Right of way

Right of Way Rules in Traffic

Yield Right of Way

When we talk about right of way, we have to keep in mind that we always give right of way, it is never taken.

The rules of right of way differ for each type of the intersection.

Intersections with the Stop Sign

When approaching an intersection where a stop sign is facing you, you have:

To observe if there is a white solid line and make a full and complete stop before it.

If there is not any white line marking but there is a pedestrian crosswalk, stop completely before the crosswalk.

If there are neither a white solid line, nor a pedestrian crosswalk, look at the pedestrian sidewalks on both side of the road, draw an imaginary line before it and stop.

And finally if there are neither marking lines nor sidewalks, then stop completely before the edge of the intersection

If you are facing a Regular stop sign, stop where you have then creep out to make sure that the way is clear.

Yield to the vehicles that are crossing you, because they are not facing any stop sign and they have right of way.

At an All Way stop sign, the rule of first come, first serve works perfectly.

Yield right of way to vehicles already in the intersection, or arrived before you.

Make full and complete stop of at least 3 seconds. Look left, look right, look center, and then look left again. If there are no pedestrians and vehicles, proceed once it is safe.

Emergency Vehicles

An emergency vehicle means: police cruises, fire department vehicles and ambulances.

If you hear or see a siren of an emergency vehicle, pull over to the right side of the road and completely stop.

Let the emergency vehicle passes you, then signal and move while scanning the surrounding.

Never follow an emergency vehicle.

Different types of Intersections

There are different types of intersection: Controlled, Uncontrolled, Hidden, T Intersection and round-about.

Controlled intersection is controlled with at least one of the traffic signals such as traffic light, stop sign or yield sign.

An uncontrolled intersection is the one that has no traffic signal (Traffic light, stop sign or yield sign) posted to indicate who has right of way.

They normally are found in rural and residential areas.

For an uncontrolled intersection, yield to any vehicle that is already in the intersection or the vehicle that has arrived before you in the intersection.

If two cars arrive at the same time, the right of way is given to the car that is on the right side of the road.

Hidden Intersection

A hidden intersection is where the driver cannot see or observe the mentioned intersection.

While driving on an uphill road, or when a sharp curve is facing you, on the hill or beyond the sharp curve, it might be an intersection.

There is always a Hidden Intersection Sign posted to alert the driver.

T-Intersection

Turning traffics must always yield right of way to vehicles that are approaching through traffic.

Always check before entering the intersection for pedestrian intending to cross it.

Come to a complete stop and proceed when it is safe to do so.

Round-about

The vehicle that is already in the round-about has always right of way upon the other vehicles that intending to enter the round-about.

As you are approaching a round-about, you have to slow down and turn on your signal to show your intention of turning.

Choosing the lane you want to enter before entering the round-about will help you to stay safe in the proper lane for the desired direction.

Make sure always check the traffic signs which are posted in the roundabout.  

Finding the proper lane to drive is very important.

If you are making a left turn, stay in the left lane, and when exiting the round-about, enter the left lane of the street you are directing.

Making a right turn is a smaller turn and you have to enter from the first lane, then continue in the same lane.

Never change lane inside the round-about