Right-of-Way and Intersections
What this domain covers
Right-of-way rules decide who goes first when paths cross. The Missouri exam tests uncontrolled intersections, four-way stops, left turns, roundabouts, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles. Right-of-way is something you yield, not something you take; even when you have it, you must avoid a collision.
Core rules
At an uncontrolled intersection with no signs or signals, yield to the vehicle approaching from your right. At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop proceeds first; if two stop at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. A driver turning left across opposing traffic must yield to oncoming vehicles that are close enough to be a hazard. At a T-intersection, traffic on the road that ends yields to traffic on the through road. In a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating and enter to the right; do not stop inside the circle unless traffic requires it. Yield to pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, and to a blind pedestrian using a cane or guide dog. Pull to the right and stop for an emergency vehicle using lights or siren; if you are in an intersection, clear it before pulling over.
Worked example
You stop at a four-way stop at the same moment as a car on your right. The reasoning: simultaneous arrival creates a tie, and the driver on the left yields. That car is on your right, so you wait. If that car is signaling a left turn, it still has right-of-way over you because it is on your right; do not assume the turn changes the tie rule.
Traps
Waving another driver through when you have right-of-way can cause confusion and liability. Do not enter a roundabout just because you have a green light if the circle is blocked. At a stop sign, stopping behind the line is not enough if you then creep into the crosswalk. Do not follow an emergency vehicle closely or stop in the middle of an intersection.