T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (2024)

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T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (3)

Updated Oct. 22, 2020

T-intersection is a three-way junction where three roads come together. Just like with any other intersection, you must exercise caution when approaching it and you should slow down and watch out for other traffic and pedestrians even if you are traveling on the through road and have the right-of-way.

  1. T intersection road sign
  2. Right-of-way rules at a T-intersection

T intersection road sign

Most of T-intersections have a T-INTERSECTION warning sign installed on approaches to the intersection to warn drivers that the road they are traveling on does not continue straight through the intersection. It is one of the intersection road signs that tell you what type of the intersection you are approaching so you can exercise extra caution and prepare to slow down, if necessary.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (4)

Right-of-way rules at a T-intersection

At an uncontrolled T intersection, the driver on the street which ends must yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians on the cross street.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (5)

Some T-intersections have additional YIELD or STOP signs installed to remind drivers that they have to give way to cross traffic. These are “sign controlled intersections” because the flow of traffic is regulated by road signs.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (6)

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T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (7)

Driving Through Intersections7 of 7

Highway Interchanges

An interchange is the intersection of two highways at different levels with separate connecting roads for the transfer of traffic from one highway to the other through a series of ramps. The connecting ramps allow drivers to leave on road and enter another safely, without impeding the flow of traffic.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (8)

Before You Start Driving1 of 10

Driving Maneuvers

When it comes to practical driving maneuvers like steering, backing-up and signaling, the bulk of your learning will be carried out behind-the-wheel; there can be no substitute for actually getting out there and putting these skills into practice. However, getting to grips with essential driving maneuvers does require an academic approach, before you hop into the driver’s seat.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (9)

Before You Start Driving2 of 10

Before You Start Driving

When it comes to positioning your car, steering, backing up and communicating with other road users, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about things. It is important to learn the correct maneuvering rules and methods from the start of your learning journey, otherwise you may develop bad habits which are hard to fix later.

Review

People Directing Traffic1 of 1

People Directing Traffic

Motorists may sometimes encounter authorized personnel directing traffic in place of road signs, signals and pavement markings. People who are authorized to direct traffic under such circumstances include police officers, construction workers, known as "flaggers", and crossing guards.

Driving Through Intersections1 of 7

Intersections

An intersection is a point where two or more roads join together. An intersection is an especially dangerous part of the road due to the fact that vehicle trajectories may intersect, which would automatically result in a crash. According to statistics, crashes at intersections, driveways and highway entrance ramps are the second most common type of traffic accidents, it comes right after hitting a stationary object.

Driving Through Intersections2 of 7

Controlled Intersections

An intersection is said to be “controlled” when access to the intersection is regulated by traffic signals or road signs, while access to an uncontrolled intersection is regulated only by the right-of-way rules. You must remember that traffic signals do not completely resolve traffic conflicts and you must learn to combine traffic signals and the right-of-way rules to avoid hazardous situations.

Driving Through Intersections3 of 7

Uncontrolled Intersection

An uncontrolled intersection is one of the most common types of intersections out there. An uncontrolled intersection is a road intersection with no traffic light or road signs to indicate the right-of-way.

Driving Through Intersections4 of 7

Roundabouts

A roundabout is an uncontrolled intersection or an intersection controlled by road signs where traffic moves counterclockwise around a central island. Access to the roundabout is usually controlled by YIELD signs that may be duplicated with additional yield line pavement markings.

Driving Through Intersections5 of 7

Turn Lanes

Turn lanes are traffic lanes that allow you to make a right or left turn at an intersection or to a side-road. Turn lanes are controlled by road signs and pavement markings that show you the direction of travel from the lane.

T Intersections: Right of Way Rules and Road Signs (2024)

FAQs

Who has the right of way at a T intersection without stop or yield signs? ›

T intersections without STOP or YIELD signs: Vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the through road (continuing to go straight) have the right-of-way. Turning left: Check for pedestrians. Give the right-of-way to any pedestrian or approaching vehicle that is close enough to be dangerous.

Who has the right of way at most intersections? ›

As a general rule, you should yield to cars that are already at the intersection. Whoever arrives at the intersection first gets to go first. And similar to stop sign etiquette, you should yield to the car on your right when in doubt.

Who usually has the right of way at a T intersection Quizlet? ›

At a T-intersections, the vehicle on the side street must wait and yield right of way. Vehicles entering the traffic circle shall yield to vehicles already in the intersection. Vehicles must yield the right of way to police, fire and rescue vehicles using a siren or flashing lights. Pedestrians have the right-of-way.

What should he do at the T intersection? ›

When two roads meet and form a T shape, it's called a T-intersection. The driver on the bottom of the T must give way to drivers on the top of the T.

Who must yield at T intersections? ›

T-Intersection Rules

Typically, the driver on the terminating road (the top of the “T”) must yield to the traffic on the through road. This rule logically follows the general driving principle that vehicles on a terminating road should yield to those already on a major roadway.

Who must drivers turning left at an intersection yield to? ›

When turning left at an intersection, you must yield to oncoming traffic. When merging into traffic, do not attempt to merge if the driver behind you must slow down to let you in.

Who always has the right way? ›

The first car to arrive always receives the right of way. If you arrive at the same time as another driver, the one who's farthest to the right gets the right of way. If three vehicles arrive at the same time, the rule of “right-most has the right of way” still holds, and the car farthest left goes last.

When stopped at a T intersection, which vehicle must stop? ›

Standard 4 Part 3
QuestionAnswer
When two or more cars arrive at an intersection at approximately the same time, who goes first?The car farthest to the right
When stopped at a "T" intersection which vehicle must stop?The vehicle on the side (smaller) street
28 more rows

What color vehicle must yield at the T intersection? ›

In general, the rules of yielding at a T-intersection are not based on the color of the vehicle but on traffic signs, signals, and rules which are in place. For instance, if there is a yield sign or a stop sign, the driver facing the sign must yield to the other drivers that do not have such a sign.

What is the T intersection called? ›

A seagull intersection or continuous green T-intersection (also known as a turbo-T (in Florida) or High-T intersection (in Nevada and Utah)) is a type of three-way road intersection, usually used on high traffic volume roads and dual carriageways.

Which car should be given the right of way? ›

In general, the first vehicle to arrive at the stop has the right-of-way. After that, each driver who arrives after the first car is allowed to go in the order they arrived.

Who has the right away at an uncontrolled T intersection? ›

The vehicle that arrived first has the right-of-way. If two or more vehicles arrive at roughly the same time, drivers on the left must yield to drivers on the right. If you are turning left, yield to oncoming traffic even if you arrived first. Yield to traffic and pedestrians already in or about to enter the ...

What should you never do while driving through an intersection? ›

If the light has turned yellow, don't speed up to get through before the light changes red. Instead of racing through an intersection, slow down a little or come to a stop if the light is turning red. Keep your distance. Don't follow the vehicle in front of you too closely through an intersection.

What is the rules at each intersection? ›

The first vehicle to reach the intersection should move forward first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. If facing one another both can proceed with caution, watching for possible turns.

Which driver should yield at an uncontrolled T intersection? ›

A T intersection occurs when two roads intersect and one road ends when it meets the other. These types of intersections are sometimes uncontrolled, and you should always reduce your speed as you approach them. The driver on the right always has the right of way at T intersections.

Which driver has the right of way at a T intersection in Texas? ›

The cross street is the top part of the T. Cars on the cross street have the right of way. Motor vehicles on the street that runs perpendicular to the cross street do not have the right of way and must yield.

What are the intersection rules in New Jersey? ›

The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right of way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection. When 2 vehicles enter an intersection at the same time the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way to the driver of the vehicle on the right.

Where at an intersection not controlled by signs and signals you must yield to? ›

At intersections not controlled by signs or signals, you should yield to the vehicle already at the intersection. If two vehicles approach the intersection at the same time then yield to the vehicle on your right.

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