Ask A Trooper – Right of Way

Question: At a 4-way stop, when 2 cars stop at exactly the same time, which one has the right of way? Is it the car on your left? It seems like no one knows what to do these days and everyone just sits there.

Answer: That is a good question for a good topic. Right-of-way and yielding laws help traffic flow smoothly and safely. They are based on courtesy and common sense. Violating these laws is a leading cause of traffic crashes.

• Intersections without traffic lights or signals: When you reach an intersection at the same time as another driver, the driver on the left must yield to the one on the right.
• All-way stops or flashing red traffic lights: When you reach an intersection at the same time as another driver, the driver on the left must yield to the one on the right.
• Left turns: When you want to make a left turn, you must yield to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction that are in the intersection or close enough to pose a risk of a crash.
• Green arrow signal for left turn: When a green arrow signals that you are allowed to turn left, you must yield to other vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection. After yielding, you may continue in the direction of the arrow.
• Uncontrolled “T” intersections: When you approach an uncontrolled “T” intersection, you must yield to all cross traffic if you are the one turning.
• Entering a public road from a private road or driveway: You must stop and yield to pedestrians

and traffic.

• Transit and metro mobility buses: When driving in the right lane, you must yield to transit and metro mobility buses merging from a bus stop or shoulder. This includes yielding to any school bus trying to enter the lane from a shoulder, a right-turn lane, or other location where the school bus has stopped to load or unload passengers. The school bus must use the left turn signal to indicate intent to move into the right-hand lane.
• Funeral processions: When a funeral procession identifies itself with headlights or hazard warning lights, you must yield to the entire procession.
• Pedestrians: You must yield to pedestrians crossing at intersections and crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)