Right of way, turns and intersections in Missouri
Right-of-way rules decide who goes first when vehicles and pedestrians meet. Missouri law tells drivers who must yield; it never gives anyone an absolute right to go.
Most crashes happen at intersections, so this topic matters for the written test, the road test and everyday safety.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can handle four-way stops and uncontrolled intersections correctly.
- You can make left and right turns into the correct lane.
- You can enter, drive through and leave a roundabout.
- You can respond correctly to an approaching emergency vehicle.
What you need to know and understand
- At a four-way stop, the first driver to arrive and stop goes first.
- At an intersection with no signs or signals (other than a roundabout), yield to the vehicle on your right.
- Drivers turning left yield to oncoming traffic going straight.
- Vehicles entering from a driveway or alley yield to traffic already on the road.
- You may turn right on red after a full stop unless a sign forbids it.
- Signal at least 100 feet before turning.
- Do not use a two-way left-turn lane as a travel lane for more than 500 feet.
Who yields at intersections
- Pedestrians legally crossing: always yield to avoid striking them.
- Crossing a sidewalk or using a driveway, alley or parking lot: yield to pedestrians.
- Left turns: wait for oncoming vehicles going straight.
- Four-way stop: first to stop goes first.
- No signs or signals: yield to traffic from the right.
- Emergency vehicles with siren and flashing lights: pull to the right and stop; if you are already in the intersection, clear it first.
Turning into the right lane
Get into the correct lane early and signal at least 100 feet before you turn. For a right turn, stay close to the right and do not swing wide. For a left turn, start next to the center line and do not cut the corner. Without lane markings, turn from the lane closest to your new direction into the lane closest to the one you left, then change lanes later if needed. U-turns are banned at signalized intersections, where a sign prohibits them, and anywhere others cannot see you, such as on curves or hill crests.
Roundabouts and J-turns
Some Missouri four-lane highways use J-turns: instead of crossing fast traffic, you turn right, merge into the far left lane and then turn left to head in your intended direction.
- Slow down and choose your lane from signs and arrows.
- Look left and yield to traffic already in the circle, cyclists and pedestrians.
- Enter when there is a gap and travel counterclockwise, staying right of the center island.
- Do not stop, change lanes or pass inside the roundabout; give large trucks room.
- Signal right before your exit and watch for people crossing. If you miss your exit, go around again.
Common mistakes
- Rolling through a stop sign. Come to a full stop at the line, crosswalk or edge of the intersection.
- Turning left in front of oncoming traffic you misjudged. If in doubt, wait.
- Turning left to enter a roundabout. Always go right, counterclockwise.
- Stopping inside an intersection for an emergency vehicle instead of clearing it first.
Test yourself: Right of way, turns and intersections in Missouri
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Missouri Driver Guide, revised August 2026 (Missouri Department of Revenue). Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with the Missouri licensing agency.