P.R. Laws tit. 9, § 5225
With regard to traffic signs on the public roads, the following norms shall be followed:
(a) Every driver of a vehicle that approaches an intersection controlled by “Stop” signs, shall stop at the line marked on the pavement, unless a law enforcement officer or the traffic light authorizes him/her to continue; but if there were no stop line marked on the pavement, he/she shall stop before entering the closest pedestrian walk of the intersection. If there were no stopping line or pedestrian walk, then he/she shall do so on the point closest to the crossing lane from where he/she may see the approaching traffic, before entering the intersection. After having stopped, the driver shall yield right of way to every vehicle that has entered the intersection from another public road and that is so close that it would constitute an immediate danger while said driver is crossing or driving in said intersection.
(b) Every driver of a vehicle on a public road shall stop it at railroad crossings and shall not cross it when indicated by mechanical signals to such effect, audible warning of the train, warning by the flagman, or by barriers or other warning signs authorized by the Secretary, and shall not proceed until the train has passed and the signals or their effect have ceased.
(c) The driver of every vehicle that approaches a sign stating: “Yield Right of Way”, in compliance thereof, shall slow down to a reasonable speed according to the existing conditions, and if it were necessary to stop for safety reasons, he/she shall do so at the stop line marked on the pavement, but if there were no such line, shall come to a stop before entering the pedestrian walk closest to the intersection. If there is neither one nor the other, he/she shall stop at the point closest to the crossing from where the driver can see the approaching traffic. After slowing down or stopping, the driver shall yield right of way to any vehicle in the intersection, or that is approaching from another public road at a distance that would constitute immediate danger, at the time said driver is crossing or driving within said intersection. If said driver should have an accident with another vehicle within the intersection after having crossed the “Yield Right of Way” sign, said accident shall be deemed prima facie evidence of failing to yield right of way.
(d) The driver of any vehicle, except the drivers of authorized emergency vehicles on emergency duties, shall obey the indications of any official traffic control device installed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, unless ordered otherwise by a police officer.
(e) With the approval of the Secretary, the Secretary and the local authorities are hereby authorized to designate dangerous crossings between public roads and railroads, and install “Stop” signs in such places. When said signs are installed, the driver of every vehicle shall stop within a distance of fifty (50) feet, but never less than fifteen (15) feet from the nearest track of said railroad, and shall continue driving only if exercising proper caution.
(f) None of the provisions of this chapter in which the existence of official devices to regulate traffic are required shall be enforceable if on the date, hour and place of the alleged infraction there is no official device installed, in an adequate position, and properly visible by a reasonably observant person. When a specific section of this chapter does not establish the requirement of official devices to regulate traffic, said section shall be effective even though there is not device installed.
(g) When an official device to regulate traffic is installed according to the requirements of this chapter, it shall be presumed that it was installed through official action or by instruction of the pertinent legal authorities, unless proved otherwise by competent evidence.
(h) Any official traffic control device that has been installed according to the provisions of this chapter with the intention of complying with its requirements shall be presumed to meet the requirements of this chapter, unless proved otherwise by competent evidence.
(i) Every driver who violates the provisions of this section regarding traffic signs shall incur an administrative fault and shall be punished by a fine of thirty dollars ($30).
History —Jan. 7, 2000, No. 22, § 8.05, eff. 1 year after Jan. 7, 2000.