Right of way

Key points

1. Right of way tells us who goes first and who must wait. Do not assume the vehicle on the right goes first.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “"Right-of-way" tells us who goes first and who must wait. Do not assume that the vehicle on the "right" goes first.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 9

2. You must always yield to avoid hitting pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “You must always yield to avoid hitting pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 9

3. At a four way stop, the first to arrive goes first. If you arrive together, the driver on the right goes first.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “The bicyclist or driver who arrives first to the four-way stop If one or more driver arrives to the stop at the same time, the driver on the right goes first”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 9

4. At uncontrolled intersections, yield to vehicles coming from the right.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “Vehicles coming from the right when there are no signals or traffic lights (uncontrolled intersections)”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 9

5. Yield to traffic already in a roundabout and to cross traffic at an uncontrolled T intersection.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “Traffic that is already in a roundabout (traffic circle) Cross traffic in an uncontrolled T-intersection”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 9

6. For a pedestrian with a guide dog or white cane, stop at least ten feet away until the person is off the road.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “Stop at least ten feet away until the person is off the roadway”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 9

7. Yield to a vehicle passing you, and to approaching vehicles when you turn left or make a U turn.

   Source: Handbook p. 9

   “A vehicle that is passing you on the left or right going the same direction on the road Approaching vehicles if you are making a left turn or a U-turn”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 9

8. Search left, right and left again before going through an intersection, even with the right of way.

   Source: Handbook p. 11

   “Be alert by searching left, right and left again before going through the intersection even if you have the right-of-way.”
   Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Handbook p. 11

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Wisconsin practice test

1. 1. At a four-way stop, two drivers arrive simultaneously. Which driver proceeds first?

   1. The driver with the larger vehicle
   2. The driver on the left
   3. The driver going straight
   4. The driver on the right
   Show answer

   The driver on the right. When drivers reach a four-way stop at the same time, Wisconsin gives priority to the driver on the right. This resolves the tie without relying on vehicle size, intended direction, or a gesture from another motorist. If one driver arrived earlier, that arrival order controls instead. The left-side option reverses the handbook's tie rule, and a straight-moving vehicle does not automatically outrank a turning vehicle at this specific stop. Slow down, confirm who arrived first, then apply the right-side rule only when arrival is simultaneous.

2. 2. At an uncontrolled Wisconsin intersection, which vehicles should you yield to when there are no signals or traffic lights?

   1. Vehicles coming from the right
   2. Vehicles parked along the curb
   3. Only vehicles sounding a horn
   4. Only vehicles turning into driveways
   Show answer

   Vehicles coming from the right. Wisconsin includes vehicles coming from the right among the road users to yield to at uncontrolled intersections. The rule applies when there are no signals or traffic lights to assign turns. Parked vehicles are not entering the intersection, and a horn is not the condition that creates priority. Driveway turns are too narrow and miss the broader cross-traffic risk. At a quiet intersection with no control devices, slow enough to scan right and left before entering.

3. 3. A pedestrian with a guide dog or white cane is near the roadway. How far away should a driver stop until that person is clear?

   1. Only at the edge of a marked crosswalk
   2. At least 3 feet
   3. At least 20 feet
   4. At least 10 feet
   Show answer

   At least 10 feet. The handbook gives special protection to a pedestrian using a guide dog or carrying a white cane. The driver must stop at least 10 feet away and remain stopped until the person is off the roadway. Three feet and 20 feet are not the stated distance, and the rule is not limited to a marked crosswalk or to a pedestrian already occupying the driver’s lane. Notice the combination of a mobility or vision cue and the 10 foot distance. That is the detail that distinguishes this right-of-way instruction from ordinary pedestrian caution.

Source: the Wisconsin Motorists' Handbook, Section 3: The Basics. 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.