Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
This domain tests who goes first, how to use lanes, and how to pass and follow safely. Right-of-way is never “taken”; it is yielded.
Intersections
- At an uncontrolled intersection, yield to the vehicle on your right.
- At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to stop goes first. If two stop at the same time, the driver on the right goes first; a driver going straight has priority over an oncoming left-turning driver.
- A left turn must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
- At a roundabout, yield to traffic already in the circle and enter to the right.
Following, passing and lanes
- Use the two-second following rule in good conditions and at least four seconds on snow, ice, gravel or in poor visibility.
- Pass on the left, only when safe and legal: not at an intersection, railway crossing, solid line, hill or curve.
- Keep right except when passing; slower traffic stays right.
- When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights or siren, pull to the right and stop.
Worked example
You stop at a four-way stop. The vehicle opposite arrives at the same time and signals a left turn; you are going straight. You have priority because through traffic goes before an oncoming left turn. Proceed after checking that the left-turning driver actually yields.
Traps
A green light is not an absolute right of way - pedestrians and a clear intersection still matter. “First to stop” is not the same as “biggest vehicle.” Do not pass on the right or crowd a vehicle that is turning. Do not follow so closely that you cannot see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead.