California Right of Way Rules
Right-of-way rules determine who goes first when two or more vehicles or pedestrians arrive at the same place at the same time. Getting these wrong causes a significant portion of California traffic collisions — and will cost you points on the DMV test.
At Intersections
At an uncontrolled intersection, the first vehicle to arrive goes first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, yield to the vehicle on your right. When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. At a T-intersection, vehicles on the through road have the right of way over vehicles on the terminating road.
Emergency Vehicles
When an emergency vehicle with its siren and/or lights activated approaches, you must pull over to the nearest right curb or edge of the road and stop. Do not block intersections. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes. Move over laws also require you to change lanes away from stopped emergency or service vehicles on the roadside when possible.
Pedestrians & Cyclists
Pedestrians always have the right of way at marked and unmarked crosswalks. You must stop and remain stopped for pedestrians crossing. Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk — a pedestrian may be crossing in front of it. Bicyclists on the road have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.
Key Rules at a Glance
- Tie at uncontrolled intersection: Yield to the vehicle on your right
- Left turn: Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians
- Emergency vehicle approaching: Pull right and stop
- Pedestrians at crosswalks: Always have right of way — stop and stay stopped
- T-intersection: Through road has right of way