Yielding the right of way

Key points

1. At each intersection, always consider the situation and circumstances before assuming who goes first.

   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. At a four-way stop, if you and another driver arrive at the same time, who should go first?

   1. The driver with the larger vehicle
   2. The driver on your left
   3. The driver on your right
   4. The driver who sounds the horn first
   Show answer

   The driver on your right. When two drivers arrive at the same time at a four-way intersection controlled by stop signs, yield the right-of-way to the driver on your right. The rule creates a predictable order and avoids two vehicles moving into the intersection together. Vehicle size, horn use, and arrival from the left do not replace that priority. Still scan for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other traffic before entering, because a right-of-way rule never excuses a collision. The simple cue is same arrival time plus four-way stop: check right, yield, then proceed when clear.

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.