Right-of-Way Rules at Intersections
Right-of-way rules determine who goes first when two vehicles meet. They don't give you the legal right to proceed regardless — they tell you who must yield. Understanding these rules is critical for both passing your DMV test and avoiding accidents.
Key Facts to Remember
- At uncontrolled intersections, yield to vehicles on your right
- At 4-way stops, first to arrive proceeds first
- Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic
- Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Emergency vehicles with sirens always have the right-of-way
- Having right-of-way does not mean you can drive unsafely
The Basic Rule
Right-of-way laws tell drivers who must yield — give up their turn — in different situations. Importantly, having the right-of-way does not mean you can proceed recklessly. Every driver must do everything possible to avoid a crash, even if they legally have the right-of-way.
At Uncontrolled Intersections
At intersections with no signs or signals, yield to the vehicle that arrives first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right. This is sometimes called the 'right-hand rule.' Always slow down when approaching an uncontrolled intersection.
At Stop Signs
At a 4-way stop, vehicles proceed in the order they arrive. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. A vehicle going straight has priority over a vehicle turning left. A vehicle turning right has priority over a vehicle turning left.
Turning Left
When turning left at an intersection, you must yield to all oncoming traffic going straight or turning right. Left-turning vehicles must wait for a safe gap in traffic before completing the turn. This is one of the most common right-of-way mistakes — never assume oncoming traffic will stop or slow for you.
Pedestrians and Cyclists
You must always yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks. Even if a pedestrian crosses against the light, you are required to avoid hitting them. Bicyclists in bike lanes have the right-of-way over turning vehicles. Always check for cyclists before making turns.
Example DMV Test Questions
1. At an intersection with no signs or signals, you must yield to:
- A. Vehicles approaching from the left
- B. Vehicles approaching from the right
- C. All vehicles regardless of direction
- D. No one — proceed at normal speed
Explanation: At uncontrolled intersections, if two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
2. When turning left at a green light, you must yield to:
- A. Nothing — green means go
- B. Pedestrians only
- C. Oncoming traffic going straight or turning right
- D. Vehicles behind you
Explanation: Left-turning vehicles must always yield to oncoming traffic traveling straight or turning right, even at a green light.
3. A pedestrian is crossing mid-block outside a crosswalk. You must:
- A. Proceed — they are jaywalking
- B. Honk to warn them
- C. Yield to avoid hitting them
- D. Speed up to clear the area quickly
Explanation: You must always yield to pedestrians to avoid a collision, even if they are crossing illegally. Every driver must do everything possible to avoid a crash.
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