Right of way, turns and intersections in Delaware

By the end of this topic you can

• You can decide who goes first at an uncontrolled intersection and a four-way stop.
• You can explain when a turn on red is allowed in Delaware.
• You can respond correctly to steady and flashing arrows.
• You can enter, drive and leave a roundabout safely.

What you need to know and understand

• Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight.
• At a four-way stop the first to stop goes first; if two arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first.
• Right on red is allowed after a full stop unless a sign or a steady red arrow prohibits it.
• Left on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, after a full stop.
• A flashing yellow arrow lets you turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
• If a signal is dark, slow down and be ready to yield to vehicles in or approaching the intersection.
• Pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog have absolute right of way.

Who waits at intersections

• No signs or signals: yield to vehicles coming from your right, and be prepared to yield to everyone.
• Four-way stop: stop fully. The first vehicle to arrive goes first. If you arrive together, the vehicle on the right goes first.
• Leaving a driveway, alley or roadside: yield to vehicles already on the road, and to pedestrians on the sidewalk.
• Do not enter an intersection unless you can get all the way through without stopping.
• Emergency vehicle with siren or flashing lights: pull to the right and stop. If you are already in the intersection, drive through it first.

Red lights and arrows

Delaware allows a right turn on a steady red light after a complete stop, unless a sign forbids it or a steady red arrow is showing. A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street into another one-way street, also after a full stop.

A steady red arrow means no movement in that direction. A flashing red arrow lets you turn after a full stop when there is a safe gap. A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A steady green arrow lets you turn, but you must still yield to anyone already lawfully in the intersection.

Using a roundabout

1. Choose your lane early: right lane to turn right, left lane to turn left or make a U-turn, either lane to go straight.
2. Keep right of the splitter island and slow to 10 to 15 mph.
3. Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to traffic already in the roundabout.
4. Travel counterclockwise, do not stop inside unless avoiding a crash, and do not pass.
5. Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists as you exit.

Making clean turns

Turn from the lane nearest the direction you want to go, into the nearest lane, then change lanes later if needed. Do not swing wide on a right turn or cut the corner on a left. Delaware allows passing a left-turning vehicle on the right, even using the shoulder, but other drivers will not expect you there, so take great care.

Common mistakes

• Rolling through a right turn on red. Delaware requires a full stop first.
• Turning left on red from a two-way street. Left on red only works from one-way to one-way.
• Stopping inside a roundabout to let someone in. Traffic in the circle keeps moving.
• Treating a dark traffic signal as if it does not exist. Slow down and prepare to yield.

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

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

Go deeper

• Transferring an Out-of-State License to Delaware
• Delaware Permit Test
• Delaware Driver’s Ed and the Blue Certificate