Yielding the right of way

Key points

1. Never assume you automatically have the right of way. Always consider the situation at the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “no one should assume he or she automatically has the right of way. The situation and circumstances at the intersection must always be considered.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

2. Yield to the driver who is at or reaches the intersection before you.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “The driver who is at or arrives before you at the intersection;”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

3. When turning left, yield to drivers in the opposing lane, including vehicles turning right.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Drivers in the opposing traffic lane when you are making a left turn. This includes vehicles turning right;”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

4. At a four-way intersection with stop signs, if you arrive together, yield to the driver on your right.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “The driver on your right at a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs if both of you arrive at the intersection at the same time;”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

5. When entering a highway from a driveway or private road, yield to drivers on the highway.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Drivers on a public highway if you are entering the highway from a driveway or a private road;”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

6. On an entrance or acceleration ramp, yield to drivers already on the interstate.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Drivers already on a limited access or interstate highway if you are on the entrance or acceleration ramp;”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

7. Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers still in the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers who are still in the intersection.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

8. When a police officer directs traffic, do what the officer says, whatever the signals or signs show.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Upon approaching an intersection where a police officer is directing traffic, do what the officer instructs you to do regardless of traffic-control devices or signs.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

9. An intersection may be controlled by traffic signals, signs or right of way rules.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “At an intersection there may be traffic signals, signs, or right-of-way rules to control traffic.”
   Kentucky Driver Manual, Handbook p. 34

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Kentucky practice test

1. 1. What should a driver assume about having the right of way?

   1. A driver may ignore other traffic after stopping
   2. The larger vehicle always has the right of way
   3. The first driver to sound a horn has priority
   4. No driver should assume an automatic right of way
   Show answer

   No driver should assume an automatic right of way. Right-of-way rules guide who should yield, but Kentucky cautions that no driver should assume an automatic right of way. Vehicle size, a horn, and a completed stop do not erase the need to judge the actual intersection and surrounding traffic. Approach with controlled speed, watch for people and vehicles already moving through, and be ready to yield even when a rule appears to favor you. The practical cue is uncertainty: if the situation is unclear, slow down and avoid forcing another road user to react.

2. 2. At an intersection, what traffic must a driver yield to before making a left turn?

   1. Only vehicles approaching from behind
   2. Oncoming traffic in the opposing lane
   3. Vehicles parked on the destination street
   4. No traffic once the turn signal is activated
   Show answer

   Oncoming traffic in the opposing lane. A left-turning driver must yield to oncoming traffic because that traffic is continuing through the intersection in the opposing lane. Activating a turn signal communicates intention but does not grant priority. Vehicles behind the turning car and parked vehicles on the destination street are not the rule described here. Search the intersection, signal early, maintain the proper lane position, and wait for a gap that leaves enough room for oncoming vehicles to pass safely before turning across their path.

3. 3. What may control traffic at an intersection?

   1. A driver’s preferred route through the intersection
   2. Only the largest vehicle present
   3. Traffic signals, signs, or right-of-way rules
   4. The weather forecast for the roadway
   Show answer

   Traffic signals, signs, or right-of-way rules. At an intersection, traffic may be controlled by signals, signs, or right-of-way rules. The largest vehicle does not automatically direct traffic, and a driver’s preferred route has no legal control. Weather can affect how cautiously you drive, but it is not a traffic-control device. Scan for the signal, sign, or applicable yield rule before entering, then account for pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection. This layered check prevents a driver from treating an uncontrolled appearance as permission to proceed without judgment.

Source: the Kentucky Driver Manual, Section Six: 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.