Rules of the road
Lesson 4 · More intersections

Who goes first at an intersection with no signs?

Short answer

The car that gets there first goes first. If two cars arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

Watch it play out

How to do it

  1. Slow down as you approach. Treat it like a yield until you know it is clear.
  2. Look left, right and left again for cars, bikes and people.
  3. If a car got there before you, let it go first.
  4. If you arrive at the same time, the car on the right goes first.

Why the rule works this way

With no sign giving anyone priority, drivers need a shared tiebreaker. Yielding to the right is the same rule used at four-way stops, so it is easy to remember.

Common mistakes

  • Keeping your speed because you do not see a stop sign.
  • Assuming the wider or busier-looking road has the right of way.
In VirginiaIf two drivers arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. See all Virginia rules

Questions people ask

Are uncontrolled intersections common?

Mostly in neighborhoods and rural areas. They are easy to miss, so slow down at any corner without signs.