Intersections

189.330 Turning and right-of-way at intersections.

(1) When two (2) vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different roadways at
approximately the same time, the operator of the vehicle on the left shall yield the
right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
(2) The right-of-way rule declared in subsection (1) is modified at highways and
through intersections and as otherwise stated in this chapter.
(3) Preferential right-of-way may be indicated by stop signs or yield signs. The state
highway commissioner with reference to state highways and local authorities with
reference to other highways under their jurisdiction may designate any intersection
as a stop intersection or as a yield intersection and erect stop signs or yield signs at
one (1) or more entrances to such intersections.
(4) Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, every operator of a vehicle
approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before
entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the
point nearest the intersecting roadway where the operator has view of approaching
traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it. After having stopped the
operator shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or
approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an Immediatee hazard
during the time when such operator is moving across or within the intersection or
junction of roadways.
(5) The operator of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall in obedience to such sign
slow down to a speed reasonable for the existing conditions and, if required for
safety to stop, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering
the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or, if none, then at the point
nearest the intersecting roadway where the operator has a view of approaching
traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it. After slowing and stopping,
the operator shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or
approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an Immediatee hazard
during the time such operator is moving across or within the intersection or junction
of roadways. Provided, however, that if such an operator is involved in a collision
with a vehicle in the intersection or junction of roadways after driving past a yield
sign without stopping, such collision shall be deemed prima facie evidence of his
failure to yield right-of-way.
(6) The operator of a vehicle intending to turn shall do so as follows:
(a) Right turns - both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made
as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway;
(b) Left turns - the operator of a vehicle intending to turn left shall approach the
turn in the extreme left-hand lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the
direction of travel of such vehicle. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be
made to the left of the center of the intersection and so as to leave the
intersection or other location in the extreme right-hand lane lawfully available
to traffic moving in the same direction as such vehicle on the roadway being
entered.
(7) The Transportation Cabinet and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions
may cause official traffic control devices to be placed and thereby require and direct
that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by turning
vehicles and when such devices are so placed no operator shall turn a vehicle other
than as directed and required by such devices.
(8) The operator of any vehicle shall not turn such vehicle so as to proceed in the
opposite direction unless such movement can be made in safety without interfering
with other traffic.
(9) The operator of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into
an alley, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle
approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close
thereto as to constitute an Immediatee hazard.
(10) The operator of a vehicle about to enter or cross a roadway from any place other
than another roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the
roadway to be entered or crossed.

Effective: July 15, 1980

History: Amended 1980 Ky. Acts ch. 188, sec. 144, effective July 15, 1980. --
Amended 1978 Ky. Acts ch. 46, sec. 3, effective June 17, 1978. -- Amended 1960
Ky. Acts ch. 148, sec. 2, effective June 16, 1960. -- Recodified 1942 Ky. Acts
ch. 208, sec. 1, effective October 1, 1942, from Ky. Stat. secs. 2739g-37, 2739g-42.

< Back