Who Has the Right-of-Way?

Florida Laws do not specifically designate who has the right-of-way when coming to an intersection. This is to encourage safe and defensive driving.
The primary statutes that address the right of way when entering intersections are §316.121 and §316.123. The first states “the driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway.” This only indicates who must yield.

The second statute states “after having stopped, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from another highway or which is approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.” Basically, it repeats the earlier statute, but then adds language that encourages drivers to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings and the other vehicles around them.

Neither statute suggests what order should be taken when cars come to an intersection at the same time. This is meant to force drivers to share the decision-making with other drivers.

It’s all about being safe, paying attention to your surroundings, and making sure you’re working with the drivers of other vehicles. By working together we can all stay safe and avoid accidents.