🚦 Right-of-Way at Intersections – Know the Rules!
Understanding right-of-way is essential for safe driving and avoiding accidents. These rules help determine who should yield and who can proceed in different intersection situations. Let’s break it down in a simple and easy-to-remember way!
🚗 Uncontrolled Intersections (No Signs or Lights)
Who has the right-of-way?
✅ The vehicle on the right when two cars arrive at the same time.
❌ The larger vehicle or the vehicle that arrives first doesn’t automatically have the right-of-way.
Example: Two cars reach an intersection with no stop signs. The car on the right goes first.
🛑 Four-Way Stops
Who goes first?
✅ The first vehicle to arrive at the stop sign.
✅ If multiple vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right goes first.
❌ Speeding up to beat other cars is dangerous and illegal.
Example: At a four-way stop, if you arrive first, you get to go first!
⚠️ Yield Signs
What should you do?
✅ Slow down and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
✅ Stop if necessary before proceeding.
❌ Don’t speed through a yield sign!
Example: A driver sees a yield sign and slows down to let a pedestrian cross before proceeding.
🔄 Left Turns at Intersections
Who has the right-of-way?
✅ Oncoming vehicles and pedestrians have priority.
✅ Left-turning drivers must wait until the road is clear.
❌ Don’t assume you have the right-of-way just because you turned on your blinker!
Example: Before turning left, you must wait for an oncoming car to pass.
🔀 T-Intersections
Who must yield?
✅ Vehicles on the terminating (dead-end) road must yield.
✅ Vehicles on the through road have the right-of-way.
Example: A driver on a side street must wait for cars on the main road before entering.
🚦 Malfunctioning or Non-Working Traffic Lights
How should you treat the intersection?
✅ Treat it as a four-way stop.
✅ Come to a complete stop and yield appropriately.
Example: If a traffic light is out, stop, check for traffic, and proceed safely.
🚦 Traffic Light Rules
✔️ Yellow Light – Stop if it is safe to do so.
✔️ Flashing Red Light – Stop completely, then proceed when safe.
✔️ Green Arrow – You have a protected turn. Proceed without yielding.
Example: A driver sees a green arrow and turns left without stopping.
🔁 Roundabouts
✅ Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right-of-way.
✅ Entering drivers must yield until it’s safe to merge.
Example: A driver waits at the roundabout entrance until cars inside clear the way.
🚸 Pedestrian Right-of-Way
What should you do at intersections?
✅ Always yield to pedestrians, even if there’s no crosswalk.
✅ Stop and let them cross safely.
Example: A driver sees a pedestrian waiting at an unmarked crosswalk and stops.
📋 Quick Recap – Key Right-of-Way Rules
| Situation | Who Has the Right-of-Way? |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Intersections | The vehicle on the right. |
| Four-Way Stops | The vehicle that arrives first. |
| Left Turns | Oncoming traffic and pedestrians. |
| T-Intersections | Vehicles on the through road. |
| Malfunctioning Traffic Lights | Treat as a four-way stop. |
| Roundabouts | Vehicles already inside the roundabout. |
| Pedestrians at Intersections | Always have the right-of-way. |
✅ Remember: Knowing these right-of-way rules keeps everyone safe and prevents accidents. Drive smart, drive safe! 🚗💨