylvania, every intersection is considered to have an unmarked crosswalk. Pedestrians still have the right of way, and drivers must yield accordingly. b. Vehicle Right of Way: — Four-Way Stops: At intersections with stop signs or when all approaches have stop signs, all vehicles must come to a complete stop. The vehicle that arrives first at the stop sign has the right of way, followed by the next vehicle in the order of arrival. — Yield Signs: Yield signs indicate that drivers must slow down and yield the right of way to any approaching vehicles that are close enough to create a hazard. Drivers must be ready to stop if necessary. — Traffic Circles (Roundabouts): Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way over entering vehicles. Drivers must yield and wait for a safe gap to enter the roundabout. — Emergency Vehicles: When emergency vehicles approach with lights flashing and sirens blaring, all other vehicles must yield to them by pulling over to the right side of the road and stopping until the emergency vehicle passes. Understanding the Pennsylvania Right of Way rules and types is essential for all motorists and pedestrians to maintain safety and prevent accidents. Adhering to these rules helps in the smooth flow of traffic and ensures a harmonious coexistence on Pennsylvania roads and highways.