Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | March 14, 2025 | Maryland Law
When auto accidents occur in Maryland, liability is sometimes determined by whether the drivers involved followed the state’s rules of the road — specifically, whether they abided by Articles 21-401 through 21-405 of Maryland’s transportation code. How do these laws determine who has the right of way in a car accident?
General Right-Of-Way Rules
In collision situations in Maryland, the driver with the right of way is usually considered the victim, which makes the other party responsible for the damage incurred in the crash.
What’s more, a driver convicted of violating a right-of-way law that causes serious bodily injury to another person can be fined up to $1,000 and have their driver’s license suspended for up to 180 days.
Driver Right Of Way
According to the Maryland Transportation Code, the right of way at intersections is determined as follows:
- A driver has the right of way over any driver approaching to their left.
- A driver must yield to any driver to their right, regardless of whether there are traffic lights or a four-way stop sign.
- A driver preparing to turn left must yield to any driver facing the car; they must also yield to any driver already in the intersection or close enough to be dangerous.
- A driver turning at a red light must yield to any pedestrians.
- At four-way stops, the driver that approaches the intersection first has the right of way.
It’s important to understand these guidelines, as many accidents throughout Maryland (as in other states) occur at intersections.
The Boulevard Rule
The Boulevard Rule is one of the best-known right-of-way rules in Maryland. Under this regulation, a driver entering a main road from a secondary road must yield to the drivers already on the main road. This means the merging driver must ensure that the main road is clear — and that they have the backing up right of way if necessary — before proceeding.
Consequently, the Boulevard Rule gives the right of way to cars and trucks already on the main road to ensure proper traffic flow. It also applies to vehicles merging onto a main road from a parking lot (making this rule unique in that it provides a so-called “parking lot right of way”) or driveway.
Who Has The Right Of Way In A U-Turn?
It’s not unusual for drivers on Maryland roads to need to make a U-turn. However, in these cases, drivers must know who has the right of way.
According to Maryland Transportation Code § 21-403, drivers must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic before making a U-turn, the same as they’d have to do if they were making a left turn. Drivers should always signal their intent to make a U-turn to alert other drivers.
It’s important to note that U-turns aren’t allowed on some roads, including at intersections controlled by traffic signals, near the crest of a hill, or anywhere that it may be dangerous to perform the maneuver.
The “Move Over Law”
Maryland also has a “Move Over Law,” which requires all drivers to move to an adjacent lane to get out of the way of first responder vehicles (including police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks). The law extends to service vehicles and tow trucks as well.
If safely merging into an adjacent lane isn’t possible, state law permits drivers to slow down upon approaching these vehicles.
Understanding Maryland’s Right-Of-Way Laws Is Key For Avoiding Accidents
Maryland’s right-of-way laws can be confusing, especially when determining fault for an accident. The pain of injuries suffered in an accident can compound this feeling, potentially leaving you frustrated and unsure about your next steps.
Fortunately, you can reduce your risk of being in an accident by taking appropriate precautions and following all traffic laws.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a Car Accident lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7