KRS 189.393: Failure to Yield Right of Way in Kentucky

What Is KRS 189.393?

KRS 189.393 establishes Kentucky’s right-of-way rules at intersections, when entering roadways, and in other traffic situations. Failure to yield is one of the most common traffic citations in Lexington, Louisville, and across Kentucky — and one of the most common causes of accidents.

Common Failure-to-Yield Situations

  • Failing to yield at a stop sign
  • Failing to yield when turning left at intersections
  • Failing to yield to oncoming traffic
  • Failing to yield when entering a highway
  • Failing to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
  • Failing to yield to emergency vehicles

Penalties Under KRS 189.393

  • Fines: Vary by specific violation
  • Points: 3 points typical for moving violations
  • Insurance increases

When It Becomes Worse

Failure to yield charges become much more serious when:

  • An accident occurs as a result
  • Injuries result from the failure
  • Death results (potentially manslaughter charges)
  • Combined with DUI

Defenses Available

  • You actually had the right of way
  • Other driver’s negligence was the actual cause
  • Sign or signal was obscured
  • Emergency conditions justified the action
  • Negotiating to non-moving violations

Don’t Let Points Add Up

Call Clark + Harris at 859-474-0001 — 24/7. Lexington, Louisville, all of Kentucky.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I contact Clark + Harris after being charged in Kentucky?

As soon as possible. Early representation protects your rights during questioning, preserves evidence, and often leads to better outcomes. Call 859-474-0001 — we respond promptly to new inquiries.

Does Clark + Harris represent clients throughout Kentucky?

Yes. We represent clients in all 120 Kentucky counties, both state District and Circuit courts, and federal courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky.

What happens during a free consultation with Clark + Harris?

We review the specific charges and evidence, discuss available defenses, explain the likely process in the relevant court, and give you a clear roadmap of next steps — at no cost to you.

Related Resources

If this information applied to your situation, the following Clark + Harris guides may also be helpful:


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