Intersections, Priority and Right-of-Way
Types of intersection
Intersections are regulated (by lights or a controller) or unregulated (by signs or by the general priority rule). At a regulated intersection, follow the signal; at an unregulated one, follow signs, then markings, then the general rule.
The general rule
The general priority rule (the "right-hand rule") applies at equal-status unregulated intersections: yield to vehicles approaching from your right. This rule is displaced by any priority sign. A priority road sign means you go first; a give way or STOP sign means you yield to all traffic on the crossing road.
Turning and straight-through
A vehicle going straight has priority over a vehicle turning left across its path. A vehicle turning right must yield to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road it is entering. A vehicle entering an intersection must not block it if traffic beyond is stationary.
Traps
Questions mix the right-hand rule with sign priority: if a priority-road sign is present, the right-hand rule does not apply. Another trap: a driver turning left must yield not only to oncoming traffic but also to pedestrians on the crossing being entered. A third: at a T-junction, the road ending yields to the through road.
Worked example
You approach an unregulated crossroads with no signs. A car approaches from your right. You must yield - the right-hand rule applies. If instead you hold a priority-road sign and the other car faces a give-way sign, you go first, regardless of the right-hand rule.