ECA
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Study Notes

Unit 5: Intersections, Right-of-Way & Turns

Right-of-Way Rules

Right-of-way rules resolve conflicts that signs, signals, and pavement markings don't settle on their own — they establish who goes first.

  • A driver approaching an intersection must yield to traffic already IN the intersection.
  • If two drivers reach an intersection from opposite directions at about the same time, the driver turning LEFT must yield to traffic going straight or turning right.
  • At intersections with no signs/signals, or where two+ drivers stop at STOP signs at the same time at right angles, the driver on the LEFT must yield to the driver on the RIGHT.
  • A vehicle entering a roadway from a driveway, private road, or other non-roadway must stop and yield to traffic on the roadway AND to pedestrians.
  • Drivers must yield to pedestrians who legally use marked or unmarked crosswalks — you must slow or stop if necessary.
  • A driver approaching a traffic circle or rotary must yield to drivers already in the circle.
  • You cannot enter an intersection if you cannot get completely through it before traffic on the other side backs up (do not block the intersection).

Emergency Vehicles & the Move Over Law

When you see or hear an emergency vehicle (fire, ambulance, police, etc.) heading toward you from any direction, safely pull over to the right edge of the road and stop, even if it is approaching in the opposite lane of a two-way road. If you're in an intersection, drive out of it first, then pull over. If you hear a siren nearby but can't locate it, pull over and stop until you're sure it isn't headed toward you.

The Move Over Law requires every driver to exercise care around a stopped/parked emergency or hazard vehicle with activated lights on the shoulder or any part of the highway. On parkways, interstates, and other multi-lane controlled-access roads, you must move out of the lane adjacent to the vehicle if safely possible (also applies to any vehicle stopped on the shoulder of such a road). Violating the Move Over Law is a moving violation.

Blue, Green & Amber Lights

Volunteer firefighters responding to alarms may display blue lights; volunteer ambulance/rescue squad members may display green lights. Amber lights (on snow plows, tow trucks, mail vehicles, school buses) warn of possible dangers. Vehicles with blue, green, or amber lights are NOT authorized emergency vehicles — their drivers must obey all traffic laws, and you are not required to yield the right-of-way, though you should yield as a courtesy when it is safe.

Making Turns

You must signal a turn or lane change at least 100 feet (30 m) ahead. When preparing to turn, reduce speed, keep your wheels straight until you actually turn (to avoid being pushed into the oncoming lane if hit from behind), and watch especially for motorcycles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and moped riders.

  • RIGHT TURN: get as far right as possible; do not make wide, sweeping turns; turn into the right lane of the road you enter unless signs direct otherwise.
  • LEFT TURN (two-way into two-way): approach from the right half of the roadway closest to center; keep to the right of the center line of the road you enter, as close to the center as possible.
  • LEFT TURN (one-way into one-way): move into the left lane to prepare; if the entered road has two lanes, turn into its left lane.
  • For any left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic close enough to be a hazard — if in doubt, wait.

U-Turns

A U-turn is any turn made to proceed in the opposite direction. Avoid U-turns on a highway unless absolutely necessary — use a parking lot, driveway, or other area instead. You can only make a U-turn from the left portion of the lane nearest the centerline, never from the right lane.

  • You cannot make a U-turn near the top of a hill, on a curve, or anywhere else drivers cannot see your vehicle from 500 feet (150 m) away in either direction.
  • U-turns are illegal in NYC business districts, wherever a NO U-TURN sign is posted, in school zones, and on any limited-access expressway (even if connecting paths exist between the two sides).
  • A three-point turn may be used on a narrow two-way street unless prohibited — you may be required to perform one on your road test.
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