Right of way rules

Key points

1. Yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and other traffic already in the intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “A driver on any road must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists and other traffic already in the intersection.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

2. At a yield sign, go slowly enough to stop if needed and enter only when clear.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “When nearing an intersection marked with a "yield right-of-way" sign, you are required to travel at a speed slow enough to be able to stop if necessary. Enter only when the way is clear.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

3. At a four way stop, the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive should have the right-of-way.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

4. If two arrive at a four way stop at about the same time, the driver on the left yields to the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “When two vehicles approach a four-way stop intersection at approximately the same time, coming from different directions, the driver on the left should yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

5. When turning left, yield to all oncoming traffic, including bicyclists.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “If you are turning left, you must yield to all oncoming traffic. Any vehicle coming toward you, whether it is a motor vehicle or a bicyclist, has the right of way.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

6. Coming from a driveway, alley, parking lot or T intersection, yield to all traffic on the road.

   Source: Handbook p. 28

   “A driver who is approaching the road from a driveway, alley, parking lot, or Tintersection must yield the right-of-way to all traffic on the road.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 28

7. Even when pedestrians cross carelessly, the driver must yield.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “Even when pedestrians cross the street carelessly, the driver must yield.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 38

8. Stop and yield for a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog crossing or waiting to cross.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “When a pedestrian who has a white cane or is being led by a guide dog is crossing or waiting to cross the street ahead of you, you must stop and yield the right-of-way.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 38

9. Never pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian, even with two lanes.

   Source: Handbook p. 38

   “When a vehicle ahead of you stops for a pedestrian, do not pass the stopped vehicle even if there are two lanes provided.”
   Vermont Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 38

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Vermont practice test

1. 1. At a four-way stop, what should happen when two vehicles arrive at approximately the same time?

   1. Both drivers accelerate together
   2. The driver on the right yields to the driver on the left
   3. The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right
   4. The heavier vehicle goes first
   Show answer

   The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. When two vehicles reach a four-way stop at roughly the same time from different directions, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. The rule resolves the tie without relying on vehicle size, acceleration, or a race into the intersection. If one vehicle arrived clearly first, that earlier arrival controls instead. The useful visual cue is to identify your own position relative to the other vehicle before moving.

2. 2. At a Vermont four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive should have:

   1. Priority only after honking
   2. The duty to reverse before proceeding
   3. The right-of-way
   4. No priority unless a signal is green
   Show answer

   The right-of-way. At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive should have the right-of-way. The reverse-before-proceeding and honking choices invent procedures that do not decide priority, while a green signal is not part of a four-way stop. If two vehicles arrive at approximately the same time from different directions, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. A concrete cue is arrival order first, right-side priority for a tie. Stop fully, observe the sequence, and let the rule settle the movement before entering.

3. 3. When turning left at an intersection, what traffic must the driver yield to?

   1. Only vehicles approaching from the right
   2. No traffic if the turn signal is on
   3. Only pedestrians in a marked crosswalk
   4. All oncoming traffic, including bicyclists
   Show answer

   All oncoming traffic, including bicyclists. A left-turning driver must wait for every oncoming road user described by the manual, including a motor vehicle or bicyclist. Activating a signal communicates the intention to turn but does not grant priority. Limiting the rule to traffic from the right or to marked crosswalk users overlooks the oncoming lane. A useful habit is to keep the wheels straight while waiting, then turn only after the opposing path is clear and pedestrians in the destination street have been considered.

Source: the Vermont Driver's Manual, Chapter 7: Driving Safely and Studying for Your Permit. 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.