About driving

Giving way

Giving way at uncontrolled intersections

An uncontrolled intersection is an intersection where there are no Give Way signs, Stop signs, roundabouts or traffic signals to tell you who has to give way.

If both drivers are facing Give Way signs, Stop signs or green traffic lights these rules apply.

Two vehicles coming towards each other and turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

When two vehicles are coming towards each other at an uncontrolled intersection and both are turning right, no one should have to give way.

This is because normally neither will cross the other's path, so both vehicles can turn safely. However, be careful if the other vehicle is a large truck or bus as they may need more room to make the turn.

Turning at an uncontrolled intersection when others are not

You are turning, so you must give way to vehicles not turning.

Turning left at an uncontrolled intersection

You are turning left, so you must give way to vehicles coming towards you and turning right.

Note: be aware of the traffic behind you. If you were in the blue car, vehicles travelling behind you may affect whether the truck can turn or not.

Going straight through at an uncontrolled intersection

You are going straight through, but you must give way to straight-through traffic from your right.

Turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

Give way to the right when both are turning right.

Leaving the path of the centre line at an uncontrolled intersection

If you are leaving the path of a marked centre line at an uncontrolled intersection, you must give way to vehicles following the centre line. This is because vehicles leaving the path of the centre line are legally turning (even though sometimes they might actually be going in a straight line) and the give way rules apply.

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Last updated: 30 April 2009