Right-of-way and intersections
You are on a road that ends at a T intersection with no STOP or YIELD signs. Who has the right-of-way?
- Traffic on the through road; you must yield before turning onto it. Correct answer
- You do, because you arrived at the intersection first.
- Whoever is turning right.
Why
At a T intersection the road you are on ends, and the handbook gives the right-of-way to the vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians on the through road, the one that continues straight. Arriving first does not change that; the first-come rule applies to ordinary intersections where both roads continue. Turning direction is not a tie-breaker either. Slow down, look both ways, and enter the through road only when there is a safe gap. If the T intersection has signs or signals, obey them instead.
Where this comes from
California Driver's Handbook, June 2025 edition. The correct answer is Traffic on the through road; you must yield before turning onto it.
The rule behind this one
Right of way in California: who goes first goes through the whole topic, with the page of the California Driver's Handbook behind every rule.
More on right-of-way and intersections
- You are inside a roundabout and realize you have just gone past the exit you wanted. What should you do?
- A funeral procession led by a traffic officer is crossing the intersection ahead of you. What are you required to do?
- A fire engine ahead of you has its siren and flashing lights on. How close behind it may you legally drive?
- A tow truck is stopped on the shoulder ahead of you with its amber warning lights flashing. What does the law require of you?