Rules:
Drivers turning left must yield to vehicles going straight.
Drivers turning straight generally have the right of way over vehicles turning straight.
Vehicles turning right generally have the right of way over vehicles turning left, all other things being equal.
Why it’s tricky: When multiple vehicles are approaching at roughly the same time, and some are turning while others are going straight, applying all these rules simultaneously can be a real mental juggling act. For example, if a car going straight approaches a car turning right to left at the same time as a car turning left to right and another car turning left to right, who goes first? The situation quickly gets complicated.
Solution: Play it safe. A car going straight usually has a strong claim. If you’re turning left, always wait for oncoming traffic. When in doubt, yield.
4. Yield Signs at Multi-Lane or Complex Intersections
A yield sign means that you must yield to traffic on the road through the intersection.
The rule: You must slow down and yield to traffic on the road you are entering or crossing. If there is no traffic, you are not required to stop, but you should be able to do so if necessary.
Why it’s confusing: Yield signs are sometimes placed in locations with complex traffic patterns (such as lane merges, multiple turn opportunities, or intersections with unusual geometry). Drivers may misjudge their speed or distance from oncoming vehicles, or be unsure which vehicle to yield to in multi-lane situations.
Solution: Always approach a yield sign ready to stop. Carefully assess the traffic on the road you are yielding to. If possible, establish eye contact with other drivers.
5. “Implied Main Roads” vs. “Right before Left” (common in Europe)
In many European countries, the default rule at non-traffic-lighted intersections is “right before right.”
