Every day, when getting behind the wheel, a driver is faced with hundreds of situations that require instant decision making, but intersections remain places of increased concentration and potential risk.
Uncertainty about who has the right of way at any given moment often leads to traffic accidents or, at best, to congestion and conflict situations on the road.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the algorithms of actions for various types of road intersections, so that you always know when you can safely continue driving and when you should be patient.
Intersections with traffic lights and traffic controllers
The most understandable situation for most drivers occurs when traffic is controlled by traffic controller or working traffic lights.
In this case, all questions about priority are removed, since the order of travel is dictated by signals.
If the light is green, you have every right to move, but must only give way to those who are already at the intersection and completing the maneuver.
Particular attention should be paid to the situation when the green light turns on simultaneously for you and for oncoming traffic planning to turn left.
In this case, you, moving straight or to the right, have absolute advantage, and those turning left must give way to you.
- 🚦 The green signal allows movement, but requires you to yield to those completing the maneuver.
- 🚦 When turning left or turning on green, you must yield to oncoming traffic going straight or to the right.
- 🚦 Traffic controller signals have highest priority over any traffic lights and signs.
⚠️ Attention: Traffic signals for trams may differ from those for cars, so always watch for the additional section in the form of an arrow indicating the direction of movement of rail transport.
If the traffic controller raises his hand up, movement is prohibited for everyone without exception, regardless of which traffic light you are looking at.
This action is equivalent to a red light in all directions and serves to clear the intersection of vehicles or pedestrians.
Actions at equivalent intersections
The situation gets more complicated when you approach an intersection where there are no traffic lights, no traffic controllers, and no priority signs.
Such intersections are called equivalent, and here one of the fundamental rules of the road comes into force - “interference on the right”.
The driver is required to give way to vehicles approaching from the right, regardless of the direction in which they plan to travel.
This rule works flawlessly, but requires the driver to have an excellent reaction and the ability to quickly assess the situation from all sides.
If you plan to turn left, you will have to yield not only to those driving on the right, but also to oncoming vehicles traveling straight or to the right.
However, if the tram leaves the depot or travels on a one-way road in a direction different from yours, the rules may change.
Nuances of the right hand rule
The “interference on the right” rule does not apply if the trajectories of vehicles do not intersect. For example, when turning left at the same time, drivers can pass each other without stopping, since their paths do not intersect.
- 🛑 We give way to everyone approaching from the right side.
- 🛑 The tram is always right at the equivalent intersection, unless otherwise indicated.
- 🛑 When turning left at the same time, we drive away on the right side.
Driving through intersections with the main road
Availability of signs 2.1 "Main Road" or 2.3.1 "Intersection with a secondary road" radically changes the balance of power.
If you are on a main road, you have priority over anyone on the secondary road you are crossing.
However, inside the main road itself, if it changes direction, controversial issues may arise, which are again resolved by the right-hand rule.
If the main road turns left, then you, moving along it, must yield to those who are also on the main road, but approaching from the right.
This often causes confusion among novice drivers who believe that the “main” status always gives absolute priority.
Drivers driving on a secondary road are required to give way to all vehicles on the main road, regardless of their direction of movement.
Even if you are turning right and a car from the main road is driving left across your road, you must stop and let it pass.
If you are unsure whether you are on a main road or the signs are obscured by leaves/snow, act as if you are on a secondary road to prevent an accident.
You can determine the main road not only by the signs, but also by the surface: an asphalt road is always superior to a dirt road, and a paved road is superior to a gravel street.
In populated areas, you should also pay attention to the presence of signs 8.13 "Main Road Direction", which shows the crossover configuration.
Situation with a broken traffic light
One of the most stressful situations for a driver is approaching an intersection where the traffic light suddenly goes out or starts flashing yellow.
At this moment the intersection automatically switches to the status unregulated, and drivers are required to follow priority signs.
If there are no priority signs or they are not visible (for example, due to damage or weather conditions), the intersection is considered equivalent.
In such a situation, the “interference from the right” rule, which we discussed above, comes into effect.
Many drivers mistakenly believe that when the yellow light is flashing, you just need to slow down, but the law requires that you follow the rules for driving through uncontrolled intersections.
⚠️ Attention: If the traffic light is completely out of order (all lights go out), do not try to “slip through” first, even if the light is green - other traffic participants may act differently, which will lead to a collision.
There is often chaos at these intersections, so it is advisable to be as polite as possible and let others pass, even if it is technically your turn.
Safety is currently more important than maintaining formal priority, since it is impossible to predict the actions of other drivers in a stressful situation.
☑️ Actions at a broken traffic light
Circular motion and its features
The passage of roundabouts (popularly called “rings”) has undergone changes in recent years, which still cause controversy among motorists.
According to current rules, if a sign is installed before entering the circle 4.3 "Circular movement" in combination with the sign 2.4 "Give way" or 2.5 “Moving without stopping”, then those who are already moving in a circle have priority.
This means that anyone entering the roundabout must give way to everyone who is already in the roundabout.
If there are no priority signs in front of the circle, which is rare, but happens at old junctions, then the right-hand rule applies.
In this case, the one who is already on the circle (to the right of the person entering) has an advantage, which actually leads to the same situation, but the legal basis is different.
When leaving a roundabout, the driver must move into the right lane in advance and turn on the right turn signal.
Movement in a circle is carried out counterclockwise, and violation of this rule (moving in the “oncoming traffic” on the circle) is a gross violation.
At modern roundabouts, priority is almost always given to those already driving in the circle, regardless of which direction they are approaching from.
Particular care should be taken when changing lanes inside a circle, since the rule of yielding when changing lanes also applies here.
If you are driving in the outer lane of a circle and want to move over, and someone is driving in the inner lane, you must give way to him when changing lanes to the right.
Intersection Priority Table
To systematize your knowledge, we suggest turning to the summary table, which will help you quickly determine the order of travel in various conditions.
This table covers the main scenarios that a driver encounters in everyday practice.
| Intersection type | Who has priority | Who gives in | Special conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| With traffic light | Those for whom the light is green | Those for whom the light is red | Those turning left give way to oncoming traffic |
| Equivalent | Approaching from the right | Approaching from the left | The tram is always right |
| Home/Minor | Located on the main | Located on the secondary | On the main page there is “interference on the right” |
| Circular (with signs) | Moving in circles | Entering the circle | Requires sign 4.3 + 2.4 or 2.5 |
Using this table as a cheat sheet when preparing for exams or refreshing your knowledge will help you avoid mistakes.
Remember that knowledge of these rules is not just a way to avoid a fine, but a guarantee of preserving life and health.
Frequent mistakes and controversial issues
Despite the apparent simplicity of the rules, drivers often make mistakes that lead to accidents.
One of the most common mistakes is the incorrect interpretation of the simultaneous activation of yellow and red traffic lights.
This combination warns when the green signal turns on and prohibits movement, but many people start moving in advance, creating an emergency situation.
There is also often confusion with trams: many people forget that the tram has the right of way even when turning left if it is moving on a green signal, and you are on a green one, but turn.
Why is the tram always right?
A tram has a large mass and inertia, and is also limited by rails, so it cannot maneuver as easily as a car. This is the physical reason for its priority.
Another controversial issue is “checkers” at an intersection, when drivers try to jump between lanes.
Traffic rules advance is strictly prohibited at an intersection, as well as reversing to correct an error.
If you miss a turn or find yourself in the wrong lane, the only correct solution is to drive to the next convenient place to turn around.
⚠️ Attention: Reversing at an intersection even for a few meters can be considered by the inspector as a violation with deprivation of rights, not to mention the risk of an accident.
Be attentive to road markings, which often duplicate signs, but may be hidden under snow or mud.
Always reduce your speed when approaching an intersection, even if you are sure of your priority, since the rules are the rules, and the human factor has not been canceled.
What if I don't know who is right?
If the situation at an intersection is not obvious and you doubt your actions, it is best to slow down to a minimum or stop and let other road users pass. Safety is more important than time.
Is it possible to overtake at an intersection?
Overtaking at the intersection is prohibited. However, if the intersection is unequal and you are moving on the main road, and the vehicle you are overtaking is also moving on the main road, overtaking is formally permitted, but extremely dangerous.
Who gives in when leaving a residential area?
When leaving a residential area or yard on the road, the driver is obliged to give way to all vehicles moving along this road, regardless of the direction of their movement.
Does the right hand rule apply in parking?
In parking lots and courtyards that are not public roads in the full sense, it is also recommended to follow the right-hand rule to prevent conflicts, although traffic rules may not apply fully there.
Understanding the principles of crossing intersections comes with experience, but the foundation must be laid firmly.
Don’t be lazy to repeat the rules, especially those points that are less common, since it is in non-standard situations that most accidents occur.
Remember that even if you are in the right according to the rules, this will not protect you from a collision if another driver decides to ignore these rules.