What does 'Yield right to left, left to straight, turn to straight' mean?
3 Answers
Left turn yields to straight: In the process of road driving, vehicles turning left should, in principle, give way to vehicles going straight. Right turn yields to left turn: In the process of road driving, vehicles turning right should, in principle, give way to vehicles turning left. Below is the relevant content introduction: Relevant regulations: 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China' stipulate that when motor vehicles pass through intersections without traffic signal control or traffic police command, in addition to complying with the provisions of Article 51, paragraphs 2 and 3, it is clearly specified that when motor vehicles pass through intersections without traffic signal control or traffic police command, when traveling in opposite directions, right-turning motor vehicles must yield to left-turning vehicles first; when both are going straight, adhere to the principle of yielding to the right; turning vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles first.
This set of rules constitutes the fundamental principles of yielding at intersections. Having driven for decades, I must clarify that 'yield right to left' refers to uncontrolled intersections where vehicles approaching from the right must yield to those coming from the left. This is because the left side is typically the main road with heavier traffic flow, and prioritizing its movement enhances safety. 'Left-turning yields to straight' means vehicles intending to turn left must allow straight-moving vehicles to pass first, as straight-moving vehicles travel at higher speeds and cutting them off could easily cause accidents. 'Turning yields to straight' encompasses all turning scenarios—whether left or right turns—requiring yielding to through traffic. These regulations stem from the core philosophy of traffic laws: minimizing conflict points to ensure overall traffic efficiency. I frequently encounter such situations while urban driving, and strict adherence not only smoothens intersection flow but also prevents minor hassles like rear-end collisions or side-swipes. Novice drivers should practice these scenarios extensively during training, combining situational awareness with proper yielding timing—never fixating solely on traffic lights, as safety consciousness should always take precedence.
As a newly licensed driver, I often practice these rules at driving school. 'Yield right to left' simply means at an unsignalized intersection, the vehicle on the right yields to the one on the left; the instructor says this is designed based on driving sightlines and priority order. 'Left yields to straight' means when turning left, you must give priority to vehicles going straight, otherwise the fast-moving straight traffic could collide. 'Turn yields to straight' is more comprehensive—all turning movements must let straight-going vehicles pass first. These rules help coordinate intersection flow, preventing traffic jams or accidents. I've driven through suburban intersections without traffic lights, and applying these rules isn't difficult—observe surrounding vehicle movements, stay patient, and remember that yielding saves time and effort. Don't rush to take the right of way; safe driving is most important. Memorizing traffic signs combined with practice will make it second nature.
