Uncontrolled Intersection. Right-of-Way Rules

Updated Oct. 22, 2020

An uncontrolled intersection is one of the most common types of intersections out there. An uncontrolled intersection is a road intersection with no traffic light or road signs to indicate the right-of-way. This type of intersection is very common for rural and residential areas. Generally, the right-of-way is determined by the order of arrival to the intersection and relative positions of vehicles on the road. While you are not required to come to a complete stop at an uncontrolled intersection in most states, you need to slow down and look out for cross traffic. Approaching from the right does not automatically grant you the right of way and does not excuse you from slowing down before entering the intersection.

Right-of-way At Uncontrolled Intersections
Uncontrolled T-intersection
What do you do at an uncontrolled intersection?

Right-of-way At Uncontrolled Intersections

When there are no traffic signals or road signs to help you determine the right-of-way, exercise cautions and use the following simple rules to determine who has the right-of-way.

The vehicle that arrived at the intersection first has the right-of-way.
If two vehicles arrive at the intersection at roughly the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left must give way to the driver of the vehicle on the right.
When making a left turn, yield to all oncoming traffic EVEN if you were the first one to enter the intersection.

Uncontrolled T-intersection

At a T-intersection that is not being controlled by a traffic light or traffic signs, the driver on the terminating road must yield the right-of-way to cross traffic and pedestrians crossing the street. This also applies when you are entering a highway from a driveway or a private road.

What do you do at an uncontrolled intersection?

1
Slow down when approaching the intersection, even if there is no other traffic in sight (note that some states, such as Arizona, require you to treat any unregulated intersection as a four-way stop intersection and come to a complete stop before going through).
2
If there is cross-traffic and a vehicle has already entered the intersection, allow the vehicle to safely proceed through
3
Look to either side to make sure there are no other vehicles approaching the intersection at high speed.
4
If another vehicle arrived at the intersection at the same time as you did and the vehicle is located on your right, give way
5
Proceed through the intersection

Remember that the right-of-way does not have to be taken at all times and you may yield it to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

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Roundabouts

A roundabout is an uncontrolled intersection or an intersection controlled by road signs where traffic moves counterclockwise around a central island. Access to the roundabout is usually controlled by YIELD signs that may be duplicated with additional yield line pavement markings.

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Turn Lanes

Turn lanes are traffic lanes that allow you to make a right or left turn at an intersection or to a side-road. Turn lanes are controlled by road signs and pavement markings that show you the direction of travel from the lane.

Driving Through Intersections 6 of 7

T Intersections

T-intersection is a three-way junction where three roads come together. Just like with any other intersection, you must exercise caution when approaching it and you should slow down and watch out for other traffic and pedestrians even if you are traveling on the through road and have the right-of-way.

Review

Pavement Markings 2 of 4

Standard Road Markings

Most pavement markings you will encounter are painted lines, or patterns formed with painted lines. A great deal of information is held in these simple markings. Painted pavement lines are used to regulate traffic flow, define lanes, reinforce road signs or cordon off parts of the roadway which drivers must avoid.

Pavement Markings 3 of 4

Lettering and Symbols on the Road

Where road markings must impart very specific information, you will often encounter letters, words or symbols painted on the pavement. Pavement letters and symbols may be used to describe restrictions in a certain area, indicate lane use and warn road users about a hazard.

Pavement Markings 4 of 4

Parking Spaces and Colored Curbs

Parking spaces are usually partially or completely marked out with white lines, to help drivers position their vehicles. The markings allow the maximum number of vehicles to fit in a parking area while ensuring there is a safe space around each one.

People Directing Traffic 1 of 1

People Directing Traffic

Motorists may sometimes encounter authorized personnel directing traffic in place of road signs, signals and pavement markings. People who are authorized to direct traffic under such circumstances include police officers, construction workers, known as "flaggers", and crossing guards.

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Intersections

An intersection is a point where two or more roads join together. An intersection is an especially dangerous part of the road due to the fact that vehicle trajectories may intersect, which would automatically result in a crash. According to statistics, crashes at intersections, driveways and highway entrance ramps are the second most common type of traffic accidents, it comes right after hitting a stationary object.

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Controlled Intersections

An intersection is said to be “controlled” when access to the intersection is regulated by traffic signals or road signs, while access to an uncontrolled intersection is regulated only by the right-of-way rules. You must remember that traffic signals do not completely resolve traffic conflicts and you must learn to combine traffic signals and the right-of-way rules to avoid hazardous situations.