Right of way and pedestrians

Key points

1. When two vehicles arrive at a four-way stop at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the one on the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “When two vehicles on different roadways arrive at a four-way stop intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 26

2. Yield when making a right turn on a red light after a complete stop.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “When making a right turn on a red light after a complete stop.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 26

3. After a full stop, yield when coming out of an alley, building, private road or driveway.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “When emerging from an alley, building, private road, or driveway after coming to a complete stop.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 26

4. On the road that ends at a T intersection with no signs, yield to cross traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “To cross traffic when on the terminating highway of a “T” intersection with no traffic control signs or signals.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 26

5. Do not enter an intersection or crosswalk unless there is room for others to pass.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “Enter an intersection or drive within a marked crosswalk unless there is enough space to allow passage of other vehicles and/or pedestrians.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 26

6. You must come to a complete stop and yield when a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “A driver must come to a complete stop (and yield): • When a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 27

7. Yield to a pedestrian in an unmarked crosswalk on your side of the road when there are no signals.

   Source: Handbook p. 27

   “When a pedestrian is in an unmarked crosswalk on the driver’s side of the roadway, and there are no traffic control signals.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 27

8. Yield the right of way to all vehicles in a funeral procession.

   Source: Handbook p. 26

   “Motorists encountering a funeral procession must yield the right of way to all vehicles in the procession.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 26

9. Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way over vehicles.

   Source: Handbook p. 80

   “Pedestrians in crosswalks have the right of way over vehicles.”
   Illinois Rules of the Road, Handbook p. 80

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Illinois practice test

1. 1. Two vehicles reach an uncontrolled Illinois intersection at the same time. Which vehicle yields?

   1. The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right
   2. The vehicle traveling faster proceeds first
   3. The vehicle on the right yields to the vehicle on the left
   4. Both vehicles must reverse before either continues
   Show answer

   The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. At an uncontrolled intersection, Illinois assigns the yield duty to the vehicle on the left when vehicles on different roadways arrive together. The vehicle on the right has priority under this tie rule. Arrival order still matters when one driver reaches the intersection first, so this rule should be applied only to the simultaneous-arrival condition. Slow down, look for other road users, and be prepared to yield even when your lane appears open.

2. 2. What does an Illinois driver owe a pedestrian in an unmarked crosswalk on the driver's side when no signals control traffic?

   1. No duty unless the pedestrian is carrying a crossing flag
   2. A yield, including a complete stop when necessary
   3. Priority only if the roadway has painted crosswalk lines
   4. A horn warning, followed by immediate passage
   Show answer

   A yield, including a complete stop when necessary. Illinois requires a driver to yield when a pedestrian is in an unmarked crosswalk on the driver’s side and no traffic-control signals are operating there. The painted-lines choice is too narrow because the rule expressly covers an unmarked crossing. Yielding means slowing or stopping so the person can proceed safely, not merely sounding the horn. Scan both sides near intersections and crossing areas, since the absence of white paint does not erase a pedestrian’s protection.

3. 3. Who has the right of way at an Illinois crosswalk?

   1. Pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk
   2. Vehicles approaching from the nearest lane
   3. The vehicle traveling at the posted speed limit
   4. The driver who reaches the crosswalk first
   Show answer

   Pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk. Illinois gives pedestrians the right of way in a crosswalk. A driver must slow down and be prepared to stop rather than relying on speed, arrival order, or proximity to decide who proceeds. The nearest lane does not automatically give a vehicle priority, and reaching the crossing first does not cancel a pedestrian’s protection. Scan both sides before entering the crosswalk area, especially where a stopped vehicle can hide someone from view. Treat the marked crossing as a place where people may legally be walking, then continue only after the path is clear.

Source: the Illinois Rules of the Road, Chapter 4: 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.