Right of Way at Intersections

Key points

1. Traffic laws say who must yield and do not give anyone absolute right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Traffic laws determine which vehicle must yield the right-of-way and do not give a vehicle absolute right-of-way.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 35

2. Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming cars going straight.

   Source: Handbook p. 35

   “Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming cars traveling straight ahead.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 35

3. With no stop sign or signal, yield to vehicles approaching from the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 39

   “At an intersection where there is no stop sign or traffic signal, drivers must yield to vehicles approaching from the right.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 39

4. At an all way stop, the vehicle that arrived first goes first, after a complete stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “At “3 WAY,” “4 WAY,” and “ALL WAY” stop signs, the driver reaching the intersection first goes first, after making a complete stop.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 40

5. Drivers coming from a driveway or alley must yield to vehicles on the main road.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “Drivers entering a road from a driveway, alley or roadside must yield to vehicles already on the main road.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 40

6. Do not enter an intersection unless you can get through without stopping.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “Drivers may not enter an intersection unless they can get through it without having to stop.”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 40

7. When passing, yield to the vehicle you are passing, even if it slows or stops.

   Source: Handbook p. 40

   “Drivers passing a vehicle traveling in the same direction must yield to the vehicle being passed, even if the vehicle is slowing or coming to a stop”
   Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Handbook p. 40

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Arkansas practice test

1. 1. At an uncontrolled intersection, a vehicle arrives at the same time from your right. Who yields?

   1. Both vehicles proceed without slowing
   2. The vehicle on your right yields automatically
   3. The larger vehicle yields
   4. You yield to the vehicle on your right
   Show answer

   You yield to the vehicle on your right. With no sign or signal controlling the intersection, the vehicle approaching from the right receives priority. The driver on the left must yield, slow, and proceed only when the path is safe. Vehicle size does not decide this relationship, and simultaneous arrival is precisely when the right-side rule matters. Neither driver should rush into the crossing; yielding means allowing the other vehicle to pass first.

2. 2. At an intersection with stop signs at all corners, which vehicle should go first?

   1. The vehicle that flashes headlights
   2. The vehicle with the largest engine
   3. The vehicle that arrived first
   4. The vehicle farthest from the intersection
   Show answer

   The vehicle that arrived first. After making a complete stop, the vehicle that arrived first goes first at an all-corner stop. Engine size, headlight signals, and distance from the intersection are not the deciding tests. If arrival order is unclear, drivers should communicate carefully and avoid forcing another vehicle to brake. The key sequence is complete stop, determine who arrived first, then proceed while checking the intersection.

3. 3. When turning left, what traffic must an Arkansas driver yield to?

   1. Oncoming cars traveling straight ahead
   2. Only vehicles behind the turner
   3. No traffic because the turn signal gives priority
   4. Only bicycles traveling in the same direction
   Show answer

   Oncoming cars traveling straight ahead. A left turn crosses the path of vehicles coming toward the intersection, so the turning driver yields to oncoming cars traveling straight ahead. A signal communicates intention but does not transfer priority. Traffic behind the turner is not the central conflict described by this rule, and the bicycle-only option is too limited. Wait until the opposing lane is clear, then complete the turn without cutting the corner.

Source: the Arkansas Driver License Study Guide, Chapter 3: Right of Way. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.