Right of Way at 'T-Intersections'

Okay, driver, who has the right of way at a T-intersection? You best be informed about right-of-way rules before you get out on the road.

Select a Topic Giving Right of Way Right of Way at Uncontrolled Intersections Right of Way at T-intersections Right of Way on Different Pavement Surfaces Right of Way on Different Laned Roads Right of Way During Left Turns Right of Way from Private Roads to Public Streets Before we analyze the video, let’s go over some definitions real quick.

Right of Way

Right of way, according to Merriam-Webster, means “the right to move onto or across the road before other people or vehicles.” So if you have the right of way, that means you get to go first. But you know what they say … First is the worst; second is the best. (And third is the one with the hairy chest).

T-Intersection

A T-Intersection is an intersection of two roads that looks like, well, a T. If you’re driving on the vertical line, or bottom part of the T, that means your road will end and you’ll have to cross onto the horizontal line, or top part of the T. Having trouble visualizing it? Here’s a picture. The motor vehicle with the "A" is approaching a cross street and must turn onto it.

Today's blog post has been brought to you by the letter T. (Shoutout to the GOAT, Sesame Street.)

Alright, so now you know the basic right of way rules.

The Cross Street

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. Oftentimes when you approach a cross street, you’ll see a yield sign reminding you who has the right of way. Like this:

So remember folks: If you’re driving on the cross street, you get to go first. And if you’re not? STOP and yield. Cause collisions are no fun.