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Indiana driving guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Right of Way Rules in Indiana: Who Goes First
Failure to yield is the most common factor in Indiana collisions. Here is who has the right of way at lights, stop and yield signs, dark signals, driveways, roundabouts and interstate ramps, and when you must yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency vehicles and processions, according to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Green arrowright of way to turn
Car on the leftyields at an all-way stop tie
Dark signalstop, then yield
Pedestriansalways yield to them
The short answer
A green light or green arrow gives you the right of way if the intersection is clear; a plain green light still requires left turns to yield to oncoming traffic. At an all-way stop the first to stop goes first, and on a tie the vehicle on the left yields. At a dark signal, stop and yield to traffic already in the intersection, earlier arrivals, a vehicle to your right that arrived with you, and pedestrians. Always yield to pedestrians, and when in doubt, yield.
Right of way at traffic lights
The Indiana Driver's Manual says traffic control devices such as stop lights and signs are used to control traffic flow and indicate right of way at intersections and pedestrian crossings.
| If you face | Your right of way |
|---|---|
| Steady green light | You have the right of way and may drive through, as long as the intersection is clear of other vehicles and pedestrians. |
| Green arrow (with a red or green light) | You have the right of way and may turn, as long as the intersection is clear. |
| Green light without an arrow, turning | You may turn when the intersection is clear, but you must yield the right of way to all oncoming traffic. Only one vehicle at a time may move into the intersection to turn left. |
| Flashing yellow arrow | You may turn only after yielding the right of way to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. |
| Steady yellow light | Your right of way is ending. If you are too close to stop safely, you may complete your movement. |
| Steady yellow arrow | Your right of way is ending. |
| Red light or arrow | Your right of way has ended. Traffic entering from other directions has the right of way. |
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 6, read November 10, 2026.
Flashing lights and signals that are out
Flashing yellow light
Slow down and use caution. If you are turning left, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. Cross-street traffic is required to yield to you, but watch for vehicles or pedestrians trying to cross.
Flashing red light
It is equivalent to a stop sign. Stop completely. If cross traffic does not have to stop, go only when the intersection is clear and you will not interfere with the cross traffic's right of way.
Signal not working
Stop before entering the intersection, then proceed with caution only after yielding to the vehicles and pedestrians listed below.
At an intersection with a non-operating signal, the manual says to yield the right of way to:
- Cross traffic that has already entered the intersection
- Any vehicle that stopped before you and is entering the intersection
- Any vehicle that arrived at the same time as you and is to your right
- Any pedestrian traffic
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 6, read November 10, 2026.
Stop signs, yield signs, driveways and alleys
All-way stops. The first vehicle to stop at the intersection is the first to go through. If you arrive at the same time as another driver, the vehicle on the left yields the right of way. The manual adds that if there is any doubt about who has the right of way, or any chance of a crash, it is better to yield to the other driver. At a flashing red light where all traffic must stop, stop and then yield to any vehicle already in the intersection and any vehicle that stopped first; on a tie, the vehicle on the left yields. See our all-way stop guide.
Yield signs. Slow down and be prepared to stop completely if a vehicle or pedestrian with the right of way is approaching from another direction. A vehicle with the right of way should not have to brake to avoid a collision with you. See what a yield sign means.
Alleys and driveways. Before entering a street from an alley or driveway, stop and yield the right of way to other vehicles.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapters 6 and 7, read November 10, 2026.
Turning, roundabouts and interstates
- Turns: move into the proper lane well before the turn, signal, and yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians.
- Roundabouts: incoming traffic always yields to circulating traffic, and approaching vehicles must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. In a multi-lane roundabout, yield to large vehicles going through at the same time. See how to drive a roundabout.
- Interstates: drivers already on the interstate should make allowances for those entering, but drivers entering must yield the right of way to vehicles on the interstate. See how to merge onto a highway.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapter 7, read November 10, 2026.
Pedestrians, bicyclists, emergency vehicles and processions
Pedestrians
Always yield the right of way to pedestrians, and do not make a turn that causes a pedestrian to stop, slow down or make a special effort to avoid a collision. Drivers must always yield to persons who are visually impaired, who often travel with a white cane or a guide dog.
Bicyclists
Yield the right of way to a bicyclist just as you would to another vehicle, and yield to a person riding in a designated bicycle path or lane.
Emergency vehicles
Indiana's Move Over law (IC 9-21-8-35) requires you to yield the right of way, move over to the right and stop, or change lanes when approaching an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.
Officers and processions
When a law enforcement officer directs traffic, the officer's command must be obeyed even if it differs from a signal or sign. Official processions, such as a funeral procession, have the right of way regardless of a traffic signal.
The manual says that among all collisions in Indiana, failure to yield the right of way is the most common factor.
From the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), Chapters 7 and 8, read November 10, 2026. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
Keep your Ford ready at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Brakes, tires and lights that work well help you stop and yield in time.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Right of way rules in Indiana: FAQ
Who has the right of way at a four-way stop in Indiana?
The first vehicle to stop is the first to go. If two drivers arrive at the same time, the Indiana Driver's Manual says the vehicle on the left yields the right of way. When in doubt, yield to the other driver.
Who goes first when a traffic light is out?
Stop before entering the intersection. Then yield to cross traffic already in the intersection, any vehicle that stopped before you, any vehicle that arrived at the same time and is to your right, and any pedestrians.
Do I have the right of way turning left on a green light?
Not on a plain green light. You may turn when the intersection is clear but must yield to all oncoming traffic. A green arrow gives you the right of way to turn, as long as the intersection is clear.
Who has the right of way coming out of a driveway?
Traffic on the street. Before entering a street from an alley or driveway, stop and yield the right of way to other vehicles.
Do pedestrians always have the right of way in Indiana?
The Indiana Driver's Manual tells drivers to always yield the right of way to pedestrians, and to always yield to persons who are visually impaired.
Do funeral processions have the right of way in Indiana?
Yes. The manual says official processions, such as a funeral procession, have the right of way regardless of a traffic signal that indicates otherwise.
More Indiana driving guides
See our guides to traffic light meanings, all-way stops and roundabouts, or schedule service at Michigan City Ford.
Sources
Right of way rules are from Chapters 6, 7 and 8 of the Indiana Driver's Manual (Indiana BMV), read November 10, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative. This page is a summary, not legal advice.
- Indiana Driver's Manual (PDF), Chapters 6, 7 and 8, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026