Right of way, turns and passing

Key points

1. Right of way is something to be given, not taken.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “remember that right-of-way is something to be given, not taken.”
   Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 17

2. If another driver tries to take your turn, even when you have the right of way, let them go.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “If another driver tries to take your turn, even if you have the right-of-way, let the other driver proceed.”
   Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 17

3. If two vehicles reach an intersection at about the same time, yield to any vehicle on your right.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “If two vehicles reach the intersection at approximately the same time, yield to any vehicles on your right.”
   Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 17

4. When turning left at an intersection, alley or driveway, yield to all traffic coming from the opposite direction.

   Source: Handbook p. 17

   “When making a left turn at an intersection, or into an alley or driveway, yield the rightof-way to all traffic coming from the opposite direction;”
   Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 17

5. Unless a sign prohibits it, you may turn left on red from the left lane of a one-way street onto a one-way street moving to your left.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “it is permissible to make a "left turn on red" from the left lane of a one-way street onto a one-way street on which the traffic moves toward the driver's left.”
   Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 18

6. Do not pass on a two-lane road within 100 feet of a railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct or tunnel.

   Source: Handbook p. 18

   “Within 100 feet of a railroad crossing; • Within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel;”
   Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 18

7. Do not pass on the shoulder of the road or when a school bus is stopped for passengers.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “On the shoulder of the road; • When a school bus is stopped to load or unload passengers.”
   Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 19

8. Slower drivers must move out of the passing lane when faster traffic approaches.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “Slower drivers must move out of the passing lane (most left-hand lanes) and over to the right to allow faster-moving traffic to proceed.”
   Georgia Drivers Manual, Handbook p. 20

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Georgia practice test

1. 1. At an uncontrolled Georgia intersection, what principle should guide a driver's right of way decision?

   1. Assume the vehicle on the wider road always proceeds
   2. Accelerate so the first vehicle claims priority
   3. Use the larger vehicle’s size to decide
   4. Yield when uncertain because right of way is given, not taken
   Show answer

   Yield when uncertain because right of way is given, not taken. Georgia's manual frames right of way as something to be given, not taken. At an intersection without a sign or signal, that principle means a driver should yield when uncertain and avoid forcing another road user to react. Speed, vehicle size, and roadway width do not create a universal permission to enter first. The cue is defensive judgment: if priority is unclear, reduce speed, look for conflicts, and give way rather than insist on being first.

2. 2. At an uncontrolled Georgia intersection, two vehicles arrive together. Which vehicle has priority when one is on your right?

   1. The vehicle on your left
   2. The vehicle on your right
   3. The vehicle traveling faster
   4. The vehicle with more passengers
   Show answer

   The vehicle on your right. When vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at approximately the same time, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. That gives the vehicle approaching from your right priority in this situation. Speed, passenger count, and a driver's preference do not alter the basic position rule. The cue is to look across the intersection before moving: if another vehicle is on your right and arrival is simultaneous, wait and let it proceed.

3. 3. When does Georgia permit a left turn on a red light?

   1. From any left turn lane after a full stop
   2. Only when a green arrow is also showing
   3. Never under any circumstances
   4. From the left lane of a one-way street onto a one-way street going left
   Show answer

   From the left lane of a one-way street onto a one-way street going left. Georgia's right of way rules say that, unless a sign prohibits it, it is permissible to make a left turn on red from the left lane of a one-way street onto a one-way street on which traffic moves toward the driver's left. You may go only after making a complete stop, yielding to all traffic, stopping for pedestrians, and deciding that you can complete the turn safely. Two-way streets do not qualify.

Source: the Georgia Drivers Manual, Section 5: Traffic Laws. 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.