Right of Way

Key points

1. Failure to yield the right of way is the leading cause of crashes in Nevada.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Failure to yield the right-of-way is the leading cause of crashes in Nevada.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 34

2. Nevada law does not give anyone the right of way; it only says who must yield.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Nevada law does not give anyone the “right-of-way” it only says who must yield.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 34

3. With no signs or signals, the vehicle on your right should usually go first.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “At an intersection where there are no traffic signs or signals, the vehicle on your right should usually go first.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 34

4. A vehicle already in the intersection goes before those just arriving.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “A vehicle already in the intersection has the right-of-way over others just getting there.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 34

5. A vehicle going straight that is already in the intersection goes before one turning left.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “A vehicle going straight ahead that is already in the intersection has the right-of-way over one turning left.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 34

6. Vehicles entering from a minor road or driveway yield to all traffic on the main road and pedestrians.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Vehicles entering a main road from a minor road, private road or driveway must yield the right-of-way to all traffic on the main road and to pedestrians.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 34

7. At a four way stop, the first driver to arrive goes first after stopping completely.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “At a four-way stop, the driver reaching the intersection first gets to go first, after stopping completely.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 34

8. Yield to funeral processions and let them pass as a group.

   Source: Handbook p. 34

   “Yield to funeral processions and let the vehicles with headlights on pass as a group.”
   Nevada Driver's Handbook, Handbook p. 34

3 questions from the Nevada practice test

1. 1. Two vehicles reach an unsigned and unsignalized Nevada intersection at about the same time. Which vehicle should usually go first?

   1. The vehicle with the larger engine
   2. The vehicle on the left
   3. The vehicle on the right
   4. The vehicle closest to the center line
   Show answer

   The vehicle on the right. At an intersection without signs or signals, Nevada's usual rule gives priority to the vehicle on the right. That does not authorize a driver to enter blindly, because the handbook also emphasizes caution and crash avoidance. The left-side choice would apply the rule backward. A good cue is to slow, scan all approaches, and identify which vehicle is on your right before proceeding. If another driver does not yield as expected, yielding yourself is safer than insisting on priority.

2. 2. At a Nevada intersection, a vehicle going straight is already in the intersection while another vehicle wants to turn left. Who must yield?

   1. The vehicle turning left
   2. The vehicle going straight
   3. The vehicle with the newer license plate
   4. Both vehicles must reverse from the intersection
   Show answer

   The vehicle turning left. A vehicle traveling straight through the intersection has priority over a vehicle turning left across its path. The left-turning driver must wait, signal properly, and yield before completing the movement. The straight-through choice ignores the conflict created by crossing oncoming traffic. Watch the front wheels and turn signal of an approaching vehicle, then keep the intersection open until the path is clear. Priority does not remove the duty to slow or stop if the other driver appears likely to continue.

3. 3. At a Nevada four-way stop, which driver gets to go first when vehicles arrive at different times?

   1. The driver who reached the intersection first, after stopping completely
   2. The driver in the largest vehicle
   3. The driver making a left turn
   4. The driver who flashes headlights first
   Show answer

   The driver who reached the intersection first, after stopping completely. At a four-way stop, Nevada gives the first turn to the driver who reaches the intersection first, provided that driver has stopped completely. Vehicle size, the direction of the turn, and a headlight signal do not determine the order. If arrival times are close, drivers should communicate through careful observation and yield as needed rather than forcing a movement. The core sequence is simple: stop fully, identify who arrived first, let that vehicle proceed, and then continue when the intersection is clear.

Source: the Nevada Driver's Handbook, Chapter 3: Right-of-Way. 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.