All-Way Yield

[Brian556]

Found an all-way yield at an intersection on the state highway system in DeKalb, Texas. This is prohibited by the MUTCD, so I was quite surprised to find it on a state highway. TxDOT normally follows the MUTCD

https://www.google.com/maps/@33.4775881,-94.6337885,3a,75y,327.28h,89.51t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sMnzg-Hn9ddAVGdhKSTydzQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[kphoger]

The funny thing is that it basically operates exactly like an uncontrolled intersection–which is allowed.

[TEG24601]

This is quite common with frontage roads/old ROWs, that intersect the highway, just without the signs.

[US 89]

If I had my way, all-way yields would exist, and they'd function the same as an all-way stop...just without the requirement to come to a complete stop.

[jeffandnicole]

If I had my way, all-way yields would exist, and they'd function the same as an all-way stop...just without the requirement to come to a complete stop.

So, they'll function as an all-way stop!   

[ari-s-drives]

...

FWIW, the old ACME signals that existed in L.A. from the 1930's until the early 1950's had stop signs attached.  I believe at night when the signals were off, it reverted to a stop sign.  Obviously, with a green light, you can go despite the stop sign being present.


https://www.pinterest.com/jhefferon/old-street-signs-and-signals/

This is really interesting, do you have more info about these?

[mrsman]

...

FWIW, the old ACME signals that existed in L.A. from the 1930's until the early 1950's had stop signs attached.  I believe at night when the signals were off, it reverted to a stop sign.  Obviously, with a green light, you can go despite the stop sign being present.


https://www.pinterest.com/jhefferon/old-street-signs-and-signals/

Here is a very long (and very interesting) document on a lot of traffic innovations in Los Angeles.  Search for Acme for information specifically on these signals.

https://ladot.lacity.org/sites/default/files/documents/transportation-topics-and-tales-milestones-in-transportation-history-in-southern-california.pdf

Essentially, these were red/green signals that operated with the help of a bar that said stop or go.  They also incorporated a bell, which meant that they made noise, which is why they were turned off at night.  I believe at some point they incorporated a brief all red phase for safety before LADOT decided on incorporating the yellow light.  From the old pictures, not all of them were incoprorated with stop signs, but those that did usually used them in nighttime operation.  The stop sign had a small red flashing light to warn of the stop when the signals were not in operation.  (The ones on the pinterest link have a small flashing red on the stop sign)

I don't think the law would allow this today, as I believe a stop sign cannot be placed with a traffic signal in the USA, even in these settings.  Nighttime operation to incorporate stop sign is done with flashing red.

As I am too young to see these in operation, my most vivid memories of them were depicted in old Looney Tunes cartoons of the classic era, where a traffic signal were randomly placed during chase scenes.

Here's another link:

https://www.pulpinternational.com/pulp/entry/Assorted-photo-of-Acme-semaphore-traffic-signals-from-Los-Angeles.html

[roadman]

"Priority to your right" is already the basic rule at uncontrolled intersections and 4-way stops.  With respect, how would an all-way Yield improve things?

[cl94]

2 things here:

• Many all-way stops are political, as in they're a cheap way to do traffic calming.
• The Green Book and MUTCD are very strict with the use of yield signs at normal intersections. Basically, if sightlines require you to slow down significantly, a stop sign is required.

[webny99]

If I had my way, all-way yields would exist, and they'd function the same as an all-way stop...just without the requirement to come to a complete stop.

So, they'll function as an all-way stop!   

Because of people blowing stop signs? Or because people will still be unsure of who goes, and end up stopping and hand waving anyways?

Both, I guess.

[kphoger]

This is quite common with frontage roads/old ROWs, that intersect the highway, just without the signs.

You just described an uncontrolled intersection, which is very common across large areas of the country–not just at frontage roads and old ROWs.

If I had my way, all-way yields would exist, and they'd function the same as an all-way stop...just without the requirement to come to a complete stop.

So, they'll function as an all-way stop!   

Good one!   

"Priority to your right" is already the basic rule at uncontrolled intersections and 4-way stops.

Actually, that varies by state.  Some states don't have uncontrolled intersections at all.  Some state vehicle codes don't specify who goes first at a four-way stop.