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

Who has the right of way when two drivers approach an intersection at the same time?

It is an event that happens to drivers in Pennsylvania every day - two cars simultaneously approach an intersection from different directions. Usually, this situation occurs at an intersection governed by a four-way stop sign.

Many drivers wonder, if we arrive at the intersection at (or close to) the exact same time, who gets to go first? Of course, the easy answer is always which ever driver can proceed through the intersection safely. But there is also a law in Pennsylvania that addresses this situation.

Under the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code the general rule is as follows:

When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. 75 Pa.C.S. 3321(a)

Although there are exceptions to this general rule, which include situations involving emergency vehicles, construction vehicles, and school buses (see 75 Pa.C.S. 3321(b)), Pennsylvania law essentially states that the driver to the right has the right of way when both approach the intersection at the same time. In other words, you must yield (give up) the right of way to that driver by letting him go first.

So next time you encounter a situation such as this, remember, “The driver on the right, has the right of way!”

    Kept me up to date on everything

    “They kept me up to date on everything that was goin on with my case. Answered all my questions.”

    - Lori D.
    Helps you to the fullest

    “Very courtesy and understanding and helps you to the fullest therefore you anytime of the day to talk to you and answer your questions and I will use them again.”

    - Cindy R.
    Thank you Zack Campbell!

    “Very happy with our experience would highly recommend them Thank you Zack Campbell”

    - Diana B.
    Had a great experience with these awesome people

    “Had a great experience with these awesome people. Their job was done promoting well and they got me way more than I could have imagined. I would Highly recommend.”

    - Michael C.
    Great Attorneys!

    “Great Attorneys”

    - David S.
    Always courteous and kept me informed and up to date on the whole process

    “My experience with M&W was made very painless by [Attorney] Lori & [Paralegal] Judy from the Hbg office!”

    - Kenneth W.
    I would recommend these people to anyone.

    “The lawyers at this office and their staff, Mr. [Attorney] DeVere and [Paralegal] Stephanie, his assistant, became the voice I didn’t have after the accident. They were my points of light.”

    - Ms. D. Lopez
    I would recommend Metzger Wickersham to everyone.

    “You guys were so easy to work with. There was no stress and the whole process was done in a timely manner. I would recommend Metzger Wickersham to everyone. Such a pleasure.”

    - Sharon B.
    You guys are absolutely amazing and that’s an understatement.

    “Attorney Painter was simply amazing...My wife had been fighting SSI for over three years. Since working with Metzger Wickersham her stress and anxiety levels were 100% gone.”

    - Carlos B.
    Outstanding in every way

    “Outstanding in every way no one has ever helped me more in my entire life like this firm. I highly recommend. Thank you very much.”

    - Gary K.

Let Us Fight For You

Request a Free Consultation
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.