Right of way, turns and intersections in Georgia
Right of way decides who goes first at intersections, merges and driveways. Georgia law sets it out for every situation, but the Drivers Manual stresses that right of way is something you give, not something you take.
Intersections are where many crashes happen, and yielding is scored on the Georgia road test. Clear rules plus good observation make you predictable and safe.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can decide who goes first at four-way stops and uncontrolled intersections.
- You can make legal left and right turns into the correct lane.
- You can explain when a turn on red is allowed in Georgia.
- You can enter, circle and leave a roundabout correctly.
- You can respond correctly to emergency vehicles.
What you need to know and understand
- At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive together, yield to the vehicle on your right.
- At an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
- When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians.
- Right on red is legal after a full stop unless a sign forbids it.
- Left on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street going left, after a full stop.
- Traffic in a roundabout moves counterclockwise and entering drivers yield to circulating traffic.
- When an emergency vehicle uses lights and siren, pull to the right edge and stop, without blocking an intersection.
Who goes first
If another driver takes your turn, let them go. Avoiding a crash matters more than being right.
- Stop sign on your road only: stop, then yield to any vehicle or pedestrian in or close to the intersection.
- All-way stop: yield to pedestrians, then go in order of arrival. If two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.
- No signs or signals: if two vehicles arrive together, the driver on the left yields.
- Leaving a driveway, alley or private road: stop and yield to everyone already on the road or sidewalk.
- Green light: still wait until the intersection is clear. A green light alone does not make it safe.
Turning correctly
A center two-way left-turn lane may only be used for left turns, and Georgia lets you enter it no more than 300 feet before your turn. A flashing yellow arrow means you may turn left after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
- Signal early, giving drivers ahead and behind enough warning. Georgia does not allow last-minute turns.
- For a right turn, keep close to the right curb or edge. Yield to cyclists going straight in a bike lane, then turn into the right lane of the new road.
- For a left turn, move into the far left lane or the turn lane, keep your wheels straight while waiting, and yield to oncoming vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
- Finish a left turn in the lane nearest the center line of the new road. With multiple turn lanes, stay in your matching lane.
- Do not change lanes in the middle of the intersection, and stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk you are turning across.
Turns on red, roundabouts and emergency vehicles
You may turn right on red after a complete stop before the crosswalk, unless a sign prohibits it. Look left for a gap, then check your passenger side for pedestrians. Left on red is only allowed from the left lane of a one-way street onto a one-way street flowing left.
At a roundabout, slow to the advisory speed, stop for pedestrians, and yield to all circulating vehicles before merging. Traffic always moves counterclockwise. Signal and bear right to exit. In a multilane roundabout, choose your lane before entering and do not change lanes inside.
When an emergency vehicle approaches with blue or red lights and a siren, move to the shoulder or as far right as you can and stop. Do not follow a fire truck answering an alarm closer than 200 feet.
Common mistakes
- Rolling through a right on red without a full stop, or blocking the crosswalk while waiting.
- Turning wheels left while waiting to turn left. If you are hit from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.
- Assuming you can go at a four-way stop because you are on the bigger road. Arrival order decides.
- Stopping inside a roundabout to let someone in. Only yield on entry, then keep moving.
Test yourself: Right of way, turns and intersections in Georgia
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Georgia Drivers Manual, Section 5: Traffic Laws and Section 7: Signs, Signals and Markings (Georgia Department of Driver Services). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Georgia licensing agency.