Right of way, turns and intersections in Arizona
Right of way rules decide who goes first when paths cross. The law never gives you the right of way; it only says who must yield. If another driver gets it wrong, you still need to give way to avoid a crash.
Intersections are where many new-driver crashes happen, so these rules are tested heavily on both the knowledge and road tests.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can decide who goes first at a four-way stop.
- You can make a left turn while yielding correctly to oncoming traffic.
- You can say when a turn on a red light is allowed in Arizona.
- You can enter and leave a roundabout safely.
- You can yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
What you need to know and understand
- At a four-way stop, if two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
- Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles that are close enough to be a hazard.
- You may turn right on a steady red after a full stop, yielding to pedestrians and traffic, unless a sign forbids it.
- A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop.
- In a roundabout, traffic moves counterclockwise and entering drivers yield to traffic already circulating.
- You must signal for at least the last 100 feet before turning.
- Never pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk to let a pedestrian cross.
Four-way stops and uncontrolled junctions
Come to a complete stop. The first vehicle to stop goes first. If two arrive together, the vehicle on the left gives way to the vehicle on the right. Make eye contact and move off only when it is clear that others are waiting for you.
Left turns and turning on red
When turning left on a green light, wait in position until oncoming traffic is clear. Keep your wheels straight while you wait so a rear-end crash does not push you into oncoming lanes.
Arizona allows a right turn on red after you stop at the line or crosswalk and give way to pedestrians and cross traffic. A left turn on red is legal only from one one-way street into another one-way street going left. A 'No Turn on Red' sign overrides both.
Driving a modern roundabout
- Slow down as you approach. The Arizona manual says roundabouts are designed for speeds of about 15 to 20 mph.
- Choose your lane early using the signs and road markings.
- Look left and yield to all traffic already in the roundabout, and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Enter when there is a safe gap and travel counterclockwise.
- Signal right before your exit and watch for pedestrians as you leave.
Pedestrians and signals
Where there is no working signal, yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk on your half of the road or approaching closely from the other half. Slow down or stop if needed. Signal at least 100 feet before any turn so others can react.
Common mistakes
- Rolling through a right turn on red without a full stop.
- Turning wheels left while waiting to turn, which puts you at risk if you are hit from behind.
- Looking right instead of left when entering a roundabout.
- Passing a car stopped at a crosswalk, which may hide a pedestrian.
- Signaling only as you start to turn instead of 100 feet before.
Test yourself: Right of way, turns and intersections in Arizona
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Sources: Arizona Driver License Manual and Customer Service Guide, ADOT MVD; Arizona Revised Statutes 28-645 Traffic control signals, 28-754 Turning movements and required signals, 28-772 Left turns, 28-792 Pedestrian right-of-way (azleg.gov); Roundabouts guidance, Arizona Department of Transportation (azdot.gov). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Arizona licensing agency.