Right of way
Right-of-way rules decide who should go first when road users meet. The law does not give anyone the right-of-way; it tells drivers when they must yield (let others go first).
Even when the rules say another driver should yield to you, never insist. If they do not yield, let them go. Avoiding a crash always matters more than being right.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can apply right-of-way rules at controlled and uncontrolled intersections.
- You can yield correctly when turning left.
- You can enter a road from a driveway or parking lot safely.
- You can yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- You can respond correctly to emergency vehicles.
What you need to know and understand
- Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- At an intersection without signs or signals, the first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive together, yield to the one on your right.
- At a T intersection without signs, traffic on the through road has the right-of-way, as the California handbook explains.
- When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic close enough to be a hazard and to pedestrians.
- When entering a road from a driveway, alley or parking lot, yield to all traffic and pedestrians.
- Pull to the right and stop for emergency vehicles using sirens and lights, unless you are in an intersection, which you should clear first.
- Blind pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog always have the right-of-way.
Common yield situations
- Yield signs: slow down, be ready to stop and let traffic and pedestrians go first.
- Green light: you may go, but still yield to vehicles and pedestrians already in the intersection.
- Left turns: oncoming traffic going straight or turning right usually goes first.
- Merging and entering: traffic already on the road has priority.
- School buses: stopping rules for flashing red lights vary by state: check your state manual.
Pedestrians and cyclists
Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, whether the crosswalk is painted or not. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, as someone may be crossing out of view. Give extra time to older people, people with small children and people with disabilities. Treat cyclists as vehicles: they follow the same right-of-way rules.
Emergency vehicles
- When you hear a siren or see flashing lights, find where the vehicle is coming from.
- Signal and move as far right as safely possible, then stop.
- If you are in an intersection, drive through it first, then pull over.
- Stay stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed, then check traffic before moving off.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a green light means the way is clear.
- Turning left in front of oncoming traffic that is too close.
- Pulling out of a driveway without yielding to the sidewalk and road.
- Waving another driver through when it is not your place to do so.
Test yourself: Right of way
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: California Driver's Handbook, Section 7 (dmv.ca.gov); Uniform Vehicle Code right-of-way concepts. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your state DMV.