Who Has the Right of Way at an Intersection in Florida?

April 29, 2025 | Sagi Shaked | Personal Injury

Understanding who has the right-of-way at an intersection in Florida is essential for all drivers. Florida’s right-of-way rules can sometimes seem confusing, especially at four-way stops, where drivers must determine who goes first. Knowing these rules helps prevent accidents and keeps traffic flowing smoothly.

Right-of-Way Rules for Different Intersection Types

Florida law establishes clear guidelines about which driver has priority at various intersections. Florida Statutes section 316.123 outlines these regulations to help drivers navigate intersections safely. These rules aren’t just suggestions. They’re legal requirements.

Florida’s intersections come in various configurations, each with specific right-of-way rules:

Four-Way Stop Intersections

Many drivers feel uncertain about who should go first at a four-way stop. 

Florida law follows a specific sequence: 

• The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection goes first. This means whoever stops completely at the stop sign first has the right of way.

• If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right proceeds first. This right-side priority rule resolves many potential conflicts.
• If three or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the same right-side priority applies in sequence until all vehicles have passed through.

Remember that all vehicles must come to a complete stop before proceeding, regardless of who has the right of way.

Two-Way Stop Intersections

At intersections where only two directions have stop signs:

• Vehicles at the stop signs must yield to all cross traffic.
• Once cross traffic is clear, standard four-way stop rules apply between the stopped vehicles.

These partial-stop intersections require extra caution since cross traffic doesn’t stop.

Traffic Signal Intersections

When traffic lights control an intersection:

• A green light means you have the right of way to proceed straight, turn right, or make a legal left turn.
• Vehicles turning left must yield to oncoming traffic, even with a green light.
• A solid red light requires a complete stop. Right turns on red are permitted after stopping (unless signs indicate otherwise), but you must yield to all other traffic and pedestrians.

Traffic signal violations are a leading cause of serious intersection crashes.

Yield Signs

When facing a yield sign:

• Slow down and prepare to stop if necessary.
• Give right of way to all cross traffic and pedestrians.
• Proceed only when it’s safe and don’t interfere with traffic that has the right of way.

Yield signs require judgment. Drivers must assess traffic flow and determine when it’s safe to enter.

Special Right-of-Way Situations in Florida

Florida has several special right-of-way rules that drivers should know. They include:

Pedestrians

Pedestrians in crosswalks always have the right of way. According to Florida Statute 316.130, vehicles must yield to pedestrians in properly marked crosswalks. The law gives special protection to visually impaired pedestrians. 

If you see someone using a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog, you must come to a complete stop. Failing to do so may result in an additional fine of up to $250 if the violation causes injury or property damage.

Emergency Vehicles

When emergency vehicles approach with activated lights and sirens:

• Pull over to the nearest edge of the roadway and stop.
• Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
• Never block an intersection when yielding to emergency vehicles.

This requirement helps emergency responders reach their destinations quickly and safely.

Roundabouts

Florida has increasingly installed roundabouts to improve traffic flow. 

In roundabouts:

• Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way.
• Enter only when there’s a safe gap in traffic.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks when entering or exiting.

Roundabouts reduce severe crashes by eliminating left turns across traffic.

Consequences of Failing to Yield the Right of Way

Ignoring right-of-way rules in Florida can result in:

• Traffic citations with fines starting at $150 and potentially reaching higher amounts depending on circumstances.
• Points added to your driving record, which can increase insurance rates.
• Liability for accidents caused by failure to yield.
• Serious injury or fatality in severe cases.

Understanding and following these rules protects everyone on Florida’s roads.

Stay Safe in Florida Intersections

Understanding who has the right-of-way at intersections in Florida helps create safer roads for everyone. Remember to follow the established rules when approaching any intersection while remaining alert and courteous.

When in doubt about who has the right of way, err on the side of caution. A moment of patience is better than risking an accident. By following these guidelines, you’ll navigate Florida’s intersections more safely and confidently.

Contact the Miami car accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers for more help

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Miami, FL and need legal help, contact our Miami car accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(305) 937-0191

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