Lesson 4 · More intersections
Who has the right of way at a T-intersection?
Short answer
Traffic on the through road. If your road ends at the T, you must yield to cars on the road you are entering.
Watch it play out
How to do it
- Slow down and stop if you need to, before the crosswalk or edge of the road.
- Look both ways along the through road.
- Wait for a gap big enough that no one has to brake for you.
- Turn into the correct lane.
Why the rule works this way
Through traffic does not expect cars to pull out in front of it. Giving it priority keeps the main road flowing and avoids side impact crashes.
Common mistakes
- Pulling out because you arrived first.
- Turning left into the near lane and cutting across traffic.
Questions people ask
What if the T has a stop sign?
Then you stop first and still yield to through traffic before you go.