Left Turn First or Right Turn First?

[Maureen]

Right yields to left - Vehicles turning right in opposite directions must yield to vehicles turning left. Below is relevant information about vehicle turning: 1. Introduction to vehicle turning: During vehicle turning (motor-vehicle-steering), due to influences from terrain, traffic conditions, and driving resistance, drivers typically need to reduce speed and observe road conditions in the turning direction through rearview mirrors. When conditions permit turning and safety is ensured, the turn signal should be activated first, followed by executing the turn. After turning, once the steering wheel returns to center position, the turn signal will automatically deactivate. However, if due to negligence the steering wheel is turned before activating the turn signal, the automatic turn-off function will fail, requiring manual deactivation after turning. 2. Turning gear shift: Based on engine power and speed requirements during turns, drivers should operate the manual transmission gear lever to select appropriate gears. Turning gear shifts include pre-turn, mid-turn, and post-turn shifting.

[HaileyLee]

I remember when I first started driving, I was also confused about who should yield when turning left or right. It wasn't until I drove more long-distance trips that I understood the rules. China's traffic regulations are very clear: right-turning vehicles must yield to left-turning ones. Simply put, turning vehicles must yield to those going straight. But when there are no straight-going vehicles, left turns are much more dangerous than right turns because they require crossing the opposite lane at intersections, where any accident could have serious consequences. That's why left-turning vehicles are given priority. When I approach an intersection without traffic lights during normal driving, I habitually tap the brakes to observe the movements of right-turning vehicles and only proceed when it's safe. Don't rush those few seconds—safety is most important. By the way, intersections controlled by traffic lights are a different story; you must follow the signal indicators.

[LaEliana]

Our driving school instructor repeatedly emphasized the turning yield rule: at intersections without traffic lights, right-turning vehicles must yield to left-turning ones. The reasoning is simple—left-turning cars require more time to navigate the intersection and are more prone to crossing paths with through traffic. In comparison, right-turning vehicles merging into the same-direction lanes face lower risks. Last time when I drove my daughter to university registration, I encountered a similar situation at the urban-rural fringe where two small roads intersected without traffic lights. While making a right turn, I deliberately stopped to let an oncoming left-turning SUV pass first. This yielding rule is quite reasonable—it accommodates vehicles from higher-risk directions while maintaining intersection efficiency. I recommend novice drivers memorize this section of traffic regulation illustrations thoroughly.

[Diego]

Having handled traffic accidents for twenty years, I dread collisions caused by failure to yield when turning the most. According to the Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations, at intersections without traffic signals, right-turning vehicles must yield to left-turning vehicles. The reason is practical: left-turning vehicles have a longer trajectory, need to cross lanes, and have limited visibility. Once, I dealt with a chain-reaction rear-end collision caused by a right-turning truck failing to yield to a left-turning car. Remember two key points: first, check the road priority, and second, assess the danger level based on the turning direction. Especially on suburban roads, slow down in advance and observe vehicles approaching from both sides.