Intersections, Giving Way and Traffic Signals
Core concepts
At an intersection, the order of control is: police officer, then traffic lights, then signs, then the general give-way rules. A green light means you may proceed if the intersection is clear; a yellow light means stop unless stopping is unsafe; a red light means stop before the line. A flashing yellow at a pedestrian crossing means give way to pedestrians. Stop signs require a full stop at the line, then give way. Give-way signs require you to slow and yield to traffic on the priority road.
When there are no signs or lights, the general rule is to give way to the right in many jurisdictions, but check your local rule because some places use a different default. Always give way to pedestrians at crossings and to vehicles already in the intersection. When turning right across oncoming traffic, you must yield to vehicles coming towards you. When turning left, yield to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering.
Traps to watch
- A green light does not mean the intersection is clear; you must not block it.
- A yellow light is not a signal to speed up; it means stop if you safely can.
- Turning vehicles must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, even on a green light.
- At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive together, the one on the right usually goes.
Worked example
You approach a four-way stop. A car is already stopped on your left. You arrive second. The car on your left arrived first, so it proceeds first, even though it is on your left. If you had arrived at the same time, you would give way to the right.
Rule of thumb
Order of control: police, lights, signs, general rules. When in doubt, yield.