Right of way, turns and intersections in Manitoba

By the end of this topic you can

• You can decide who goes first at four-way stops and uncontrolled intersections.
• You can stop in the correct place at a stop sign.
• You can explain when a right or left turn on a red light is allowed.
• You can establish yourself in an intersection for a left turn and complete it safely.
• You can enter and leave a roundabout correctly.

What you need to know and understand

• At an uncontrolled intersection, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
• At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop goes first; if two stop together, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.
• Stop before the stop line; if none, before the sidewalk; if neither, before the intersecting road.
• After a complete stop, you may turn right on a red light unless a sign forbids it, and turn left from a one-way street onto another one-way street.
• Signal at least 30 metres before turning, or at least 150 metres outside cities, towns and villages.
• When leaving a driveway or parking lot, stop before the sidewalk and yield to pedestrians and traffic.

Signs, signals and the green-arrow trap

A yield sign means slow down and stop if needed. A steady amber means stop unless you are already in the intersection. A green light lets you go, but you must still yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to vehicles already in the intersection.

Watch for a green left arrow shown together with a red light. It allows a left turn only. You may not turn right or go straight, even if no sign prohibits a right turn on red.

Left turns on a green light

1. Move into the correct lane well before the intersection and signal.
2. Check that the intersection is clear and the light is still green.
3. Move forward to just before the centre of the intersection, to the right of the oncoming lane line. This is called establishing.
4. Wait for a safe gap in oncoming traffic and check for pedestrians in the road you are turning into.
5. If the light turns amber or red while you are established, complete the turn once oncoming traffic stops. If you were not yet established, do not start the turn.

Roundabouts and other special cases

Slow to the posted speed or less as you approach a roundabout. Yield to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles already in it, and enter when nothing is approaching from your left. If two vehicles arrive together, the one on the right enters first. Signal before your exit and yield to pedestrians and cyclists as you leave.

For emergency vehicles using sirens and lights, pull as close as possible to the right edge and stop until they pass; if you are stopped at a red light and blocking them, move through carefully to clear the way. Drivers must also yield to a funeral procession following a lead car with headlights on.

Common mistakes

• Rolling through a stop sign. Come to a full stop at the right spot, then creep forward to look.
• Waiting behind the stop line to turn left on a green. Establish in the intersection so you can clear it when the light changes.
• Turning right on red when a green left arrow is showing with the red. That combination allows only a left turn.
• Forgetting pedestrians on a right turn. Check the crosswalk before you go.

Test yourself: Right of way, turns and intersections in Manitoba

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• How to Get a Driver’s Licence in Manitoba
• Manitoba Driver Safety Rating
• Manitoba Intermediate Stage