Right Of Way

Bicycles

Bicycles on the road are considered "vehicles" and have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.

Transit Buses

Drivers in the same lane of traffic behind a transit bus (such as an RTD bus, for example) are required to yield the right-of-way to the bus if the bus, after stopping to allow passengers to board or exit, is signaling to enter a traffic lane and the "YIELD" warning sign on the back of the bus is illuminated. These yield signs are a warning to drivers behind transit buses that they are required to yield when the bus is entering a traffic lane.

Pedestrians

When driving, you should yield the right-of-way to pedestrians under all conditions. Be particularly watchful for children, elderly and blind persons. Most blind persons are easily recognized by the white cane they carry and/or by their guide dog. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all intersections and crosswalks. Drivers must come to a complete stop and let the person pass safely.

Uncontrolled Intersections

When more than one vehicle reaches an uncontrolled intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right and allow the vehicle on the right to go first.

Narrow Mountain Roadway

When vehicles meet on a steep, narrow road which is not wide enough for two vehicles, the vehicle going downhill must yield the right- of-way by backing up to a wider place or by stopping to leave sufficient space for the vehicle going uphill, except where it is more practicable for the vehicle going uphill to return to a wider space or turnout.

Maintenance Vehicles

Yield the right-of-way to service vehicles and maintenance equipment engaged in work upon the roads using flashing yellow and blue warning lights. Use extra caution in approaching, overtaking, or passing maintenance vehicles and snow plows. Because of their traveling speed and size, snowplows tend to create large clouds of blowing snow that conceal the plow, making it invisible.

School Bus

You must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet before reaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing whether it is on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road, or at an intersection you are approaching. You must remain stopped until the flashing red lights are no longer operating. Watch carefully for children near the school bus and children crossing the roadway before proceeding. You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling toward you on a roadway that is separated by a median or other physical barrier.

Road Work/Construction ZONE

You must yield the right-of-way to all workers and construction and construction vehicles. Drivers are responsible for knowing how to read and react to work zone directional signs, roadway markings, and flag persons. Normal speed limits are reduced for safety reasons and are clearly marked. Reduce speed, adjust lane position away from workers, and prepare for the unexpected. Failure to comply can result in double fines for certain violations.

Emergency Vehicles

You must yield the right-of-way to all emergency vehicles using a siren, air horn, and/ or flashing red, blue or white lights. Where possible, you must pull over to the right edge of the road. If you are in an intersection, drive through the intersection before you pull over. On a roadway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, if you are approaching an emergency vehicle that has stopped along the side of the road, when possible you must leave at least one lane between your vehicle and the emergency vehicle by changing lanes, unless directed otherwise by a police officer or emergency personnel or conditions prohibit the lane change. If the road only has one lane on your side, or you cannot change lanes, slow down to a safe speed and use due care and caution as you pass.

Backing

You must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles close enough to be a hazard.

4-Way Stop

You must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle that reached the intersection first. When more than one vehicle reaches the intersection at the same time the vehicle on the left must yield the right-of-way and allow the vehicle on the right to go first.

Changing Lanes And Passing

You must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already occupying the lane you wish to enter or use for passing. Do not change lanes if another vehicle must slow down for you.

Turning Left

You must yield to all oncoming traffic.

Merging

You must yield to all vehicles on that roadway. Do not merge if another vehicle must slow down for you.