Which Vehicle Has the Right of Way When Turning Left or Right?
3 Answers
Right-turning vehicles must yield to left-turning vehicles. Below are the specific rules regarding right-of-way: 1. Reason for right-turning vehicles yielding to left-turning vehicles: Left-turning vehicles spend more time navigating the intersection than right-turning vehicles, affecting other vehicles and pedestrians for a longer duration and being more susceptible to interference from other traffic. Therefore, right-turning vehicles should yield to left-turning vehicles. Failure to do so may cause traffic congestion at the intersection. 2. Right-of-way rules: When traffic signs or markings are present, yield to the vehicle with priority; in the absence of traffic signs or markings, stop and observe before entering the intersection, yielding to vehicles approaching from the right.
The right-of-way rules when turning are crucial. As an experienced driver with over a decade behind the wheel, at intersections without traffic lights, right-turning vehicles usually have priority, so left-turning vehicles must yield to them. This is because right turns are shorter in distance and go directly to the roadside, making accidents less likely. Once, I didn’t yield while turning left, and two cars almost collided—fortunately, we slowed down and stopped in time. Pedestrians also matter; at crosswalks, they have the right of way, and you must stop and wait. The rule is to yield to right-turning vehicles first, then to straight-going ones, but in practice, it depends on traffic light changes. Stop and observe—don’t rush to cut in. Safety comes first; otherwise, points and fines are minor compared to the trouble of an accident. Remember one thing: slowing down and observing can prevent 90% of problems. When turning, don’t just watch for cars—also pay attention to the bike lanes.
I just got my driver's license, and I've always been confused about who yields to whom when turning. The instructor always said right-turning vehicles have the right of way, so when turning left, you should actively stop and wait for right-turning cars to pass. This is common at intersections without traffic lights because right turns directly enter the outer lane, causing fewer conflicts. At first, I was afraid to turn, fearing misjudgment. After more practice, I understood that the yielding principle when turning is to prevent crossing collisions and ensure smooth traffic flow. Also, pay attention to traffic light changes; everyone must stop at red lights, while right-turning vehicles can proceed first at green lights. Check your side and rearview mirrors frequently to develop safe habits and avoid accidents. For safety, don't rely on intuition—rules are more reliable than feelings.
