Right of way, turns and U-turns

Key points

1. Yield to any vehicle that is already in the intersection.

   Source: Chapter 5

   “A driver who approaches an intersection must yield the right-of-way to traffic that is in the intersection.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 5

2. When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic that is going straight or turning right.

   Source: Chapter 5

   “a driver that turns left must yield to traffic that moves straight or turns right.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 5

3. At an uncontrolled intersection, or when drivers at right angles stop at STOP signs together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

   Source: Chapter 5

   “At intersections not controlled by signs or signals, or where two or more drivers stop at STOP signs at the same time and they are at right angles, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 5

4. Coming out of a driveway, alley or private road, you must stop and yield to traffic on the road and to pedestrians.

   Source: Chapter 5

   “A vehicle that enters a roadway from a driveway, alley, private road, or another place that is not a roadway, must stop and yield the right-of-way to traffic on the roadway and to pedestrians.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 5

5. Do not enter an intersection if traffic is backed up and you cannot get completely through it.

   Source: Chapter 5

   “You cannot enter an intersection if traffic is backed up on the other side and you can not get completely through the intersection.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 5

6. At a traffic circle or rotary, yield to drivers already in the circle.

   Source: Chapter 5

   “A driver who approaches a traffic circle or rotary must yield the right-of-way to drivers already in the circle.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 5

7. Signal every turn or lane change at least 100 feet ahead.

   Source: Chapter 5

   “The law requires you to signal a turn or lane change with your turn lights or hand signals at least 100 feet (30 m) ahead.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 5

8. For a right turn, get as far right as possible, avoid wide turns, and turn into the right lane of the road you enter.

   Source: Chapter 5

   “As you prepare to turn, get as far to the right as possible. Do not make wide, sweeping turns. Unless signs direct you to do otherwise, turn into the right lane of the road you enter.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 5

9. Make a U-turn only from the left part of the lane nearest the center line, never from the right lane.

   Source: Chapter 5

   “You can make a U-turn only from the left portion of the lane nearest to the centerline of the roadway, never from the right lane.”
   New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 5

10. No U-turn near a hilltop, a curve or any spot where other drivers cannot see you from 500 feet away in either direction.

    Source: Chapter 5

    “You can not make a U-turn near the top of a hill, a curve or any other location where other drivers can not see your vehicle from 500 feet (150 m) away in either direction.”
    New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 5

Numbers to know

3 questions from the New York practice test

1. 1. Two vehicles enter an uncontrolled New York intersection at the same time. Which driver must yield?

   1. The driver on the right yields to the driver on the left
   2. The vehicle with more passengers yields
   3. Both drivers proceed together after sounding their horns
   4. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
   Show answer

   The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. At an intersection without a traffic signal or sign, New York gives priority to the vehicle on the right when both drivers arrive together. The left-side driver must wait, even if that vehicle is larger or closer to the center of the road. A horn does not create a right-of-way exception, and entering simultaneously invites a collision. The practical cue is to compare positions before moving: if the other vehicle is on your right, yield and let it clear the intersection first.

2. 2. You have a green light and want to turn left in New York. What must you do before turning?

   1. Turn immediately because green gives absolute priority
   2. Yield only to vehicles displaying a left-turn signal
   3. Wait for the vehicle behind you to pass first
   4. Yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right
   Show answer

   Yield to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right. A green signal permits movement but does not give a left-turning driver an unrestricted path across opposing traffic. The turner must yield to oncoming vehicles traveling straight or turning right. A vehicle without a signal may still continue through the intersection, so waiting for a turn indicator is unsafe. The visual cue is the opposing lane: keep the wheels straight while waiting, watch for gaps, and turn only after the conflict is gone.

3. 3. A New York driver exits a private driveway onto a public road. What is required?

   1. Enter immediately if the driver signals a turn
   2. Treat the driveway like a green traffic signal
   3. Yield only to traffic approaching from the left
   4. Stop and yield to roadway traffic and pedestrians
   Show answer

   Stop and yield to roadway traffic and pedestrians. A vehicle leaving a driveway, alley, or private road must stop and yield to traffic on the public roadway and to pedestrians. Signaling shows your intention but does not create a safe gap or priority. Looking only left can miss a vehicle approaching from the other direction or a person crossing the exit. Stop before entering the sidewalk or roadway, scan both directions, check the pedestrian path, and proceed only after all affected road users can continue safely. The property boundary is the cue to apply this rule.

Source: the New York State Driver's Manual, Chapter 5: Intersections and Turns. 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.