Question:
Who has right of way when two vehicles approaching each other from opposite directions both want to turn into the same two-lane road? Can they both turn at the same time, the one turning left going into the outside lane, and the one turning right turning into the inside (right) lane?
Answer:
The general rule for right of way when turning right is as follows:
Before turning right, yield right of way to any traffic approaching from ahead. In effect, this means that the vehicle turning left has the right of way over the one turning right.
Some practical considerations
- Neither driver knows for sure which lane the other intends turning into. It is dangerous to make assumptions that could result in a collision.
- What if the vehicle with the left indicators flashing does not intend turning left and had simply not cancelled his indicators after an earlier left turn or lane change? If the vehicle turning right does not wait for oncoming traffic to clear the intersection, and the one with the left indicator flashing continues straight ahead, there would most likely be a collision.
- If there are traffic lights that indicate that both vehicles may turn (e.g. flashing green arrows), and there are guidance markings that channel turning vehicles into specific lanes – for left-turning traffic and right-turning traffic respectively – then the situation would be governed by specific road signs/signals and markings.
from K53 Right Of Way At Intersections to
Questions & Answers Index Page
