Right of way, turns and intersections in Colorado
Right-of-way rules decide who goes first when paths cross. Colorado law does not give anyone the right of way; it tells drivers when they must yield. Many crashes involving new drivers happen at intersections, so these rules matter on the test and on the road.
Colorado also has many roundabouts, especially in mountain towns and growing suburbs, so you need to handle those with confidence.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can decide who goes first at an uncontrolled intersection or four-way stop.
- You can make a legal right turn on red and a left turn on red onto a one-way street.
- You can yield correctly when turning left.
- You can position your car properly for right and left turns.
- You can enter, drive and exit a roundabout safely.
What you need to know and understand
- When two vehicles reach an intersection at about the same time from different roads, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
- A driver turning left yields to oncoming traffic that is in or close to the intersection.
- At a stop sign, stop at the line, crosswalk or point of view, then yield to traffic that is an immediate hazard.
- After a full stop, you may turn right on red unless a sign prohibits it, yielding to pedestrians and traffic.
- After a full stop, you may turn left on red from a one-way street onto a one-way street going left, unless prohibited.
- Drivers entering from a driveway or alley yield to all traffic on the road.
- Signal at least 100 feet before turning in town, and at least 200 feet on four-lane highways or roads over 40 mph.
Four-way stops and uncontrolled junctions
At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop completely is generally the first to go. If two arrive together, Colorado's rule for vehicles arriving at the same time applies: the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. At an intersection with no signs or signals, use the same rule and slow down so you can stop if needed. Never assume the other driver will yield.
Turning the right way
- Check mirrors and blind spot, then signal early: at least 100 feet in town, 200 feet on fast or four-lane roads.
- For a right turn, keep as close as practical to the right curb or edge.
- For a left turn, approach in the far-left lane available for your direction.
- Yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- Finish the turn in the matching lane, then cancel your signal.
- If a two-way left-turn center lane is marked, make your left turn only from that lane.
Roundabouts and turns on red
In a roundabout, traffic moves counterclockwise around a central island. Slow down on approach, choose your lane early from the signs, give way to vehicles already circulating, and look out for people in the crosswalks. Do not stop inside the roundabout unless you must to avoid a crash, and signal right as you leave.
On a red light, come to a full stop first. You may then turn right unless a sign says no turn on red. Turning left on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street flowing left. Our comparison of Colorado's 30-hour driver ed and 4-hour driver awareness course explains where these maneuvers are first taught.
Common mistakes
- Rolling through a right turn on red without a full stop.
- Starting a left turn while oncoming cars are still close.
- Stopping inside a roundabout to let others in.
- Signaling too late, after braking for the turn.
Test yourself: Right of way, turns and intersections in Colorado
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
Loading questions…
Go deeper
Sources: Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 42 (Colorado General Assembly): sections 42-4-701, 42-4-702, 42-4-703, 42-4-704, 42-4-604, 42-4-901 and 42-4-903. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Colorado licensing agency.