Intersections, Right-of-Way & Turns

Right-of-way rules decide who yields and who goes. They come from signs, signals, and sometimes your position relative to other vehicles.

• Having the right-of-way doesn't mean you can take it. You must still do everything you can to avoid a collision. Make sure the other driver is actually yielding before you go.
• A peace officer's directions override signs and signals.

Driver's Guide p. 58

Come to a complete stop at the first of these that applies:

1. Before the stop line, if there is one.
2. If there's no stop line, before the marked crosswalk.
3. If there's neither, within 3 metres of the intersecting road, where you won't block pedestrians.

Then yield to pedestrians and traffic, and go only when it's safe.

Driver's Guide pp. 58–59

Three- and four-way stops ("courtesy corners"): everyone stops.

• The vehicle that arrived first goes first.
• If two arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first.

Yield signs: slow down and be ready to stop. Give the right-of-way to traffic that doesn't face a yield sign and to pedestrians. If no one is coming, you don't have to stop, but approach slowly enough that you could.

Driver's Guide p. 59

At an intersection with no signs or signals, you must yield to the vehicle on your right. Slow down enough to stop, especially when fences, trees, or parked cars block your view.

• Uncontrolled T intersections: the same rule applies, so the driver on the right has the right-of-way. Watch out: the driver going straight across the top of the T may wrongly assume they have it.
• Left turns: a driver turning left across oncoming traffic must wait until it's safe.
• Parking lots have uncontrolled intersections, and the same rules apply.

Leaving an alley, driveway, or parking lot: stop before the sidewalk, stop again before entering the street, and yield to pedestrians.

Driver's Guide pp. 59–60

• Every intersection has crosswalks, marked or not. Yield to pedestrians in them.
• Never pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian. It may be hiding someone crossing.
• Don't enter an intersection unless you can clear it, including the crosswalk on the far side. Stopping in the middle blocks cross traffic and pedestrians.

Driver's Guide pp. 60–61

Traffic always flows counterclockwise. Entering vehicles yield to traffic already in the circle.

Single-lane: to leave at the first exit, signal right as you approach. For a later exit, turn on your right signal after passing the exit before yours.

Two-lane:

• Don't change lanes in the circle. Drivers in the right lane yield to drivers in the left lane.
• When leaving from the left lane, check for traffic in the right lane.
• If you can't exit safely, go around again.
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists at crosswalks, which are set back from the circle.

Driver's Guide pp. 61–63

• Be in the correct lane at least 15 metres before the intersection.
• Stay within 1 metre of the curb as you approach, turn, and leave.
• Shoulder check right for cyclists, and yield to pedestrians. Don't enter the crosswalk until they're clear.
• Turn into the first available lane, the curb lane. If a parked car is close to the corner, turn into the next lane instead.
• Don't swing wide into two lanes.
• Right on red is allowed after a complete stop unless a sign prohibits it.

Driver's Guide pp. 63–64

Poor judgement on left turns is a leading cause of collisions. Be in your lane at least 15 metres before the intersection.

• Waiting in the intersection? Keep your wheels pointed straight, so a rear-end collision won't push you into oncoming traffic.
• Before turning left off a two-lane highway, shoulder check left in case someone is passing you.
• Yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians crossing on your left.

Driver's Guide pp. 65–66

Dual turns are only allowed where signs or markings show them. Turn from your marked lane into the matching lane, and never swing wide or change lanes during the turn. Watch the vehicle beside you. If the lanes merge after the turn, the lane that ends must change lanes properly.

Two-way left-turn lanes: the centre lane is shared by left-turning traffic from both directions. You may cross the solid yellow line to enter it, but enter only close to where you'll turn, and watch for oncoming vehicles in it.

Driver's Guide pp. 66–67

Make a U-turn only when it's safe. U-turns are not allowed:

• at intersections with traffic lights, unless a sign permits it
• where a sign prohibits them

In urban areas, also not:

• between intersections (mid-block)
• at an alley intersection
• where one of the roads is an entrance to a public parking lot

Outside urban areas, also not:

• on a curve
• near the crest of a hill, where drivers within 150 metres can't see you

Driver's Guide p. 67