California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Rules of the Road and Right-of-WayMedium
You are making a left turn at a signal-controlled intersection. The traffic light turns green, and there is an oncoming vehicle that has also entered the intersection. Who has the right-of-way?
- AYou have the right-of-way because you are making a turn on a green light.
- BThe oncoming vehicle has the right-of-way because they are going straight.
- CBoth vehicles must stop and yield to each other until one driver signals for the other to proceed.
- DThe vehicle that entered the intersection first has the right-of-way.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The oncoming vehicle has the right-of-way because they are going straight.
When making a left turn on a green light, you must yield to oncoming traffic that is going straight, even if you both enter the intersection at the same time. Straight-through traffic always has priority over turning traffic.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect; a green light for a turn does not automatically grant right-of-way over straight-through traffic.
- C. This is incorrect; there is a clear rule for right-of-way in this situation, and drivers are not expected to negotiate.
- D. This rule applies to uncontrolled intersections or all-way stops, not typically to a green light left turn vs. straight-through scenario.
Left Turn Right-of-Way (Green Light)
When making a left turn on a green light, you must yield to oncoming traffic that is proceeding straight.
- Straight traffic has priority
- Yield before turning
- Proceed only when safe
Memory trick: Turners yield to straight-goers!