Right-of-way rules decide who goes first when paths cross. The rule is always about yielding, giving way, never about taking priority. Right-of-way is something you give, not something you own.
- All-way stop: the first vehicle to come to a complete stop goes first; if two arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
- Uncontrolled intersection: with no signs or signals, yield to any vehicle that arrives first, and to the vehicle on your right if you arrive together.
- Left turns: yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians crossing the road you are turning into.
- Entering a road: a vehicle entering from a driveway, parking lot, or private road yields to traffic already on the road.
- Roundabouts: traffic flows counter-clockwise. Slow down on approach, yield to traffic already circulating and to pedestrians, enter only on a safe gap, keep moving, and signal right as you reach your exit.
- Emergency vehicles: when one approaches with lights and siren, pull as far to the right as is safe and stop until it passes.
Common mistake: assuming you have the right-of-way because a sign or light favours you. Even with a green light you must yield to anyone already in the intersection or crossing legally.
⚠️ Trap: At an all-way stop the rule is "first to stop goes first" not "vehicle on the right always goes first". The right-hand rule only breaks a tie when two vehicles stop at the same moment.
Recall: At an all-way stop, who goes first? Who yields when two cars stop at the exact same time?