Right of Way Rules: Who Goes First on the Road in Albuquerque?

Right-of-way rules are essential for ensuring smooth traffic flow and preventing accidents on Albuquerque’s roads. Whether you’re driving through intersections, navigating roundabouts, yielding to pedestrians, or encountering emergency vehicles, understanding these rules is crucial.

This guide covers Albuquerque’s right-of-way laws, including key situations where drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists must yield or proceed.

1. Right of Way at Intersections

Uncontrolled Intersections

In Albuquerque, an uncontrolled intersection is one without stop signs, traffic signals, or yield signs. In these cases:

The driver on the right has the right of way when two vehicles arrive simultaneously.
If a driver is turning left, they must yield to oncoming traffic.

Four-Way Stop Intersections

Four-way stop intersections operate under a simple rule:

The first vehicle to stop has the right of way.
If two vehicles stop at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.
If drivers arrive at the same time and are facing each other, the driver turning left must yield to the one going straight or turning right.

Traffic Signal Intersections

Green Light: Vehicles may proceed, but must yield to pedestrians and other traffic in the intersection.
Yellow Light: Drivers should slow down and stop if possible.
Red Light: Drivers must stop. Right turns on red are permitted unless a sign states otherwise, but drivers must yield to pedestrians and traffic.

2. Pedestrian Right of Way

Pedestrians have specific rights in Albuquerque, and drivers must yield in the following situations:

Crosswalks and Sidewalks

Pedestrians in marked crosswalks always have the right of way.
At unmarked crosswalks (typically at intersections), pedestrians still have the right of way, and drivers should be prepared to stop.

Pedestrian Responsibilities

Pedestrians should not cross against a red signal.
Jaywalking is discouraged, as it can lead to accidents and fines.

3. Roundabout Right of Way

Roundabouts are becoming more common in Albuquerque to improve traffic flow. The rules are:

Vehicles inside the roundabout have the right of way.
Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to circulating traffic.
Pedestrians and bicyclists at crosswalks near roundabouts have the right of way.

4. Right of Way for Driveways and Parking Lots

Albuquerque has many commercial areas with parking lots and driveways, where right-of-way rules still apply.

When Exiting a Driveway or Alley

Vehicles exiting a driveway, parking lot, or alley must yield to traffic on the main road.
Pedestrians walking on sidewalks always have the right of way over vehicles exiting driveways.

5. Emergency Vehicles and the “Move Over” Law

Emergency vehicles (police, ambulances, fire trucks) have special right-of-way privileges.

What to Do When an Emergency Vehicle Approaches

Pull over to the right side of the road and stop.
Do not block intersections.
If you’re already in an intersection, proceed through and then pull over safely.
When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights, Albuquerque’s “Move Over Law” requires drivers to switch lanes or slow down.

Failing to yield to emergency vehicles can lead to heavy fines and points on your driving record.

6. School Buses and Right of Way

Albuquerque law requires drivers to stop for school buses when their stop sign is extended and red lights are flashing.

When to Stop for a School Bus

On a two-lane road, vehicles in both directions must stop.
On a multi-lane road without a median, all traffic must stop.
On a divided highway, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop.

Violating this law can result in fines of up to $300 for a first offense.

7. Cyclists and Right of Way

Bicyclists in Albuquerque have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.

When to Yield to Bicyclists

Motorists must yield to cyclists in bike lanes when turning across them.
Bicyclists have the right of way in intersections if they are proceeding straight.
Vehicles must leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist.

Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws, including stop signs and traffic signals.

8. Right of Way Violations and Penalties

Failing to follow right-of-way rules can lead to accidents and legal penalties.

Common Right of Way Violations

Failing to yield at a stop sign.
Not yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Cutting off oncoming traffic while making a left turn.
Not yielding when entering a roundabout.

Penalties for Right of Way Violations

Fines ranging from $100 to $500.
Points on your license (which could increase insurance rates).
License suspension for repeat offenses.

Conclusion

Understanding right-of-way rules is essential for keeping Albuquerque’s roads safe. Whether navigating intersections, roundabouts, pedestrian crosswalks, or emergency situations, knowing when to yield helps prevent accidents and avoid costly fines.

By following these traffic laws, you contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.