A driver may have an obligation to yield to other traffic even when there is no yield sign in place. For example, if a driver making a left-hand turn on a green light fails to yield to oncoming traffic a police officer may issue a ticket or citation for failure to yield.
A failure to yield violation is generally punishable by a fine and points on your driver’s license.
In California, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way under various circumstances, even when a yield sign is not present. For instance, California Vehicle Code Section 21801(a) states that a driver intending to turn left or complete a U-turn must yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching from the opposite direction which are close enough to constitute a hazard during the turning movement. If a driver fails to yield while making a left turn at a green light and interferes with oncoming traffic, they can be cited for a failure to yield. The penalties for a failure to yield violation in California typically include a fine, and the offense may also add points to the driver's license, which can affect insurance rates and driving privileges. The exact fine and points can vary based on the specific circumstances of the violation and the driver's record.