Yielding the right of way

Key points

1. At an intersection, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right unless a sign, signal or officer directs otherwise.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “the driver of a vehicle approaching or entering an intersection on the left shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right, unless otherwise designated by an official traffic control device or otherwise directed by a police officer.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 14

2. A driver turning left, into an intersection, alley or driveway, yields to oncoming vehicles close enough to be a hazard.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “shall yield the right of way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 14

3. Yield to the driver who arrives at the intersection first.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “The driver who is at or arrives at the intersection first;”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 14

4. At a 4 way stop, if two drivers arrive at the same time, the driver on the right goes first.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “The driver on the right at a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs if both drivers arrive at the intersection at the same time.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 14

5. Drivers entering a highway from a driveway or private road yield to drivers already on the highway.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “Drivers on a public highway, when entering the highway from a driveway or a private road;”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 14

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

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers who are still in the intersection; and”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 14

7. Let vehicles with headlights on that follow a hearse pass as a group.

   Source: Handbook p. 14

   “Funeral processions. Drivers should allow vehicles that have their headlights on while following a hearse to pass as a group.”
   New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 14

Numbers to know

3 questions from the New Hampshire practice test

1. 1. Under RSA 265:28, when two vehicles approach a New Hampshire intersection with no signs or officer, which driver yields?

   1. The driver on the right yields to the vehicle on the left
   2. The slower vehicle yields
   3. The vehicle on the wider road yields
   4. The driver approaching or entering on the left yields to the vehicle on the right
   Show answer

   The driver approaching or entering on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. RSA 265:28 states that the driver of a vehicle approaching or entering an intersection on the left shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right, unless an official traffic control device or a police officer directs otherwise. Speed and road width are not the test. The same idea appears at a four way stop when two drivers arrive at the same time: the driver on the right goes first. Never assume the other driver will yield.

2. 2. Under RSA 265:29, to whom must a New Hampshire driver turning left into a driveway or alley yield?

   1. Only vehicles already stopped
   2. Only vehicles behind the turning driver
   3. Any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is within the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard
   4. No one, if the turn signal is on
   Show answer

   Any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is within the intersection or close enough to be an immediate hazard. RSA 265:29 covers left turns within an intersection or into an alley, private road or driveway. The turning driver must yield to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction that is within the intersection or so close to it as to constitute an immediate hazard. A turn signal announces the turn but does not create the right to make it. Judge the gap on the oncoming vehicle's speed, and be especially careful with motorcycles and large trucks, whose speed is hard to read.

3. 3. How should a New Hampshire driver treat vehicles with their headlights on that are following a hearse?

   1. Allow them to pass as a group
   2. Merge into the gap between them
   3. Stop until every vehicle has passed, even at a green light
   4. Pass them on the left
   Show answer

   Allow them to pass as a group. Funeral processions are on the manual's list of road users to yield to. Drivers should allow vehicles that have their headlights on while following a hearse to pass as a group, which means not cutting into the line. You are not required to stop for the whole procession at a green light unless the procession is crossing your path, and passing the group or squeezing into it breaks the line the escort is trying to keep together.

Source: the New Hampshire Driver's Manual, Section 5: Basic Driving. 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.