Right of way at intersections and roundabouts

Key points

1. The law does not give anyone the right of way at intersections. It only says who must yield.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “The law does not give anyone the right-of-way at intersections; it only says who must yield.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 48

2. Yield to pedestrians crossing at any intersection without a traffic light and in marked crosswalks.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “Drivers must yield to pedestrians when they are: a) crossing at any intersection without a traffic light (with or without a crosswalk); b) crossing the roadway in marked crosswalks, whether or not at an intersection;”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 48

3. Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight ahead.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 48

4. Drivers entering a roundabout must yield to drivers already in the circle.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “Drivers entering a circular intersection (or roundabout) must yield the right-of-way to drivers already in the circle.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 48

5. When two vehicles arrive at about the same time from different roads, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different roadways at or about the same time, drivers coming from the left must yield to vehicles coming from the right.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 48

6. A vehicle entering from an alley, private road or driveway must wait until the main road is clear.

   Source: Handbook p. 48

   “A vehicle entering a public highway from an alley, private road or driveway must wait until the main road is clear.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 48

7. To cross a 30 mph street from a two-way stop, you need about a 6-second gap in both directions.

   Source: Handbook p. 49

   “You need about a 6-second gap in both directions to cross a 30 mph street”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 49

8. Before a right turn on red, always stop first and yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 46

   “Before making the right turn, you must always stop first, and yield to pedestrians and cross traffic.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 46

9. Once the lead car of a funeral procession clears an intersection, the rest may follow and other traffic must yield.

   Source: Handbook p. 64

   “Once the lead vehicle has cleared an intersection, the rest of the procession may proceed through the intersection, other traffic must yield.”
   Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Handbook p. 64

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Pennsylvania practice test

1. 1. Two vehicles approach an intersection from different roads at about the same time with no controls. Who yields in Pennsylvania?

   1. The driver coming from the right yields to the driver coming from the left
   2. The driver coming from the left yields to the driver coming from the right
   3. The vehicle on the wider road always proceeds first
   4. Both vehicles must enter together to claim priority
   Show answer

   The driver coming from the left yields to the driver coming from the right. At an uncontrolled intersection, Pennsylvania assigns the yield duty to the vehicle approaching from the left when the two vehicles arrive at roughly the same time. The right-side driver is not granted permission to accelerate, and roadway width does not replace the stated position rule. Entering together is unsafe and contrary to the purpose of the rule. Locate the other vehicle relative to your own approach before moving. If it is on your right, wait and let it clear the intersection.

2. 2. Which pedestrian situation requires a Pennsylvania driver to yield even when there is no traffic light?

   1. Only a person accompanied by a crossing guard
   2. Only a person in a marked crosswalk with a signal
   3. A person crossing at an intersection, whether or not a crosswalk is painted
   4. No person until the driver reaches the intersection center
   Show answer

   A person crossing at an intersection, whether or not a crosswalk is painted. Pennsylvania requires drivers to yield to pedestrians crossing at any intersection without a traffic light, with or without a marked crosswalk. The painted-line choice narrows the rule too far, and neither a crossing guard nor the driver's position in the intersection determines whether the duty exists. Approach the corner ready to stop, scan both sides, and account for a person crossing even if the pavement has no stripes. A blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or guided by a dog receives an especially strong yield requirement.

3. 3. When entering a Pennsylvania public highway from a private driveway, when may the driver proceed?

   1. Only after yielding to traffic approaching from the left
   2. As soon as the vehicle's turn signal is activated
   3. After waiting until the main road is clear
   4. Before checking because driveway traffic has priority
   Show answer

   After waiting until the main road is clear. A vehicle emerging from an alley, private road, or driveway must wait until the main road is clear. Signaling communicates an intention but does not create a gap or give the emerging driver priority. Looking only left can miss traffic arriving from the other direction, and the driveway is not treated as an equal roadway branch. Stop before crossing the sidewalk or roadway edge, look both ways, and continue only after every conflict has been cleared.

Source: the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual (PUB 95), Chapter 3: Learning to Drive. 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.