At a Crossroads, Should the Left Yield to the Right or the Right Yield to the Left?
4 Answers
Left yields to the right. Related explanation: 1. Regulation basis: According to Article 52 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": When a motor vehicle passes through an intersection without traffic signal control or traffic police command, in addition to complying with the provisions of Items (2) and (3) of Article 51, it shall also comply with the following provisions: If there are traffic signs or markings controlling the right of way, the party with priority shall proceed first; if there are no traffic signs or markings controlling the right of way, stop and look before entering the intersection, and yield to vehicles coming from the right. 2. Extension: In the case where motor vehicles on both the left and right sides are changing lanes towards the middle simultaneously, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right to change lanes first. This is for safety considerations, as if a collision occurs between the two vehicles, the vehicle on the right might be hit on the driver's side, hence the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. Similarly, at a crossroads without traffic lights, vehicles going straight must also yield to vehicles coming from their right-hand direction going straight. Otherwise, in the event of a collision, full responsibility is undeniable.
I've been driving for over a decade, and this 'left yields to right' rule at intersections is crucial. The traffic regulations clearly state that at unsignalized intersections, vehicles turning right have the right of way. Last time when I was turning left, I proactively yielded to a car approaching from the right, which confused my novice colleague in the back seat. Actually, this rule exists to prevent blind spot collisions - especially since right-turning vehicles often have their view blocked by the A-pillar. Once at an industrial zone intersection during early morning hours, if I hadn't lifted off the throttle to yield to a truck approaching from the right, we would have collided. Remember, yielding to through traffic when turning is an ironclad rule - never rush those few seconds.
Back when I was getting my driver's license, the instructor kept emphasizing: turning left is like crossing the street—you gotta look around. In China, the driver's seat is on the left, so right turns have more blind spots, which is why the law gives right-turning vehicles priority. Once, I was making a left turn in an SUV when an electric scooter suddenly darted out from the right. I slammed the brakes so hard the ABS kicked in. Now, I've developed a habit at intersections: first check the right mirror, then glance at the right window. Especially on rainy days, it's best to roll down the window and listen for any sounds. Those reckless drivers who cut in should really retake the fourth exam—safety is no joke.
Key points for novice drivers: Turning vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles, and right-turning vehicles have higher priority than left-turning ones. The principle is simple - right-turning vehicles are closer to oncoming traffic lanes, thus facing greater collision risks. I remember last year on a county road in my hometown, when I yielded to a right-turning farm tricycle while making a left turn, an Audi behind me started honking furiously. In such situations, ignore road ragers - your life matters more than pride. After driving with kids, I've become more cautious and always silently recite the "yield to right" rule during turns. While modern cars come with blind spot monitoring systems, never rely entirely on electronic aids.
