T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (2024)

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T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (3)

Updated Oct. 22, 2020

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.

  1. T intersection road sign
  2. Right-of-way rules at a T-intersection

T intersection road sign

Most of T-intersections have a T-INTERSECTION warning sign installed on approaches to the intersection to warn drivers that the road they are traveling on does not continue straight through the intersection. It is one of the intersection road signs that tell you what type of the intersection you are approaching so you can exercise extra caution and prepare to slow down, if necessary.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (4)

Right-of-way rules at a T-intersection

At an uncontrolled T intersection, the driver on the street which ends must yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians on the cross street.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (5)

Some T-intersections have additional YIELD or STOP signs installed to remind drivers that they have to give way to cross traffic. These are “sign controlled intersections” because the flow of traffic is regulated by road signs.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (6)

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T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (7)

Driving Through Intersections7 of 7

Highway Interchanges

An interchange is the intersection of two highways at different levels with separate connecting roads for the transfer of traffic from one highway to the other through a series of ramps. The connecting ramps allow drivers to leave on road and enter another safely, without impeding the flow of traffic.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (8)

Before You Start Driving1 of 10

Driving Maneuvers

When it comes to practical driving maneuvers like steering, backing-up and signaling, the bulk of your learning will be carried out behind-the-wheel; there can be no substitute for actually getting out there and putting these skills into practice. However, getting to grips with essential driving maneuvers does require an academic approach, before you hop into the driver’s seat.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (9)

Before You Start Driving2 of 10

Before You Start Driving

When it comes to positioning your car, steering, backing up and communicating with other road users, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about things. It is important to learn the correct maneuvering rules and methods from the start of your learning journey, otherwise you may develop bad habits which are hard to fix later.

Review

People Directing Traffic1 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 circ*mstances include police officers, construction workers, known as "flaggers", and crossing guards.

Driving Through Intersections1 of 7

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.

Driving Through Intersections2 of 7

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.

Driving Through Intersections3 of 7

Uncontrolled Intersection

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.

Driving Through Intersections4 of 7

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.

Driving Through Intersections5 of 7

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.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (2024)

FAQs

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs? ›

T-Intersection Rules

Who must yield at T intersections? ›

Controlling traffic is very essential on the road as this will help to prevent accident and other injuries on the road. However, at T-intersections , traffic must be controlled so that both vehicles can move approximately. Therefore, Traffic on the joining road must yield at T-intersections.

Who has the right of way at a T-intersection without stop or yield signs? ›

Without STOP or YIELD signs: The vehicle that arrives to the intersection first has the right-of-way. However, if a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist gets to the intersection at the same time as you, give the right-of-way to the vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist on your right.

Who has the right of way at an uncontrolled T-intersection? ›

A T-junction (Three-Way Intersection)

Vehicles on the major road (the through road) always have the right of way. If you're entering from the minor roadway, you must come to a complete stop and yield to drivers on the through road, no matter which way you'll be turning.

Which driver must yield the right of way at this uncontrolled intersection? ›

Uncontrolled Intersections

As a general rule, you should yield to cars that are already at the intersection. Whoever arrives at the intersection first gets to go first. And similar to stop sign etiquette, you should yield to the car on your right when in doubt.

Should you always yield to others who are already in the intersection? ›

Turning drivers should yield to those going straight. Yield to drivers already in the intersection: Drivers should always yield to any vehicles already in the intersection. This helps prevent collisions and ensures smoother traffic flow.

When stopped at a T-intersection, which vehicle must stop? ›

Standard 4 Part 3
QuestionAnswer
When two or more cars arrive at an intersection at approximately the same time, who goes first?The car farthest to the right
When stopped at a "T" intersection which vehicle must stop?The vehicle on the side (smaller) street
28 more rows

Who must drivers turning left at an intersection yield to? ›

When turning left at an intersection, you must yield to oncoming traffic.

Where at an intersection not controlled by signs and signals you must yield to? ›

At an intersection not controlled by signs and signals, you must yield to any vehicle on your right. This means that if there is a vehicle approaching from your right, you must allow that vehicle to proceed before you do.

What steps should you take for yielding at uncontrolled intersections? ›

Once you get to an uncontrolled intersection, look right and left to avoid oncoming traffic. The vehicle on the right always has the right of way if two or more cars arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time. However, you can yield to the vehicle on the left for extra precaution.

In which situations should you yield the right of way? ›

If your car and another (or more) reach a four-way intersection simultaneously, you and the other cars should yield the right of way to the car on the right if you are on the left. However, if you are on the right, you have the right of way and should go first.

Who yields an uncontrolled intersection? ›

Except as otherwise provided in this article, when two vehicles approach or enter an uncontrolled intersection at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.

When two vehicles are approaching an uncontrolled T-intersection? ›

At an uncontrolled 'T' intersection, the vehicle on the through road has the right-of-way. The vehicle on the road that ends should yield, regardless of which direction they are coming from.

What is a good rule to follow at an uncontrolled intersection? ›

If it's not clear who got there first, the nod goes to the driver on the right. In some (but not all) states, drivers don't need to come to a complete stop at an uncontrolled intersection, but they are expected to slow down and be on the lookout for other cars and pedestrians.

When coming to an uncontrolled T intersection, who has the right of way in Quizlet? ›

When two vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, and there is no traffic light or signal, The driver on the left must yield. The driver on the right has the right of way.

What is one danger of uncontrolled intersections? ›

Practicing intersection safety will decrease your chances of an accident. Uncontrolled intersections simply don't have any signaling prompting drivers on how to proceed. Perhaps the traffic lights are out, or there doesn't seem to be any other signs such as a stop sign.

Who must yield at T intersections Quizlet? ›

When two vehicles approach an uncontrolled "T" intersection, the driver of the vehicle that is turning must yield to all cross traffic. When approaching a public road from a private road or driveway, you must stop and yield to pedestrians and traffic.

Who must yield if two vehicles approach an intersection at the same time? ›

At intersections not controlled by signs or signals, you should yield to the vehicle already at the intersection. If two vehicles approach the intersection at the same time then yield to the vehicle on your right.

Which intersections must you yield to oncoming traffic? ›

At uncontrolled intersections where vehicles are already in the intersection; At 'T' intersections where you must yield to vehicles on the through road; When turning left in which case you must yield to oncoming pedestrians, cars, etc.; When driving on an unpaved road that intersections with a paved road; and.

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