Right of way, turns and intersections in Prince Edward Island

By the end of this topic you can

• You can decide who goes first at a three-way or four-way stop.
• You can make a left turn while yielding correctly.
• You can turn right on a red light legally.
• You can enter, signal and exit single-lane and dual-lane roundabouts.

What you need to know and understand

• At a three-way or four-way stop, if vehicles arrive at about the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
• When turning left, yield to any vehicle or pedestrian in or close enough to the intersection to cause a collision.
• Right on red is allowed after a complete stop, yielding to traffic and pedestrians, unless a sign forbids it.
• When leaving a driveway or lane, stop and yield to traffic on the road; in town, stop before the sidewalk crossing.
• In a roundabout, yield to traffic already inside and to pedestrians, and travel counterclockwise.
• Signal about 30 metres before a turn or stop in the city, and at least 150 metres before on faster highways.

Stop signs and four-way stops

In a city or town, stop before the crosswalk, at the stop line, or where pedestrians would normally cross. In rural areas, stop before the edge of the road you are entering and look both ways twice, starting with the left. When two vehicles reach a three-way or four-way stop at about the same time, the one on the left lets the one on the right go first.

Turning left and right

1. Check mirrors and signal early: about 30 metres ahead in town, at least 150 metres on highways.
2. Move into the correct lane.
3. For a left turn, keep your wheels straight while waiting and yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
4. For a right turn on red, come to a complete stop first, then yield to traffic and pedestrians before turning.
5. Turn into the matching lane and cancel your signal.

Roundabouts on the Island

• Left turn or U-turn: signal left on entry and right before your exit. In a dual-lane roundabout use the left lane.
• Straight ahead: no signal on entry, signal right before your exit. Either lane in a dual-lane roundabout.
• Right turn: signal right and keep it on until you exit. Use the right lane in a dual-lane roundabout.
• In a dual-lane roundabout, do not enter alongside a vehicle already inside, and do not change lanes inside.

Emergency vehicles

When an emergency vehicle approaches with siren or lights, clear the intersection, pull to the right edge of the road (left or right on a one-way street) and stop until it passes.

Common mistakes

• Treating arriving first at a four-way stop as a guarantee of going first. Always check before you move.
• Turning the wheels left while waiting to turn. If you are hit from behind you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.
• Rolling through a right turn on red without a full stop.
• Changing lanes inside a dual-lane roundabout.

Test yourself: Right of way, turns and intersections in Prince Edward Island

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

Go deeper

• PEI Rules of the Road