In Florida, If I'm Headed East On A Highway And Wish To Do A U-turn To Head West And There's A Driver Coming Out Of A Side Road Directly Across From The U-turn At The Same Time, Who Has The Right Of Way?

My husband says I have the right of way because I'm already on the highway. I say whoever got to the area to make their turn first, goes first, like a two-way stop. Who's right or is it neither of us?

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Smoopy1965

asked 4 months ago

2 Answers - Sort by: Date | Rating

A U-turn NEVER has the right of way.* It can only be legally executed when safe to do so in an area where it is not prohibited. If you are in the intersection when the car approaches from the side road, you have the right of way at that point. You may not enter the intersection if there is any hint of danger or conflict with other traffic.

* At intersections where there is a U-turn lane and a corresponding turn arrow on the stop light, I have seen signs warning side-street drivers against turns on red. A sanctioned U-turn under those circumstances has the right of way over a right-turn-on-red from the side street.

As a practical matter, the jerk in the biggest hurry will claim the intersection, whether it is his to have or not. You just have to give such a driver a lot of space. The first rule of driving is Be Safe.

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Oddman

answered 4 months ago

Thank you so much! My sentiments exactly! I love my husband, but when he's driving, he's more concerned with legalities than just "letting the other driver go" to play it safe. Even at stop signs, I'm more apt to let another driver go, especially if I see they're in a hurry, than to "take my turn".

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Smoopy1965

commented 4 months ago

Thumbs up, great answer my friend.

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