Right of way rules

Key points

1. At an unsigned intersection, if two vehicles arrive at about the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the one on the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “When two vehicles approach an unsigned intersection at approximately the same time, the vehicle on the left side must yield to the vehicle on the right.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 19

2. At an uncontrolled T intersection, the vehicle on the ending street yields to traffic on the continuing street.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “At an uncontrolled T-intersection, the vehicle on the terminating street must yield to vehicles on the continuing street.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 19

3. Vehicles turning left must yield to oncoming traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “Vehicles turning left must yield to oncoming traffic.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 19

4. At a four way stop, the vehicle that stops first goes first.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “At a four-way stop, the vehicle that stops first goes first.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 19

5. Pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks have the right of way when in your lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 19

   “Pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks have the right of way. Drivers must yield when pedestrians are in the driver’s lane of travel.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 19

6. Entering or crossing a road from a private drive, yield to all oncoming traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “Vehicles entering or crossing a roadway from a private drive must yield to all oncoming traffic.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 20

7. A vehicle entering a freeway from a ramp must yield to vehicles already on the main roadway.

   Source: Handbook p. 24

   “any vehicle entering a freeway from an entrance ramp must yield the right of way to vehicles on the main roadway.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 24

8. In a roundabout, vehicles travel counterclockwise around a center island.

   Source: Handbook p. 23

   “A roundabout is a circular intersection where vehicles travel around a center island in a counter-clockwise direction.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 23

9. No U turn near a hill crest or curve where you cannot see 500 feet or more.

   Source: Handbook p. 20

   “You may not make a U-turn near the crest of a hill or any curve where the driver cannot see 500 feet or more.”
   North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 20

Numbers to know

3 questions from the North Dakota practice test

1. 1. Two vehicles reach an unsigned intersection at about the same time. Which vehicle must yield?

   1. The vehicle on the right yields to the vehicle on the left
   2. The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right
   3. The larger vehicle automatically proceeds first
   4. Both vehicles must reverse before either proceeds
   Show answer

   The vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. At an unsigned intersection, the vehicle approaching from the left yields when both vehicles arrive at approximately the same time. This gives the vehicle on the right priority under the stated condition. Vehicle size does not decide the movement, and the rule does not require both drivers to back up. As you approach an uncontrolled intersection, scan both directions and be ready to yield even if the other driver appears inattentive.

2. 2. At an uncontrolled T-intersection, who must yield?

   1. The vehicle on the terminating street
   2. The vehicle on the continuing street
   3. The vehicle that reaches the center first
   4. The vehicle traveling at the lower speed only
   Show answer

   The vehicle on the terminating street. At a T-intersection, the road that ends has a vehicle entering the continuing roadway, so that vehicle must yield to traffic already using the continuing street. The continuing-street choice reverses the assigned responsibility. Reaching the center first is not a substitute for yielding, and speed alone does not decide this situation. Look for the roadway that stops rather than continues through, slow before entering, and wait until the through traffic has passed before crossing or turning onto it.

3. 3. Who has the right of way when a vehicle enters a freeway from an entrance ramp?

   1. Vehicles already on the main roadway
   2. The vehicle entering from the ramp
   3. The vehicle with the faster acceleration
   4. The vehicle that signals first
   Show answer

   Vehicles already on the main roadway. Unless signs say otherwise, traffic entering a freeway from an entrance ramp must yield to vehicles already on the main roadway. The ramp gives the entering driver space to adjust speed and find a safe opening, but it does not grant priority. Acceleration, signaling, and arrival order do not replace the yield rule. Match your speed to the available gap, watch the main roadway, and merge only when the movement is safe.

Source: the North Dakota Noncommercial Driver License Manual, 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.