Right of way, turns and intersections in Virginia

By the end of this topic you can

• You can decide who goes first at an uncontrolled intersection.
• You can handle a four-way stop calmly and in the right order.
• You can make a legal right turn on red, and a left on red from one one-way street to another.
• You can enter and leave a roundabout safely.
• You can stop correctly for pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

What you need to know and understand

• At an uncontrolled intersection, when two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
• You may turn right on a steady red light after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it.
• You may turn left on red after a full stop only from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless prohibited.
• A red arrow means stay stopped until a green signal appears, unless a sign allows a turn.
• When turning on red, yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk and to other traffic.
• At a marked crosswalk, you must stop when a pedestrian is in your lane or an adjacent lane.
• Turning left across traffic means yielding to oncoming vehicles that are close enough to be a hazard.

Who goes first

• Uncontrolled intersection: yield to the vehicle on your right if you arrive together.
• Four-way stop: the first vehicle to stop completely goes first. If two arrive together, the driver on the right goes first.
• Turning left: yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before you turn.
• Leaving a driveway, alley or parking lot: stop and yield to everyone on the road and sidewalk.
• Emergency vehicles with sirens and lights: pull to the nearest edge of the road, clear of the intersection, and stop.

Turning on red, the safe way

1. Come to a complete stop at the stop line or before the crosswalk.
2. Check for a 'No Turn on Red' sign or a red arrow. If either applies, wait for green.
3. Look left, right and left again, and check the crosswalk you will cross.
4. Yield to pedestrians and cross traffic, then turn into the nearest proper lane.
5. For a left on red, make sure both streets are one-way before turning.

Roundabouts

Virginia has many modern roundabouts. Slow down as you approach, choose your lane from the signs, and yield to traffic already circulating. Traffic moves counterclockwise. Enter when there is a safe gap, do not stop inside the circle, and signal right as you approach your exit. Watch for pedestrians at the crosswalks on each leg.

Pedestrians at crosswalks

At a clearly marked crosswalk, you must stop, not just slow down, when a pedestrian is in your lane or the next lane. Never pass a car that has stopped at a crosswalk; it may be hiding someone crossing. Some Northern Virginia localities, and the Town of Ashland, may also post signs at marked crosswalks requiring drivers to yield or stop for pedestrians.

Common mistakes

• Rolling through a right on red without a full stop.
• Turning left on red from a two-way street. It is only allowed from one-way to one-way.
• Waving another driver through at a four-way stop when it is your turn. It confuses others; follow the order.
• Stopping inside a roundabout to let someone in. Keep moving and yield only at the entry.

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

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

Go deeper

• Moving to Virginia
• How to Get a Driver’s License in Virginia
• Virginia 45-Hour Driving Log and Driver Ed Requirements