Yielding the right of way

Key points

1. The situation and circumstances at each intersection must always be considered.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-1

   “The situation and circumstances at each intersection must always be considered.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-1

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

   Source: Handbook p. 6-1

   “pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers who are still in the intersection”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-1

3. Yield to the driver who is at or arrives before you at the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-1

   “the driver who is at or arrives before you at the intersection”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-1

4. Yield to drivers in the opposing lane when you are making a left turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-2

   “drivers in the opposing traffic lane when you are making a left turn”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-2

5. At a four way stop, if you arrive at the same time, yield to the driver on your right.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-2

   “the driver on your right at a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs if both of you arrive at the intersection at the same time”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-2

6. Yield to drivers on a public highway when entering it from a driveway or private road.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-2

   “drivers on a public highway if you are entering the highway from a driveway or a private road”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-2

7. Traffic control includes directions from law enforcement, highway personnel and school crossing guards.

   Source: Handbook p. 6-2

   “Traffic control devices include traffic signals, signs, pavement markings, and directions provided by law enforcement, highway personnel, and school crossing guards.”
   South Carolina Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 6-2

3 questions from the South Carolina practice test

1. 1. When should a driver assume that another road user has automatically yielded the right-of-way at an intersection?

   1. Never; consider the situation and circumstances at each intersection
   2. Whenever the driver is traveling on the wider road
   3. Whenever the vehicle is larger
   4. Whenever the driver reaches the intersection quickly
   Show answer

   Never; consider the situation and circumstances at each intersection. The manual warns against assuming automatic priority. Drivers must evaluate the actual situation and circumstances at each intersection, including other vehicles, pedestrians, signs, and traffic signals. Road width, vehicle size, or arrival speed does not create the blanket rule described by the other choices. The useful habit is to reduce speed, scan the intersection, and be prepared to yield even when a driver believes another person should yield first.

2. 2. A bike lane crosses the road where you are driving. What does South Carolina tell you to do?

   1. Go first, because cars have priority over bicycles
   2. Sound your horn so bicyclists stop for you
   3. Yield the right-of-way to bicyclists using it
   4. Yield only if the bicyclist gives a hand signal
   Show answer

   Yield the right-of-way to bicyclists using it. Bicyclists are classified as vehicles in South Carolina, and the handbook tells drivers to yield the right-of-way when a bicycle path or bike lane intersects a road. Yield to bicyclists in intersections just as you would for pedestrians and other vehicles. Do not wait for a hand signal before yielding: the handbook warns that bicyclists may not know how to use hand signals or may need both hands on the handlebars. Look for other clues, such as a rider turning the head, and give bicyclists as much space as possible.

3. 3. At an intersection, which road users should a South Carolina driver yield to?

   1. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers still in the intersection
   2. Only vehicles that arrive after the driver
   3. Only the largest vehicle present
   4. No one if the driver is traveling straight
   Show answer

   Pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers still in the intersection. South Carolina's right-of-way guidance says to yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers who are still in the intersection. Traveling straight does not erase the duty to avoid someone already occupying the conflict area, and vehicle size does not determine priority. The choice “Only vehicles that arrive after the driver” reverses the concern by focusing on later arrivals. A useful intersection cue is to scan for people and vehicles already committed to the crossing before proceeding, even when your intended movement seems simple.

Source: the South Carolina Driver's Manual, Section 6: 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.