Not blocking the intersection - a question

[standingwave]

@eschereal

We need roundabouts. Then issues like this would go away, because everybody is turning left in a roundabout.

My state has gone on a binge of roundabout building. I like 'em and other drivers are slowly figuring them out.

[SCAdian]

Connecticut Code Chapter 249, Sec 14-299, Para (b):

(1) Circular green alone: Vehicular traffic facing a green signal may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign or marking at such place prohibits either such turn or straight through movement, except that such traffic shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and vehicles lawfully within a crosswalk or the intersection at the time such signal was exhibited; pedestrians facing the green signal, except when directed by separate pedestrian-control signals, may proceed across the highway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk.

So if I have a green light, I can enter the intersection. If the light turns red while I’m there, traffic on the other street can enter the intersection but must yield to me.

[eschereal]

@OffByOne

Since the other drivers have the right-of-way, the left-turner does not. When the light turns yellow and then red, if you are in the intersection, you STILL do not have right-of-way.

You were not informed correctly. Of the few states I have looked at so far, every one says that a driver approaching or attempting to enter an intersection is you yield to vehicles already in the intersection. Which makes complete sense, because the point of traffic rules is to keep everyone moving. If you are actually in the intersection, the other cars (which are not oncoming traffic on green) are obligated to let you move out of it. Texas is the same as the other states I looked at.

[Ruken]

@eschereal

You were not informed correctly. Of the few states I have looked at so far, every one says that a driver approaching or attempting to enter an intersection is you yield to vehicles already in the intersection. Which makes complete sense, because the point of traffic rules is to keep everyone moving. If you are actually in the intersection, the other cars (which are not oncoming traffic on green) are obligated to let you move out of it. Texas is the same as the other states I looked at.

When I lived there, TX defensive driving was taught by minimally-trained contractors, so the misinformation isn’t surprising..

Also apparently not taught or learned is that Texas code doesn’t grant anyone the right of way; right of way is something you are required to yield. That’s been the case everywhere I’ve lived this far.