Right of way at intersections and roundabouts

Key points

1. The law requires you to slow down at an intersection, even if you have the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “The law requires that you slow down when you come to an intersection, even if you have the right of way.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 57

2. A vehicle already in the intersection has the right of way over one that has not entered.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “The vehicle already in the intersection has the right of way ahead of any vehicle that has not yet entered;”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 57

3. When vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way;”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 57

4. When one driver goes straight and the other turns left, the turning driver must wait.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “If one driver is going straight while the other wants to turn left, the driver who wants to turn must wait.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 57

5. At a stop sign, stop completely and yield to traffic on the through street.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “When you approach an intersection with a stop sign, you must come to a complete stop and yield to the traffic on the through-street.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 57

6. When leaving a private driveway, stop and yield to all vehicles and pedestrians.

   Source: Handbook p. 57

   “When exiting a private driveway, stop and yield to all other vehicles and pedestrians.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 57

7. In a roundabout, yield to vehicles or bicyclists already inside, and travel counterclockwise.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “Drivers yield to any vehicles or bicyclists already in the roundabout. Everyone using the roundabout moves in a counterclockwise direction”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 59

8. Signal when exiting a roundabout and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “Drivers should use turn signals when exiting and yield to pedestrians using the crosswalk at the roundabout.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 59

9. Never enter a roundabout while an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens is passing through.

   Source: Handbook p. 59

   “Never enter a roundabout while an emergency vehicle using flashing lights and sirens is passing through.”
   North Carolina Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 59

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the North Carolina practice test

1. 1. At an uncontrolled intersection, which vehicle has priority before the other vehicle enters?

   1. The vehicle already in the intersection
   2. The vehicle traveling faster
   3. The vehicle that flashes its headlights
   4. The vehicle on the wider roadway
   Show answer

   The vehicle already in the intersection. North Carolina gives priority to the vehicle that has already entered an intersection when the other vehicle has not entered yet. The width of either roadway does not change that sequence, and speed cannot create priority. Flashing headlights is a communication signal, not a replacement for yielding. Approach an uncontrolled crossing slowly, identify whether another vehicle is already inside it, and wait until that vehicle clears. The practical cue is location, not vehicle size or driver confidence: a car occupying the intersection goes first, while the approaching car remains outside the shared space.

2. 2. When vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection together, which vehicle has the right of way?

   1. The vehicle to the left
   2. The larger vehicle
   3. The vehicle going straight
   4. The vehicle to the right
   Show answer

   The vehicle to the right. When two vehicles arrive at an intersection at the same time and signs or signals do not decide the movement, the vehicle on the right receives priority. The left-side driver must yield, even if that driver is traveling straight. Vehicle size does not create a special exception, and a larger vehicle should not pressure the other driver into moving. Reduce speed as you approach, compare the other vehicle’s position with your own, and allow the right-side vehicle to proceed first. This right-side tie breaker is the cue to remember when arrival occurs simultaneously.

3. 3. Two facing vehicles arrive together, one going straight and one turning left. Which vehicle must wait?

   1. The straight moving vehicle must yield to the turning vehicle
   2. Both vehicles must reverse from the intersection
   3. The vehicle turning left must wait for the straight moving vehicle
   4. The vehicle with the brighter headlights may turn first
   Show answer

   The vehicle turning left must wait for the straight moving vehicle. When facing drivers arrive together and one intends to turn left while the other travels straight, the left turning driver waits. The straight moving driver has priority, while the turning driver signals and proceeds only when the path is safe. This is not a contest decided by headlights, and both vehicles do not need to back away. Before beginning the turn, look for the straight vehicle and keep the intersection clear until its movement is complete.

Source: the North Carolina Driver Handbook, Chapter 4: Your 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.