Rules of The Road: Intersections & Signals

Right-of-Way

• Right-of-way grants permission to proceed; cannot be taken, only given.
• If possessing the right-of-way, proceed only when safe; if not, wait for a safe gap or until another user yields.

Controlled Intersections

• Traffic light intersections are managed by traffic signals.
• STOP sign intersections are regulated by stop signs.

Roundabouts

• Circular intersections designed without traffic signals, allowing continuous flow.

Uncontrolled Intersections

• These intersections lack traffic control signs or signals.
• Driveways qualify as open intersections where no traffic devices are present.

T-Intersections

• Formed when a minor road ends at a major road without crossing, resembling the letter T.
• The major road persists through the intersection.

Railroad Crossings

• Special intersections where roadways meet railroad tracks.

Stop Lines or Limit Lines

• Indicate where vehicles must halt in absence of a STOP sign or red light.

Crosswalks

• Markings that enhance pedestrian visibility; can feature various designs.
• School zone crosswalks are typically painted yellow.
• Vehicles must stop behind the stop line at crosswalks or intersections.

Yield Markings

• A series of solid white triangles indicating the need to yield to pedestrians or cross traffic.

Railroad Markings

• Pavement signs before railroad crossings include "RR" symbols and crossbuck signs.

Four-Way Stop Rules

• Follow the "first in, first out" principle; yield to users who arrived first.
• Yield to the right if users arrive simultaneously; the user on the left yields to the user on the right.
• Turning traffic must yield to straight traffic.
• Make eye contact to resolve uncertainties about right-of-way.

Drawbridges

• Mechanical structures that raise or rotate to allow maritime passage.

Red Light - Drawbridge

• Indicates the bridge is operating; vehicles and pedestrians must stop.

Yellow Light - Drawbridge

• Signals impending operation of the bridge; stop safely if possible.

Green Light - Drawbridge

• Indicates the bridge is not operating; proceed with caution.

Roundabout Yielding

• Yield to traffic already circulating in the roundabout.

Road Users' Right-of-Way

• Pedestrians, bicyclists, and skateboarders must adhere to right-of-way rules.

Open/Uncontrolled Intersection Yielding

• Yield if the cross road is paved and your road is not.
• Yield if the cross road has more lanes than yours.

Four-Way Stop: Right-of-Way Rule

• At a four-way stop, yield to the vehicle on your right if you arrive simultaneously.