Right of way between drivers

Key points

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

   Source: Handbook p. 74

   “Always remember that right-ofway is something to be given, not taken.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 74

2. At a four way stop, the first vehicle to arrive goes first; if two arrive together, the one on the left yields to the one on the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 75

   “At four-way stops , the first vehicle to arrive at a fourway stop has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 75

3. At an uncontrolled intersection, if two vehicles arrive together, the vehicle on the left yields to the one on the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 75

   “At an unmarked or uncontrolled intersection (no signs or signals), if two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 75

4. At an uncontrolled T intersection, stop or yield to drivers coming from the other two directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 75

   “you must stop and/or yield to any drivers approaching from the other two directions.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 75

5. After stopping at a two way stop, yield to cross traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 75

   “After stopping for a stop sign at a two-way stop, yield to cross-traffic.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 75

6. When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic in the intersection unless a traffic control device directs otherwise.

   Source: Handbook p. 76

   “When making a left turn, always yield to oncoming traffic in the intersection unless directed otherwise by a trafficcontrol device.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 76

7. When a stop light is out, yield as you would at a four way stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 76

   “When a stop light is not functioning due to a power outage, yield to other drivers in the same manner as fourway stops.”
   Idaho Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 76

3 questions from the Idaho practice test

1. 1. At a four-way stop, which vehicle goes first when it arrived noticeably before the others?

   1. The first vehicle to arrive
   2. The vehicle on the right even if it arrived later
   3. The vehicle going straight
   4. The largest vehicle
   Show answer

   The first vehicle to arrive. At a four-way stop, Idaho gives priority to the first vehicle that arrives. The right-side rule becomes important when two vehicles arrive at the same time, not when one vehicle clearly got there first. The straight-ahead and largest-vehicle choices have no general priority under this rule. Approach every stop fully, note the order of arrival, and proceed only after yielding to any vehicle that reached the intersection earlier.

2. 2. Two vehicles reach a four-way stop at exactly the same time. Which driver must yield?

   1. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
   2. The driver on the right yields to the driver on the left
   3. The driver turning left always goes first
   4. The larger vehicle has priority
   Show answer

   The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. When arrival is simultaneous at a four-way stop, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. This tie-breaking rule prevents both drivers from entering together and applies regardless of vehicle size or whether one driver intends to go straight. The left-turn choice is a different intersection principle and does not replace the stop rule. Stop completely, compare positions, and let the right-side vehicle proceed before entering.

3. 3. At an unmarked three-way T intersection, what must a driver do before turning onto the cross street?

   1. Yield only to vehicles approaching from the right
   2. Stop and yield to drivers approaching from the other two directions
   3. Continue if the nearest lane appears empty
   4. Stop only when a warning sign is posted
   Show answer

   Stop and yield to drivers approaching from the other two directions. At a T intersection, the road ending at the cross street does not carry a driver through by default. Idaho requires the driver who must turn right or left to stop and or yield to traffic approaching from the other two directions. The choice “Yield only to vehicles approaching from the right” narrows the duty to one side and can expose the vehicle to cross traffic from the other side. Treat the end of your roadway as a full conflict point and check both directions before entering.

Source: the Idaho Driver's Handbook, Traffic Laws & the Rules of the Road. 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.