Intersections and Right of Way

Key points

1. Never think you have the right of way; always look at the situation and think about safety.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “Never think that you have the right of way. Always look at the situation and think about safety.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 50

2. Yield to a driver who reaches the intersection before you.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “A driver who is at the intersection before you.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 50

3. When turning left, yield to drivers in the opposite lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “Drivers in the opposite lane when you are making a left turn.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 50

4. At a four way stop, if you arrive together, yield to the driver on your right.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “The driver on your right at a four-way stop if both of you arrive at the same time.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 50

5. Coming from a driveway or private road, yield to drivers on the public road.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “Drivers on a public road if you are coming from a driveway or a private road.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 50

6. On an entrance ramp, yield to drivers already on the interstate.

   Source: Handbook p. 50

   “Drivers already on an interstate highway if you are on the entrance ramp.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 50

7. Look left, right and left again before entering an intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 41

   “Look left, right, and then left again before entering the intersection.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 41

8. Never expect extra space, and do not turn in front of an oncoming car just because its turn signal is on.

   Source: Handbook p. 41

   “Never think that another driver will give you any extra space. Do not turn into a lane just because an”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 41

9. In a roundabout, slow down, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and enter when clear.

   Source: Handbook p. 45

   “Yield to oncoming traffic, and pedestrians enter when it is clear.”
   Utah Driver Handbook, Handbook p. 45

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Utah practice test

1. 1. At a Utah intersection, another driver is already there before you arrive. What does the handbook’s arrival-order rule require?

   1. Yield to the driver who reached the intersection first
   2. Yield only if the earlier driver is on your left
   3. Proceed first if the earlier driver is on your left
   4. Proceed first if you intend to travel straight
   Show answer

   Yield to the driver who reached the intersection first. The arrival-order rule directs you to yield to a driver who is at the intersection before you. Planning to continue straight does not by itself move you ahead of an earlier arrival. Watch the other vehicle’s position as you approach and make a controlled stop when required, rather than deciding priority from vehicle size or your intended maneuver. Traffic controls and the actual situation still need attention, and courtesy helps prevent both drivers from moving into the same space.

2. 2. While merging in Utah, a vehicle in the continuing lane is close enough to pose an immediate threat. What must you do?

   1. Yield to that vehicle before joining its lane
   2. Claim priority by switching on your turn signal
   3. Enter first and require that driver to brake
   4. Enter first if your acceleration lane is about to end
   Show answer

   Yield to that vehicle before joining its lane. A driver merging into a traffic lane must yield to vehicles already in the continuing lane when they are close enough to be an immediate threat. A turn signal communicates your intention but does not require someone else to brake for your entry. Use the nearby vehicle’s position and closing speed as cues when judging the gap. Keep looking for suitable space, and merge only when your movement will not put you into conflict with that traffic.

3. 3. When you believe another Utah driver should yield, what approach does the handbook advise?

   1. Enter confidently so the other driver recognizes your priority
   2. Use the horn to establish your right-of-way
   3. Assess the situation for safety instead of assuming priority
   4. Accelerate before the other driver can move
   Show answer

   Assess the situation for safety instead of assuming priority. Utah’s guidance is to examine the situation and think about safety rather than assume you have priority. Entering confidently just to make another driver yield can create a conflict if that driver has not seen you or does not stop. Watch the other vehicle’s movement, especially when it continues rolling toward the intersection. Even where a rule requires the other person to wait, leave yourself time and space to avoid a collision if that person fails to yield.

Source: the Utah Driver Handbook, Sections 9 and 14: Intersections and Yielding. 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.