Which Goes First When Turning Left or Right?
3 Answers
When turning right, vehicles should yield to those turning left. At intersections with traffic signals, drivers must obey the traffic rules. However, not all road sections have traffic signals. There are three priority principles for driving at intersections without traffic signals: 1. When two vehicles are going straight, the vehicle on the right has the right of way: This applies not only at intersections but also when vehicles on the left and right sides merge into the same lane simultaneously—the vehicle on the right should merge first. 2. Right-turning vehicles yield to straight-going vehicles: Right turns are usually not controlled by traffic lights, and the traffic volume from the opposite direction going straight is higher than right-turning traffic. Therefore, to ensure traffic efficiency, right-turning vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles. At intersections without traffic lights, both left- and right-turning vehicles must yield to straight-going vehicles. 3. Right-turning vehicles yield to left-turning vehicles: Regardless of whether there are traffic signals, right-turning vehicles must always yield to left-turning vehicles first.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I've witnessed countless conflicts at intersections. The question of who has the right of way between left-turning and right-turning vehicles is crucial. At a four-way stop without traffic lights, vehicles usually proceed in the order they arrive. If two cars arrive simultaneously, the right-turning vehicle typically goes first since it doesn't need to cross opposing lanes, making it much safer. Left turns, on the other hand, are more hazardous as they must yield to oncoming straight traffic and often cause congestion or collisions. Remember to slow down, observe carefully, and only proceed when safe at such intersections. At signalized intersections, straight and right turns usually proceed simultaneously on green lights, while left turns must wait for a dedicated arrow or safe gap. Ultimately, right-of-way isn't absolute - stay flexible based on actual conditions rather than rigid rules, and always check mirrors and blind spots to ensure no vehicles or pedestrians interfere with your movement.
As someone who has progressed from being a novice driver to now commuting daily, I encounter these situations regularly. The traffic rules clearly state who has the right of way when turning left or right: in most countries, including China, right-turning vehicles generally have higher priority. This is because at intersections without traffic lights, left turns require crossing the main road, posing greater risks and being more prone to accidents, whereas right turns allow for smoother traffic flow. For example, when encountering a stop sign, right-turning vehicles can proceed directly as long as there are no pedestrians; but left-turning vehicles must ensure there are no oncoming cars for safety. Additionally, on urban roads with dedicated right-turn lanes, right turns are always unimpeded, while left turns may be controlled by traffic lights. I recommend that everyone drive with more awareness and attention to the road, rather than just rushing to accelerate. This not only helps avoid tickets but also ensures safety. Develop the habit of checking blind spots before turning, driving slowly at low speeds, and yielding to other road users to collectively maintain traffic order.
