How to Navigate an Intersection Without Traffic Signals?
4 Answers
For vehicles traveling in opposite directions, those turning right should yield to those turning left. The specific rules are as follows: 1. Specific Rules: If there are traffic signs or markings, yield to the party with the right of way; if there are no traffic signs or markings, stop and look before entering the intersection, yielding to vehicles coming from the right; turning vehicles must yield to vehicles going straight; for vehicles traveling in opposite directions, those turning right should yield to those turning left. 2. Timely Use of Turn Signals: When passing through an intersection without traffic signals or police direction, motor vehicles should adhere to: vehicles preparing to enter a roundabout must yield to those already in the intersection; when turning left, turn from the left side of the intersection center point. Always use turn signals when turning, and switch to low beams when driving at night.
Yesterday, while delivering goods, I encountered this situation at an intersection without traffic lights. We truck drivers all understand that yielding to the main road is a basic principle. For example, vehicles coming out of alleys must wait for the traffic on the main road to pass. If the size of the two roads is unclear, then look to the right—the vehicle on the right has the right of way. The safest approach is to slow down to a speed where you can stop at any moment, roll down the window to listen for sounds, and be especially cautious of electric scooters suddenly darting out. I usually hover my foot over the brake as I approach the intersection, having seen too many collision cases at intersections during repairs.
Our driving school instructor particularly emphasizes the sequence for handling uncontrolled intersections: first observe, second slow down, and third yield. First check for traffic signs - a 'STOP' sign requires coming to a complete halt. When vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. Turning vehicles must yield to those going straight, with left-turning vehicles yielding to both straight-going and right-turning vehicles. The key is to slow down in advance and observe approaching vehicles from all directions, avoiding hesitation in the middle of the intersection. Last time when taking students for practice, we encountered a situation where a right-turning vehicle cut in and nearly collided with a straight-going car.
I always struggled to remember the rules for intersections without traffic lights when getting my driver's license, but only truly understood them when I started driving myself. The most daunting situation is encountering an intersection with vehicles approaching from all four directions. Later, a traffic police friend taught me a trick: treat the steering wheel as a clock face and yield to vehicles coming from the 12 o'clock direction. For example, if I'm heading north, I should yield to a car coming from the east (3 o'clock direction). When unsure who has the right of way, proactively gesture to let the other party go first. Once on a rainy day at a hospital intersection, three cars all stopped politely, and in the end, it was the bus driver who waved us smaller cars to go first.
