Right of way rules, explained
Each rule has a short answer, an animation of how it plays out, and the mistakes new drivers make. Rules you have gotten right in the game show a check.
1
Right of way basics
Who goes first at a four-way stop? First to stop is first to go.What does a yield sign mean? Yield means let cross traffic go first.Who goes first when two cars stop at the same time? A tie goes to the car on the right.Do pedestrians always have the right of way in a crosswalk? People in a crosswalk always go first.Who has the right of way when turning left on a green light? Turning left on green? Oncoming traffic goes first.When do you have to stop for a school bus? Flashing red on a school bus means everyone stops.What do you do when an ambulance comes up behind you? Lights and siren? Pull right and stop.
2
Turns and crossings
Can you turn right on a red light? Right on red: full stop, then yield.Who goes first: the car going straight or the car turning left? Facing each other? Straight goes before left.Do you have to yield to pedestrians when turning on green? Turning? People crossing go first.Who has the right of way in a roundabout? Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.What do you do at a railroad crossing with flashing lights? Flashing lights at tracks: stop and wait.
3
Sharing the road
Who has the right of way when merging onto a highway? Merging? Match speed and find a gap.How far behind another car should you drive? Keep at least a 3-second gap.How do you check your blind spot before changing lanes? Mirror, signal, shoulder check.How much space should you give a cyclist when passing? Pass cyclists with a safe gap and 3+ feet.What do you do when a flagger holds a STOP sign? Obey the flagger: STOP means stop.
4
More intersections
Who goes first at an intersection with no signs? No signs? First to arrive, then yield to the right.Who has the right of way at a T-intersection? Road ends at a T? Yield to the through road.What do you do when pulling out of a driveway? Leaving a driveway? Yield to people, then traffic.What do you do when a person with a white cane is crossing? White cane or guide dog? Stop and wait.What do you do when traffic lights are out? Dark signal? Treat it as a four-way stop.What do you do if an emergency vehicle comes while your light is green? Siren near an intersection? Stay out and let it pass.
5
Lanes and turns
Which lane do you turn into when turning right? Right turn? End up in the right lane.Which lane do you turn into when turning left? Left turn? End up in the left lane.How do you turn right across a bike lane? Turning across a bike lane? Cyclists go first.How do you use a center left-turn lane? Center lane is for left turns only.How far before a turn should you signal? Signal at least 100 feet before you turn.When can you make a U-turn? U-turn only where allowed, after yielding.
6
Passing and highways
When is it safe to pass on a two-lane road? Pass only on a broken line with clear road ahead.Can you pass near the top of a hill or on a curve? Can't see ahead? Don't pass.What should you do when another car is passing you? Being passed? Don't speed up.What do you do if you miss your highway exit? Missed your exit? Take the next one.Which lane should you drive in on a multi-lane highway? Keep right except to pass.What do you do when someone is tailgating you? Tailgater? Add space ahead and let them by.
7
Trucks, bikes and buses
Where are a truck's blind spots? Can't see the trucker's mirrors? They can't see you.Why do trucks swing wide when turning right? Truck turning right? Don't squeeze in.How should you share the road with motorcycles? Motorcycles get the full lane.Do you have to let a bus pull out from a stop? Bus signaling to pull out? Let it in.What if someone crosses mid-block at night? People are hard to see at night. Always avoid them.What does an orange triangle on a vehicle mean? Orange triangle? Slow vehicle ahead.
8
Parking
How do you parallel park? Parallel park within 12 to 18 inches of the curb.Which way do you turn your wheels parking downhill? Downhill: wheels toward the curb.Which way do you turn your wheels parking uphill? Uphill with a curb: wheels away from the curb.Which way do you turn your wheels on a hill with no curb? No curb: wheels toward the edge of the road.How close can you park to a fire hydrant? Park at least 15 feet from a fire hydrant.How do you pull out of a parallel parking space? Leaving a space? Wait for a gap.
9
Night, weather and emergencies
When do you have to dim your high beams? Dim high beams for oncoming cars and when following.What do you do if your car hydroplanes? Hydroplaning? Ease off and steer straight.Which lights should you use in fog? Fog: low beams, slow down, more space.What do you do if your car skids? Skidding? Look and steer where you want to go.What do you do if a tire blows out? Blowout? Grip, ease off, then pull over.What should you do after a minor crash? Crash? Stop, check, move to safety, exchange info.