Right of Way at Intersections: Four-Way Stops, Uncontrolled Intersections, Left Turns and Roundabouts

Right-of-way questions catch more permit-test takers than almost anything else, because the rule sounds simple until two cars arrive at once. These four situations cover the ones that come up most. Each diagram is drawn top-down with north at the top, and the car marked YOU is always the one you are driving.

1. Four-Way Stop

You and another vehicle arrive at exactly the same time.

At a four-way stop, you and another vehicle arrive at exactly the same time. Who has the right of way?

The rule

The vehicle on the right goes first.

Vehicles at a four-way stop proceed in the order they arrive. When two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.

Answers people get wrong

• The vehicle on the left goes first.
• The larger vehicle goes first.
• Whoever signals first goes.

2. Uncontrolled Intersection

No signs. No signals. You both arrive together.

Two cars reach an intersection with no signs or signals at about the same time. Who must yield?

The rule

The driver on the left must yield.

At an uncontrolled intersection the rule does not depend on which way either car is turning. When one vehicle is to the right of another, the driver on the left must yield.

Answers people get wrong

• The driver on the right must yield.
• Neither driver has to yield.
• The faster vehicle must yield.

3. Turning Left Across Traffic

You are turning left. A car is coming straight at you.

You are turning left at an intersection and a vehicle is coming toward you. Who must yield?

The rule

You must yield to the oncoming vehicle.

When turning left, you must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic, and also to pedestrians, cyclists and anyone already in the intersection. A green light is not a protected turn unless you have a green arrow.

Answers people get wrong

• The oncoming vehicle must yield to you.
• Neither driver must yield.
• The vehicle on the wider road goes first.

4. Entering a Roundabout

A vehicle is already going around the circle.

You are approaching a roundabout and a vehicle is already travelling around it. What should you do?

The rule

Yield to the traffic already in the roundabout.

A roundabout flows counterclockwise around a central island. You enter from the right and must yield to any traffic already circulating. Once there is a safe gap, enter without stopping.

Answers people get wrong

• Enter the roundabout immediately.
• Stop and wait for the roundabout to empty.
• Sound your horn and enter.

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Written by Drive To Excel DMV, an independent study site not affiliated with any state DMV. Always confirm requirements with your state's DMV.