A right of way is a legal right to pass over or use another person’s land for a specific access purpose.
It is often a type of easement.
Why a right of way matters
Access can determine whether property can be practically used, sold, financed, developed, or maintained.
Right-of-way disputes can involve roads, driveways, utilities, shared lanes, footpaths, agricultural access, and maintenance responsibilities.
Where a right of way appears
Rights of way appear in deeds, title reports, surveys, subdivision documents, utility easements, road agreements, boundary disputes, and real estate closings.
They may be express, implied, prescriptive, public, or private depending on the facts and law.
How it differs from nearby terms
Title is ownership of property. A right of way is a use right over land that may be owned by someone else.
Trespass is unauthorized entry, while a valid right of way authorizes access within its scope.
Practical example
A landlocked parcel has a recorded right of way over a neighboring driveway so the owner can reach the public road.
Related Terms
Quick check
Question: Is a right of way usually a right to access or pass over land?
Answer: Yes. It gives a defined access or use right over property.