At an intersection, should straight-going vehicles yield to left-turning or right-turning vehicles?
2 Answers
Yielding to either left-turning or right-turning vehicles when going straight is not in compliance with regulations. The correct yielding rule is that turning vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles. When straight-going vehicles encounter turning vehicles, it is the turning vehicles that must yield to the straight-going ones, not the other way around. If a traffic accident occurs due to a turning vehicle failing to yield to a straight-going vehicle, the turning vehicle will bear full responsibility. Below are the relevant regulations: When motor vehicles pass through intersections without traffic signals or traffic police directing traffic, in addition to complying with the provisions of Article 51, Paragraphs (2) and (3), they must also adhere to the following rules: 1. If there are traffic signs or markings, yield to the party with the right of way. 2. If there are no traffic signs or markings, stop before entering the intersection, look around, and yield to vehicles coming from the right; vehicles on minor roads must yield to those on major roads. 3. Turning motor vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles. 4. Right-turning motor vehicles traveling in the opposite direction must yield to left-turning vehicles.
When I first started driving, I also often wondered about this - at a crossroad when going straight, should I yield to the left or right. After years of experience, I've learned that at uncontrolled intersections in right-hand traffic countries, generally you should give priority to vehicles coming from the right. Cars approaching from the right are usually closer to your path, and these rules are designed to minimize collisions. I always slow down first and make sure there are no cars coming from the right before proceeding; don't just rely on the rules, you also need to assess the actual situation - like waiting a few extra seconds in foggy conditions or when pedestrians are present. Occasionally when encountering inexperienced drivers trying to cut in, I'll honk as a reminder, but staying calm is most important - don't risk an accident just to save a few seconds. During regular car maintenance, I always check the braking system - this habit can be life-saving in critical moments, especially since intersections are high-risk areas. Driving isn't just about speed - it's more about anticipation.
