Right of way at intersections

Key points

1. At an uncontrolled intersection, when vehicles arrive at about the same time, yield to vehicles coming from the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “watch for vehicles coming from the right and yield the right-of-way.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 48

2. A driver turning left yields to both cross traffic from the right and oncoming traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “If car "A" turns left, car "A" yields to both "B" and "C".”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 48

3. At a two way stop, look in all directions for approaching pedestrians and vehicles.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “Look in all directions for approaching pedestrians and vehicles.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 49

4. At a four way stop, the driver who stops first should go first; if in doubt, yield to the driver on your right.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “Common courtesy is that the driver who stops 4rst should be permitted to go 4rst. If in doubt, yield to the driver on your right.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 49

5. NEVER insist on the right of way and risk a collision.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “NEVER insist on the right-of way and risk a collision.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 49

6. In a roundabout, yield to traffic approaching on your left that is already in the roundabout.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “Yield to traffic approaching on your left already in the roundabout.”
   Nebraska Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 49

3 questions from the Nebraska practice test

1. 1. At an uncontrolled intersection where vehicles arrive at about the same time, which traffic should a driver watch for and yield to?

   1. Traffic approaching from the left
   2. Only traffic traveling faster
   3. Traffic approaching from the right
   4. Only vehicles that honk
   Show answer

   Traffic approaching from the right. At an uncontrolled intersection with no signs or signals, a driver watches for vehicles coming from the right and yields the right of way when vehicles approach at approximately the same time. Speed, horn use, and approach from the left do not create the rule described here. The manual also urges defensive driving because another motorist may fail to stop even when you have priority. A useful cue is the combination of no control device plus simultaneous arrival: scan right, yield as required, and keep enough caution to avoid relying on another driver's mistake.

2. 2. In the manual's example, if car A turns left, which cars must car A yield to?

   1. Only car B
   2. Both cars B and C
   3. Neither car B nor car C
   4. Only pedestrians
   Show answer

   Both cars B and C. At an uncontrolled intersection, the Nebraska example says that car A yields to both car B and car C when A turns left. A left turn crosses or conflicts with the paths represented by both vehicles, so the turning driver must wait for them. The signal used to announce the turn does not grant priority. The choice naming only B leaves out one conflict, while the other two choices ignore the stated traffic relationships. A useful visual cue is that a left turn sweeps across more of the intersection than proceeding straight.

3. 3. If it is unclear who stopped first at a Nebraska four-way stop, whom should a driver yield to?

   1. The driver in the newest vehicle
   2. The driver on the left
   3. The driver on the right
   4. No one because both drivers have priority
   Show answer

   The driver on the right. When arrival order is uncertain at a four way stop, Nebraska advises yielding to the driver on your right. The rule resolves ambiguity without relying on vehicle age, size, or a contest between drivers. Yielding to the left reverses the stated direction, while saying that both drivers may proceed ignores the need to prevent a conflict. Pair this rule with the first stopped rule: first to stop normally goes first; if that cannot be determined, give way to the right. Continue using ordinary care rather than treating the rule as permission to enter blindly.

Source: the Nebraska Driver's Manual, Section 4: 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.