Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
Who goes first, and why
Right-of-way questions reward a simple hierarchy. At an uncontrolled intersection, the vehicle that arrives first goes first; if two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way. A vehicle already in the intersection has the right-of-way over one entering it. When you are turning left, you must yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians in the crosswalk. When entering a roadway from a driveway, alley, or private road, you yield to all traffic already on the road.
Following, passing, and lane use
Oregon's basic following rule is the three-second rule in good conditions - pick a fixed object and count three seconds after the car ahead passes it. Increase that gap in rain, at night, or when following motorcycles or large trucks. Pass on the left unless the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is room on the right. Never pass on a hill or curve where you cannot see far enough ahead, and never cross a solid yellow line to pass. On multi-lane roads, drive in the right lane except when passing or preparing to turn left.
Traps to watch for
Questions bait you with "the driver on the left" or with a left-turning driver who assumes the arrow gives permanent priority. Another trap is the four-way stop: the rule is first-arrived, first-served, then yield to the right for ties - not "whoever waves." Also watch for emergency vehicles: pull to the right and stop when one approaches with lights and siren.
Worked example
You and another car reach a four-way stop at the same moment, and the other car is on your right. Rule of thumb: yield to the right. Let that car go, then proceed when the intersection is clear.