Right of way, turns and intersections in Yukon
Right-of-way rules decide who goes first when two road users want the same space. In Yukon you will meet everything from busy Whitehorse lights to quiet gravel crossroads with no signs at all.
The rules tell you who should yield, but they never give you the right to force your way. If there is any doubt, yield.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can decide who goes first at uncontrolled intersections and four-way stops.
- You can make a left turn safely across oncoming traffic.
- You can turn on a red light where it is allowed.
- You can stop in the correct position at an intersection.
- You can enter, drive and exit a roundabout correctly.
What you need to know and understand
- At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to vehicles already there; if two arrive together, the vehicle on the left yields to the one on the right.
- At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop goes first; if two stop together, the one on the right goes first.
- When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- After a full stop at a red light, you may turn right, or left onto a one-way street from a one-way street, unless a sign prohibits it.
- A flashing red light means stop, then go when safe; if all signals are flashing red, treat it as a four-way stop.
- In a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating, travel counter-clockwise and do not change lanes.
Where to stop
It is illegal to back up into an intersection or over a crosswalk.
- Stop line present: stop just before it.
- Crosswalk but no stop line: stop before the crosswalk.
- Unmarked crosswalk: stop where a marked crosswalk would be.
- No line, crosswalk or sidewalk: stop just before entering the intersection.
Two-way and four-way stops
At a two-way stop, the cross street without signs is a through street and its traffic has the right-of-way. Wait for a safe gap. If two stopped drivers face each other and one wants to turn left, the left-turner yields unless they have already started the turn.
At a four-way stop, the order is first to stop, first to go. If two vehicles facing each other arrive together, the one turning left yields to the one going straight.
Turning left on a green light
- Signal early and move to the correct lane position.
- Enter the intersection if it is clear and the light is green, keeping your wheels straight.
- Yield to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians in your path.
- Turn when there is a safe gap, into the nearest correct lane.
- If the light changes while you wait, complete the turn when oncoming traffic stops.
Roundabouts and traffic circles
Slow down on approach, know which exit you want, and yield to vehicles already in the circle. Go counter-clockwise and stay in your lane; large trucks may use the centre apron and need extra room. If an emergency vehicle approaches while you are inside, exit, then pull over. The handbook notes you do not need to signal left while entering or travelling round a traffic circle. Practising roundabouts is one of the examiners' tips for the road test; our Yukon road test guide covers more.
Common mistakes
- Treating a four-way stop as first-come only and ignoring the driver to your right when you arrive together.
- 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 roundabout.
Test yourself: Right of way, turns and intersections in Yukon
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Yukon Driver's Basic Handbook: Cars and Light Trucks, Government of Yukon, Motor Vehicles (2022 edition), Chapter 3 (traffic lights) and Chapter 4 (rules of the road). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your province or territory.