Who goes first? What SC drivers need to know about right-of-way and yield laws

From stop signs to traffic lights and even when leaving your neighborhood, yield laws are almost always at play when you're on the road.
While on paper, these laws can seem pretty simple, but sometimes when you're behind the wheel, all the rules can be easily confused.
Who stopped first? Can I turn at this light? Who is supposed to go first?
Yield laws are everywhere when driving, so no matter if you're a new driver or just want to brush up on the rules, here's what South Carolina drivers need to know about yield laws and how they help keep everyone safer on the road.
According to the latest traffic collision data from the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, there was a total of 143,426 traffic collisions reported across the state in 2022.
The total number of collisions caused by failure to yield the right of way in South Carolina adds up to a total of 29,040 accidents, which are responsible for over 8,000 injuries and 99 fatalities, making it the second top cause for collisions in the state.
In Beaufort County, 3,726 total traffic collisions were reported in 2022, with 964 accidents caused by a failure to yield the right of way, accounting for 25.8% of collisions.
Failure to yield the right of way is the number one cause of accidents in Beaufort County, according to the SCDPS.
Distracted driving and driving too fast for the road conditions follow close behind as the second and third top causes for collisions.
With failure to yield being one of the leading causes of accidents in Beaufort County and across the state, here is a breakdown of yield laws in South Carolina and what drivers should know before getting behind the wheel.
At an Uncontrolled Intersection (No Signs or Lights)
When approaching an intersection with no traffic signals or signs, every driver must yield to the driver who was already there. The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Two Cars Arrive at the Same Time at an Uncontrolled Intersection
If you and another car arrive at the same time from different roads, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
Turning Left
Let oncoming traffic pass before turning left at an intersection, driveway, alley, etc. Yield to vehicles coming straight from the opposite direction if they are close enough to be a hazard.
Stop Signs
At a stop sign, come to a full stop. Then, yield to any traffic in or approaching the intersection.
Yield Signs
At a yield sign, slow down and prepare to stop if needed. You must yield to traffic already in or closely approaching the intersection.
Entering a Road from a Driveway or Parking Lot
When entering a road from anywhere other than another road, like a driveway or parking lot, you must yield to all traffic already on the road. Cars already on the road have the right-of-way.
Green Light
Go, but yield to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection, no matter if you are turning right, left or continuing straight.
Yellow Light
Slow down and prepare to stop. If the intersection is safe and clear, you may pass, but don't enter unless you can make it through.
Red Light
Stop and yield to all traffic. You may turn right on red after stopping unless a sign prohibits it. Yield to traffic and pedestrians before turning.
Emergency vehicles
You must always give the right of way to ambulances, police vehicles, fire engines or other emergency vehicles when their sirens or flashing lights are engaged. Pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so. Do not pull over in an intersection.
Pedestrians in Crosswalks
If there are no traffic lights, you must yield to pedestrians crossing or entering at a crosswalk or intersection. Pedestrians must be given the right of way.
If you are a pedestrian, do not suddenly walk out into traffic.
If there is a school bus, you must yield the right of way to children entering/exiting a bus under all conditions.
Bicyclists and Bike Lanes
Drivers must yield to cyclists in bike lanes and not block bike lanes when turning or parking.
Cyclists must use the bike lane, unless passing or avoiding hazards.
Through Highways
A through highway is one where other roads must yield before entering (usually marked by stop or yield signs). If you're on a main road with signs at intersections, others yield to you.
For a look at all yield laws and traffic situations, here is a further breakdown:
Traffic Situation
Who Yields?
Arriving at the same time (no signs)
The driver on the left yields
Turning left
Yield to oncoming traffic
At a stop sign
Stop, then yield if traffic is coming
At a yield sign
Slow or stop, yield to traffic
Entering from the driveway
Yield to all road traffic
Pedestrian in a crosswalk
Yield to pedestrians; they have the right-of-way
Green light
Yield to vehicles & pedestrians already in the intersection
Bike lane
Yield to cyclists, don't block the lane
No matter if you're a new driver or just want to brush up on the rules of the road, right-of-way yield laws are crucial to staying safe on the road.
To learn more about South Carolina's road laws, click here to view the Uniform Act Regulating Traffic on Highways.

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