Intersections, turns and roundabouts

Key points

1. At a four way stop, the first to arrive goes first; if two arrive at about the same time, yield to the one on the right.

   Source: PDF page 48

   “The first vehicle to arrive is the first to go. The second vehicle to arrive is the second to go, etc. If two vehicles arrive at approximately the same time, yield to the one on the right.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 48

2. A vehicle turning left must yield to vehicles going straight or turning right.

   Source: PDF page 48

   “Any vehicle turning left must yield the right-of-way to vehicles going straight or turning right.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 48

3. If your view is blocked at the stop line, edge forward slowly until you can see.

   Source: PDF page 48

   “If you stop on the stop line, but your view of a cross street is blocked, edge forward slowly until you can see.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 48

4. Signal at least 100 feet before turning across oncoming traffic.

   Source: PDF page 48

   “Put on your turn signal at least 100 feet before you turn left or right across oncoming traffic.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 48

5. U turns are generally allowed unless a sign prohibits them.

   Source: PDF page 49

   “In Washington, U-turns are generally allowed unless a sign is posted telling you a U-turn is not allowed.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 49

6. At an uncontrolled intersection, yield if a vehicle is already in it, or if you enter a state highway from a secondary road or a paved road from an unpaved one.

   Source: PDF page 51

   “A vehicle is already in the intersection. You enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road. You enter a paved road from an unpaved road.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 51

7. At a Y intersection, cars on the major road have the right of way.

   Source: PDF page 49

   “The cars on major roads have the right-of-way.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 49

8. Roundabouts are designed for 15 to 25 mph.

   Source: PDF page 50

   “Roundabouts are designed for speeds between 15 and 25 mph.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 50

9. Look left and yield to all traffic already in the roundabout.

   Source: PDF page 50

   “Look left and yield to all traffic already in the roundabout since they have the right-of-way.”
   Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 50

10. Traffic calming circles are meant for passenger vehicles and may not easily fit large vehicles.

    Source: PDF page 49

    “Traffic calming circles are intended for passenger vehicles and may not easily accommodate large vehicles like fire trucks, buses, or delivery trucks.”
    Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), PDF page 49

Numbers to know

Recognize these signs

3 questions from the Washington practice test

1. 1. Which is one circumstance under Washington rules when a driver must yield at an uncontrolled intersection?

   1. A vehicle has already entered the intersection
   2. You are traveling on the wider roadway
   3. You are approaching from the paved road
   4. Your vehicle is moving faster than the other vehicle
   Show answer

   A vehicle has already entered the intersection. At an uncontrolled intersection, Washington still applies normal right-of-way rules. One listed condition is that a vehicle is already in the intersection, so a driver entering must yield and avoid cutting across its path. Road width and vehicle speed do not decide this particular condition. Being on a paved road also does not automatically give priority, although a driver coming from an unpaved road has a separate duty to yield. Approach slowly, scan each direction, and check whether another vehicle entered first.

2. 2. At a T-intersection, who normally has the right-of-way?

   1. Traffic leaving the road that ends
   2. Traffic on the through road
   3. The vehicle that sounds its horn first
   4. The vehicle that is closest to the center line
   Show answer

   Traffic on the through road. A T-intersection is formed when one road ends at a through road. The guide notes that passing traffic on the through road has the right-of-way, sometimes reinforced by a yield or stop sign for the ending road. The ending road does not gain priority by arriving first. A horn is a warning device, not a right-of-way grant, and lane position near the center line does not settle the order. Drivers leaving the short road should approach cautiously and yield as required.

3. 3. How should you enter a Washington roundabout?

   1. Stop in the center island until every approaching lane is empty
   2. Enter from the left and travel clockwise
   3. Slow down, look left, and yield to traffic already in the roundabout
   4. Accelerate into the circle because entering traffic has priority
   Show answer

   Slow down, look left, and yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Traffic already circulating in a roundabout has the right-of-way. Approach slowly, look left, yield to vehicles in the circle, and enter only when a safe gap appears. Stopping in the center island is not how the intersection operates and can block other users. Roundabouts are entered to the right and traveled counterclockwise, so the clockwise choice reverses the intended flow. Entering traffic does not have priority. Use the lane choice sign, stay in the selected lane, and exit at the intended street.

Source: the Washington Driver Guide (plain-text version), Chapter 4: Roads. 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.