Junctions and Roundabouts

Junctions and Roundabouts

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Section 9 - Junctions and Roundabouts

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Section 9.1 - Junctions

This section outlines the correct way to approach and drive at junctions and roundabouts.

Junctions

If you see a 'Stop' sign (shown below), you must stop at the sign or at the stop line on the road, if provided, even if there is no traffic on the road you would like to enter.

Stop

If you see a 'Yield' sign or yield line (shown below), you must slow down, but you do not have to stop completely unless you need to wait for any oncoming traffic to pass.

Yield

Section 6 has more information on these and other regulatory signs.

Right of way

Traffic travelling straight ahead in either direction along a major road has right of way at all times.
If you are at a junction where the roads are of equal importance, the traffic on your right has right of way. You must let that traffic pass before moving on. It is important to understand that the right of way is not an absolute right. You must proceed with caution while showing regard for other users of the road.
If you are approaching a T junction, the traffic already on the road you are joining has right of way. This means any traffic on the road ending at the junction must wait for the other traffic to pass before turning left or right.
If you are turning right at a junction, the traffic coming straight through the junction from the opposite direction has right of way.
If you plan to turn right at a junction and a vehicle from the opposite direction wants to turn into the same road, the vehicle that is turning left has right of way. If yours is the vehicle turning right, you must wait for the other vehicle to turn first.
If you are approaching a junction with a major road, you must yield to other traffic. This means giving right of way or letting them pass before you enter the road you are joining.

Vehicles do not have an automatic right of way on the road. The overriding rule is, in all circumstances, proceed with caution.

You must always yield to:

pedestrians already crossing at a junction,
pedestrians on a zebra crossing,
pedestrians on a pelican crossing when the amber light is flashing, and
pedestrians and traffic when you are moving off from a stationary position (for example from your position at a stop sign or a parking space).

To avoid doubt and in the interest of road safety a vehicle should always yield to pedestrians.

You must also yield to:

traffic already turning at a junction,
traffic in another lane when you wish to change lanes, and
traffic on a public road when you are coming out of a private entrance.

Stop, look, listen, and look again. This is your duty when entering the roadway.

Motorists should watch for cyclists emerging from the end of a cycle track and mopeds and motorcycles emerging from junctions who might be difficult to see because of their small size.

It is important to understand that the right of way is not an absolute right of way. You must proceed with caution, having regard for other road users.

Turning right from a major road onto a minor road

Check your mirrors and blind spots well in advance for traffic following behind you and give a right turn signal.
As soon as you can do so safely, take up a position just left of the middle of the road or in the space provided for right-turning traffic.
Where possible, leave room for other vehicles to pass on the left.
Do not turn the steering wheel until you are ready to make the turn.
When a safe gap occurs in oncoming traffic, finish your turn so that you enter the left-hand side of the road into which you are turning.
Do not cut the corner when you turn. Do not make a Գwan neckՠby passing the correct turning point and then having to turn back into the road you want to enter.

Turning right from a minor road onto a major road

Check your mirrors well in advance for traffic following behind you and give a right turn signal.
As soon as you can do so safely, take up a postion just left of the middle of the road.
If you are at a junction controlled by a Stop or a Yield sign, wait at the entrance to the junction until the road is clear in both directions.
Where possible, leave room for other vehicles to pass on the left.
When a safe gap occurs in traffic coming from both directions finish your turn so that you enter the left-hand side of the road onto which you are turning.
Be alert for road markings which direct you to follow a certain course.

Turning right at a crossroads

Turning back to back

If you cannot do this, you may turn near-side to near-side if necessary. This means starting the turn while the vehicles are still facing each other.

Turning near side to near side

Turning right from a one-way street

Drive as close as you safely can to the right-hand side of the one-way street. Look out for areas where two lanes may be allowed for turning right.

Turning left from a major road to a minor road

Check your mirrors well in advance for traffic following behind you.
Give a left-turn signal and slow down.
Keep as close as you safely can to the left-hand edge of the road, using your mirrors to watch for cyclists or motorcyclists coming up on your left.
Watch for flashing amber arrows that allow you to proceed to the left if no traffic is approaching from the right.
Where possible, leave room for other vehicles to pass on the right.
Make the turn, keeping close to the left-hand edge. Do not hit or mount the kerb.

Turning left from a minor road to a major road

Check your mirrors well in advance for traffic following behind you.
Give a left turn signal and slow down.
If you are at a junction controlled by a Stop or a Yield sign, wait at the entrance to the junction until the road is clear.
Watch for flashing amber arrows that allow you to proceed to the left if no traffic is approaching from the right.
If a left-turn slip lane is provided, you should use it.
When it is safe, finish your turn so that you enter the left-hand side of the road onto which you are turning.

Take care not to swing wide when you turn and always give way to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the junction before you start any turn.