What are the three yielding principles for turning vehicles to yield to straight-going vehicles?
3 Answers
The three yielding principles for turning vehicles to yield to straight-going vehicles are: yield to vehicles coming from the right, turning vehicles yield to straight-going vehicles, and right-turning vehicles yield to left-turning vehicles in opposite directions. The Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China stipulates: turning motor vehicles must yield to straight-going motor vehicles, meaning left-turning vehicles should yield to straight-going vehicles. When motor vehicles pass through intersections without traffic lights or traffic police directing traffic: 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 and observe before entering the intersection, yielding to vehicles coming from the right; 3. Turning motor vehicles yield to straight-going motor vehicles; 4. Right-turning motor vehicles yield to left-turning vehicles in opposite directions.
I've been driving for almost twenty years, and the 'three yield' principle for turning vehicles yielding to through traffic is actually a core part of traffic rules. When turning, you must let through traffic go first to avoid accidents. Specifically, the three yields refer to: first, yielding to through traffic—meaning when you're about to turn, you should stop or slow down to ensure the through vehicles pass before you turn; second, yielding to pedestrians—always give way to pedestrians crossing the road, especially the elderly and children; third, yielding to special vehicles like ambulances or bicycles—don’t cut them off. Why is this principle important? I’ve personally seen a friend get into an accident because they didn’t yield while turning, costing a lot in repairs and nearly injuring someone. So every time I approach an intersection, I’ve made it a habit to check the rearview mirror multiple times to confirm safety. Safety first is far better than rushing, and following the rules ensures smooth driving.
I remember when I was first learning to drive, the instructor kept emphasizing the principle of 'yielding to through traffic when turning.' The 'three yields' might be a simplified version taught by driving schools: first, turning vehicles must yield to through traffic as a basic rule; then, yield to vehicles from other directions, such as those coming from the right; and finally, yield to all vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Why is this necessary? Through traffic moves at higher speeds and finds it harder to slow down. If turning vehicles don’t yield, it can easily lead to rear-end collisions or side impacts—I actually failed my mock test once for not yielding. In real-world driving, especially at busy intersections like school zones, I make sure to slow down, observe carefully, and only turn when I’m certain there are no pedestrians or vehicles. Following these rules not only protects you but also reduces traffic congestion and conflicts. Experience has taught me that safe driving is built on these small details—don’t be like those reckless drivers who rush and cut in, only to end up in trouble.
