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Texas Law Reference

Texas Transportation Code §545.151 to §545.157: right-of-way at intersections, left turns and driveways

The official text of the Texas right-of-way rules for intersections, left turns, stop and yield signs, feeder roads and driveways, with a plain-language explanation, the emergency vehicle and Move Over rules, and how a Texas crash report records a failure to yield. Text last checked October 29, 2026.

9 min readPublished October 29, 2026Last updated October 29, 2026Edited by Joseph Budzinski, CTO, InjuryClaimGuide

The short answer

Texas's right-of-way rules are in Subchapter D of Transportation Code chapter 545. A driver turning left must "yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that is approaching from the opposite direction and that is in the intersection or in such proximity to the intersection as to be an immediate hazard" (Transp. Code §545.152). Other sections cover intersections without signs or signals and dark traffic lights (§545.151), stop and yield signs (§545.153), feeder roads (§545.154), driveways (§545.155), emergency vehicles (§545.156) and the Move Over or Slow Down rule (§545.157).

This entry provides general informational guidance and is not legal advice.

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Key facts (as of October 29, 2026)

  • Left turns yield to oncoming traffic that is in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard (§545.152).
  • Uncontrolled intersections: yield to the right. At an intersection with no traffic-control device, the general rule is to yield to a vehicle from the operator's right, with exceptions in the section (§545.151(d)).
  • A dark signal means stop and yield. The same duty applies if a traffic-control signal is present but shows no indication in any signal head (§545.151(a)(1)(B)).
  • Two rules about proof. An operator required by §545.151 to stop and yield who is involved in a collision at the intersection "is presumed not to have yielded the right-of-way" (§545.151(f)), and a collision after driving past a yield sign without stopping is "prima facie evidence that the operator failed to yield the right-of-way" (§545.153(d)).
  • On the crash report. Codes 32 to 39 in list 38 are the "Failed to Yield ROW" factors (CR-3CS).
  • Mostly unchanged since 1995. §§545.152 to 545.155 show no amendment since 1995; §545.151 was last amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1325.

What do the right-of-way sections say?

The official text of Tex. Transp. Code §545.151(a), (d) and (f), and §§545.152 to 545.155, as published by the Texas Legislature:

Sec. 545.151. VEHICLE APPROACHING OR ENTERING INTERSECTION. (a) An operator approaching an intersection: (1) shall stop, yield, and grant immediate use of the intersection: (A) in obedience to an official traffic-control device, including a stop sign or yield right-of-way sign; or (B) if a traffic-control signal is present but does not display an indication in any of the signal heads; and (2) after stopping, may proceed when the intersection can be safely entered without interference or collision with traffic using a different street or roadway.

(d) Except as provided in Subsection (e), an operator approaching an intersection of a street or roadway that is not controlled by an official traffic-control device: (1) shall stop, yield, and grant immediate use of the intersection to a vehicle that has entered the intersection from the operator's right or is approaching the intersection from the operator's right in a proximity that is a hazard; and (2) after stopping, may proceed when the intersection can be safely entered without interference or collision with traffic using a different street or roadway.

(f) An operator who is required by this section to stop and yield the right-of-way at an intersection to another vehicle and who is involved in a collision or interferes with other traffic at the intersection to whom right-of-way is to be given is presumed not to have yielded the right-of-way.

Sec. 545.152. VEHICLE TURNING LEFT. To turn left at an intersection or into an alley or private road or driveway, an operator shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that is approaching from the opposite direction and that is in the intersection or in such proximity to the intersection as to be an immediate hazard.

Sec. 545.153. VEHICLE ENTERING STOP OR YIELD INTERSECTION. (a) Preferential right-of-way at an intersection may be indicated by a stop sign or yield sign as authorized in Section 544.003.

(b) Unless directed to proceed by a police officer or official traffic-control device, an operator approaching an intersection on a roadway controlled by a stop sign, after stopping as required by Section 544.010, shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that has entered the intersection from another highway or that is approaching so closely as to be an immediate hazard to the operator's movement in or across the intersection.

(c) An operator approaching an intersection on a roadway controlled by a yield sign shall: (1) slow to a speed that is reasonable under the existing conditions; and (2) yield the right-of-way to a vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to be an immediate hazard to the operator's movement in or across the intersection.

(d) If an operator is required by Subsection (c) to yield and is involved in a collision with a vehicle in an intersection after the operator drove past a yield sign without stopping, the collision is prima facie evidence that the operator failed to yield the right-of-way.

Sec. 545.154. VEHICLE ENTERING OR LEAVING LIMITED-ACCESS OR CONTROLLED-ACCESS HIGHWAY. An operator on an access or feeder road of a limited-access or controlled-access highway shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering or about to enter the access or feeder road from the highway or leaving or about to leave the access or feeder road to enter the highway.

Sec. 545.155. VEHICLE ENTERING HIGHWAY FROM PRIVATE ROAD OR DRIVEWAY. An operator about to enter or cross a highway from an alley, building, or private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle approaching on the highway to be entered.

Source: Tex. Transp. Code ch. 545, subch. D, statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Text last checked October 29, 2026.

What do they mean in plain language?

  • "Yield" means let the other vehicle go first. Each section names who must give way and to whom.
  • Signs and signals come first. Under §545.151(a), a driver stops and yields as an official traffic-control device directs, including a stop sign or yield sign. After stopping, the driver may go when the intersection can be entered safely.
  • A light that is out. If a traffic signal is present but none of its signal heads shows anything, §545.151(a)(1)(B) applies the same stop-and-yield duty.
  • No signs at all. At an intersection with no traffic-control device, the driver yields to a vehicle on the right (§545.151(d)). Three other subsections change that for particular roads: a single-lane or two-lane road meeting a divided highway or a road with three or more marked lanes (subsection (b)), an unpaved road meeting a paved road (subsection (c)), and a road that ends at the intersection (subsection (e)). In each, the driver on the first road stops and yields.
  • Left turns. The driver turning left yields to oncoming vehicles that are in the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard (§545.152).
  • Stop signs and yield signs. At a stop sign, the driver stops where §544.010 says: at a clearly marked stop line; if none, before the crosswalk; and if neither, at the place nearest the intersecting roadway with a view of approaching traffic. The driver then yields (§545.153(b)). At a yield sign, the driver slows to a reasonable speed and yields (§545.153(c)).
  • The two proof rules are limited. Section 545.151(f) states a presumption for an operator "required by this section to stop and yield"; §545.153(d) applies after a driver "drove past a yield sign without stopping". Each applies only in the situation its own words describe. Whether either one applies to a particular crash, or in a civil case, is a question for an attorney.
  • "Intersection" means "the common area at the junction of two highways, other than the junction of an alley and a highway" (§541.303(a)).

What other right-of-way rules are in the subchapter?

  • Emergency vehicles. On the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals, or of the other vehicles §545.156(a) lists, an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall yield the right-of-way, immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection, and stop and remain standing until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed (§545.156).
  • Move Over or Slow Down. Section 545.157 applies to listed vehicles, including a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using visual signals, a stationary tow truck, and TxDOT, highway maintenance, utility, garbage or recycling, toll project, animal control and parking enforcement vehicles that meet the section's conditions. On approaching one, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, an operator shall "vacate the lane closest to the vehicle when driving on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the vehicle", or slow to a speed not to exceed 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when that limit is 25 miles per hour or more, or five miles per hour when it is less than 25. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine, with a higher fine range for a second or subsequent offense within five years; it is a Class A misdemeanor if the offense results in bodily injury to another, and a state jail felony for a second or subsequent offense of that kind (§545.157(c)).
  • The duty of the emergency driver. Section 545.156(b) says the section "does not exempt the operator of a vehicle described by Subsection (a) from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway."

How does a crash report record a failure to yield?

  • Eight codes. In list 38 of TxDOT's code sheet, the "Failed to Yield ROW" codes are 32, Emergency Vehicle; 33, Open Intersection; 34, Private Drive; 35, Stop Sign; 36, To Pedestrian; 37, Turning Left; 38, Turn on Red; and 39, Yield Sign. Code 15 is Disregard Stop and Go Signal (CR-3CS, 4/1/2023).
  • Checked against the other fields. TxDOT's CR-100 instructions say that if a contributing factor is set to 35, Failed To Yield Right Of Way - Stop Sign, the Traffic Control field must be set to 8, Stop Sign (CR-100).
  • The officer's opinion. The same instructions label contributing factors "Investigator's Opinion" and say the officer "may not have enough evidence to file a traffic charge, but does have enough data to render an opinion as to the contributing factors of the crash" (CR-100, §4.6). The guide to reading a Texas crash report explains the other fields.

What applies in Houston and Harris County?

Subchapter D applies statewide, including at Houston intersections and on Harris County feeder roads; no separate City of Houston or Harris County right-of-way rule was found. The feeder road rule in §545.154 applies to an access or feeder road of a limited-access or controlled-access highway. The guide to Houston intersections with serious crashes summarizes TxDOT crash records for Houston intersections, and the Houston pedestrian accident guide covers crashes involving people on foot.

When was this checked, and can it change?

The text above was last checked on October 29, 2026, against the official text published by the Texas Legislature, and the TxDOT code sheet and instructions were read the same day. The Legislature can amend a statute in any session. It convenes in regular session on the second Tuesday in January of each odd-numbered year (Gov't Code §301.001), so the next regular session begins on January 12, 2027. This entry is scheduled to be rechecked against the official text by April 2027 and again after the 2027 regular session ends.

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Frequently asked questions

Who has the right-of-way when turning left in Texas?
Under Tex. Transp. Code §545.152, to turn left at an intersection or into an alley or private road or driveway, an operator shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that is approaching from the opposite direction and that is in the intersection or in such proximity to the intersection as to be an immediate hazard.
Who goes first at an intersection with no signs or signals in Texas?
Under §545.151(d), except as provided in subsection (e), an operator approaching an intersection not controlled by an official traffic-control device shall stop, yield, and grant immediate use of the intersection to a vehicle that has entered the intersection from the operator's right or is approaching from the operator's right in a proximity that is a hazard. Subsections (b), (c) and (e) set different rules for a smaller road meeting a divided or wider road, an unpaved road meeting a paved road, and a road that ends at the intersection.
What does Texas law say about stop signs and yield signs?
Under §545.153(b), an operator approaching an intersection controlled by a stop sign, after stopping as §544.010 requires, shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that has entered the intersection from another highway or that is approaching so closely as to be an immediate hazard. Under §545.153(c), at a yield sign the operator shall slow to a reasonable speed and yield to a vehicle in the intersection or approaching so closely as to be an immediate hazard.
What happens when a traffic light is out in Texas?
Under §545.151(a)(1)(B), an operator approaching an intersection shall stop, yield, and grant immediate use of the intersection if a traffic-control signal is present but does not display an indication in any of the signal heads, and after stopping may proceed when the intersection can be safely entered without interference or collision with traffic using a different street or roadway.
Who yields on a Texas feeder road or when pulling out of a driveway?
Under §545.154, an operator on an access or feeder road of a limited-access or controlled-access highway shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle entering or about to enter the access or feeder road from the highway, or leaving or about to leave it to enter the highway. Under §545.155, an operator about to enter or cross a highway from an alley, building, or private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle approaching on the highway.
What is the Texas Move Over or Slow Down law?
§545.157 applies to listed vehicles such as a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using visual signals, a stationary tow truck, and certain TxDOT, utility, garbage or recycling, toll and animal control vehicles using visual signals. On approaching one, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, an operator shall vacate the lane closest to the vehicle on a highway with two or more lanes in that direction, or slow to 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when it is 25 miles per hour or more, or to five miles per hour when the posted limit is less than 25.
How does a Texas crash report show a failure to yield?
TxDOT's crash report code sheet (Form CR-3CS, 4/1/2023) lists codes 32 through 39 in list 38 for Failed to Yield ROW (right-of-way), for an emergency vehicle, an open intersection, a private drive, a stop sign, to a pedestrian, turning left, turn on red and a yield sign. TxDOT's CR-100 instructions describe contributing factors as the investigating officer's opinion.
Do these rules decide who is responsible for an intersection crash?
No. These sections are rules of the road for drivers. They do not decide responsibility for any crash or the outcome of any claim. An attorney can advise you about your specific situation.

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