Right of way, turns and intersections in Illinois

By the end of this topic you can

• You can decide who goes first at a four-way stop and an uncontrolled intersection.
• You can explain when a right or left turn on red is allowed in Illinois.
• You can signal at the correct distance before turning.
• You can enter, drive around and leave a roundabout correctly.
• You can yield properly to pedestrians when turning.

What you need to know and understand

• At a four-way stop the first driver to stop goes first; if two arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
• At an uncontrolled intersection, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
• A right turn on red is allowed after a complete stop unless a sign forbids it.
• A left turn on red is allowed only from a one-way street onto another one-way street with traffic moving left, after a complete stop.
• Signal continuously for at least 100 feet before turning in business or residential areas, and at least 200 feet elsewhere.
• Do not make a U-turn on a curve or hill unless you can see at least 500 feet in all directions.
• Traffic in a roundabout travels counterclockwise, and entering or exiting vehicles must yield to all traffic, pedestrians and bicycles.

Who yields at Illinois intersections

Never enter an intersection or crosswalk unless there is room to get all the way through without blocking it.

• Four-way stop: first to stop, first to go. Arrive together and the car on the left yields to the car on the right.
• Uncontrolled intersection: the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
• T intersection with no signs or signals: traffic on the road that ends yields to traffic on the through road.
• Leaving an alley, driveway or private road: stop completely, then yield to pedestrians and all vehicles.
• Turning left: yield to oncoming traffic. If you entered on green you may finish the turn after the light turns red.
• Green light: still yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.
• Flashing yellow arrow: you may turn after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.

Making turns step by step

If your turn signal is not working, use hand signals with your left arm: arm straight out for left, arm extended straight up for right, and arm down for slow or stop. Flashing your signals as a courtesy to tell another driver to pass is illegal.

1. Move into the proper lane early and signal for at least 100 feet in town, 200 feet elsewhere.
2. Obey signs and signals, and check for pedestrians, bicyclists and emergency vehicles.
3. For a right turn, follow the curve of the curb and turn into the right-hand lane of the new road.
4. For a left turn, keep your wheels straight until you start to turn, then finish in the lane closest to your direction.
5. Watch for trucks and buses, which need more room, and for bicyclists in bike lanes.

Roundabouts and pedestrians

Slow down as you approach a roundabout, look for signs and markings, then turn right into the circle when it is safe. Stay in your lane, use your right signal when exiting, and check for vehicles continuing around before changing lanes or exiting.

When turning at any intersection, or turning on red, you must yield to pedestrians. Stop for a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk, and yield to people crossing with a walk signal, to people with disabilities, and to anyone entering the street from a driveway or alley.

Common mistakes

• Rolling through a right turn on red. You must make a complete stop first.
• Waving another driver through with your turn signals. Illinois law forbids this.
• Entering an intersection or crosswalk when traffic ahead is backed up. Wait until there is room to get all the way through without blocking it.
• Signaling only as you start turning. Start at least 100 feet before the turn in town.

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

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

Go deeper

• Illinois right of way, passing and signaling rules
• Illinois Instruction Permit at 15
• Illinois 50-Hour Driving Log