By the ChowChow Labs editorial team · Updated October 22, 2026 · How we check our content
The short answer: At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to stop completely goes first. If two stop at the same time, the driver on the left lets the driver on the right go. At an intersection with no signs or lights, yield to anyone who got there first, and to the vehicle on your right if you arrive together. Turning drivers yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. And the right-of-way is something you give, never something you take: signalling does not give it to you.
All-way stops
Everyone stops. Then drivers go in the order they came to a complete stop. If two vehicles stop at the same moment, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Intersections with no signs or lights
These uncontrolled intersections are usually on quiet roads. Slow down and look both ways. Yield to any vehicle that reaches the intersection before you. If you arrive at the same time as a vehicle on another road, yield to the one on your right.
Left turns
When you turn left, wait for oncoming traffic to pass or turn, and for pedestrians who are crossing, or about to cross, the road you are turning onto. Keep your wheels straight while you wait, so a rear-end crash won’t push you into oncoming traffic.
Pedestrians, crossovers and school crossings
- On a green light, turning drivers still yield to pedestrians crossing in their path.
- At pedestrian crossovers and school crossings with a crossing guard, stop and wait until the person (and the guard) has crossed the whole road.
- Don’t pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk; someone may be crossing in front of it.
- Coming out of a driveway or parking lot, yield to vehicles on the road and to pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Roundabouts
- Slow down, watch for pedestrians at the crosswalk, and yield to traffic already circulating.
- Choose your lane before you enter: left lane to turn left or go straight, right lane to turn right or go straight.
- Travel counter-clockwise. Don’t stop inside or change lanes; if you miss your exit, go around again.
- If an emergency vehicle comes, leave the roundabout first, then pull over.
Worked examples
- You stop at an all-way stop a second after a car on your left. They stopped first, so they go first, even though you are on their right. “Yield to the right” only breaks a tie.
- You signal to change lanes and a car in that lane speeds up. Your signal didn’t give you the right-of-way. Stay in your lane and try again when there is a safe gap.
- The signals are dark after a power failure. Treat the intersection like an all-way stop: yield to vehicles already in it and to those entering from your right.
- Your light is green but traffic is backed up past the intersection. Wait before the intersection until there is room on the other side, so you don’t block cross traffic.
Official source
Read the Driving Through Intersections and Changing Directions sections of the MTO Driver’s Handbook. Checked October 2026.
Check yourself
Try these 6 questions from our free mock exams, then tap Show answer. For more, take the rules of the road practice test.
Question 1 · Right-of-Way
Two vehicles arrive from different roads at the same moment at an intersection with no signs or signals. Which goes first?
- A. The vehicle on the left
- B. The vehicle on the right
- C. The larger vehicle
- D. The faster vehicle
Show answer
Answer: B. The vehicle on the right
Yield to the vehicle approaching from your right.
Question 2 · Right-of-Way
At a four-way stop, who has the right-of-way?
- A. The vehicle that is going straight
- B. The largest vehicle
- C. The first vehicle to stop completely
- D. The vehicle on the left
Show answer
Answer: C. The first vehicle to stop completely
At an all-way stop, drivers go in the order they came to a full stop.
Question 3 · Right-of-Way
Two cars arrive together at an all-way stop. Which one has priority?
- A. The car on the other's right side
- B. The car on the other's left side
- C. The car turning left
- D. The car that signalled first
Show answer
Answer: A. The car on the other's right side
When arrival is simultaneous, the driver with the other car to their right waits.
Question 4 · Right-of-Way
There is no painted stop line at an intersection. Where do you stop?
- A. The middle of the intersection
- B. Wherever you can see traffic
- C. At the crosswalk (marked or not); failing that, at the sidewalk; failing that, where the intersecting road begins
- D. 10 metres before the intersection
Show answer
Answer: C. At the crosswalk (marked or not); failing that, at the sidewalk; failing that, where the intersecting road begins
Without a stop line, use the next best reference point, working outward from the crosswalk.
Question 5 · Turning & Lane Changes
What is a two-way left-turn lane NOT for?
- A. Overtaking other vehicles
- B. Waiting to turn left off the road
- C. Emergency vehicles only
- D. Building up speed
Show answer
Answer: A. Overtaking other vehicles
The centre lane is for making left turns only, not for overtaking.
Question 6 · Turning & Lane Changes
It is illegal to make a U-turn:
- A. Where bends, rises, railway tracks, bridges or tunnels limit how far you can see
- B. On a straight road with good visibility
- C. In a residential area only
- D. At a stop sign only
Show answer
Answer: A. Where bends, rises, railway tracks, bridges or tunnels limit how far you can see
U-turns are banned in places where your view of oncoming traffic is restricted, such as bends, hill crests, near rail crossings, and by bridges or tunnels.
Mock Exam 11 focuses on intersections and right-of-way; it’s part of Premium.
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