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 Maine, as in many states, drivers are required to follow rules of the road, which include yielding to other traffic under certain conditions, even when a yield sign is not present. For instance, when a driver is making a left turn at a green light, they must yield to oncoming traffic that is going straight through the intersection. If a driver fails to yield appropriately, they can be cited for a failure to yield violation. The penalties for such a violation typically include a fine, and the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles may also assess demerit points against the driver’s license. Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension. The specific fine amount and points assessed can vary based on the circumstances of the violation and the driver’s history.