Who goes first? Every Pennsylvania right-of-way scenario, worked through.
Right-of-way questions are among the most-missed on knowledge tests because the rule sounds obvious until the scenario adds a second vehicle. Below is the full scenario set: the universal rule first, then the Pennsylvania-specific version wherever Pennsylvania law sets its own terms.
Who goes first
Funeral Procession at an Intersection
A funeral procession is passing through an intersection. The lead vehicle has entered legally; following vehicles continue with headlights or hazard lights on. What must you do?
Where state law codifies right-of-way for funeral processions, the procession may continue together through the intersection even if the signal changes after the lead vehicle enters legally. Other drivers must yield to the procession and not cut in or break the line. State coverage varies widely; many states are silent.
Yield to a funeral procession and let it pass. Once the lead vehicle has cleared an intersection, the rest of the procession may proceed through and other traffic must yield. Do not cut in and out of a procession unless a police officer or the funeral director directs you to.
Pennsylvania grants right of way to funeral processions. Once the lead vehicle has cleared an intersection, the rest of the procession may proceed through and other traffic must yield. Allow the procession to pass, and do not cut in and out of it unless directed by a police officer or by an agent or employee of the funeral director. You can identify a procession because every vehicle in it must have its headlights and emergency flashers turned on and bear a flag or other insignia designating it as part of the procession; vehicles may also display a flashing or revolving purple light. Drivers within the procession may proceed through a red light or stop sign as long as the lead vehicle entered on green, and at a stop sign the lead vehicle must first come to a complete stop. Funeral processions themselves must yield to emergency vehicles.
Source: PA Driver's Manual (PUB 95, 4-21), Chapter 3: Learning to Drive, Funeral Procession, p. 64
Active Emergency Vehicle Approaching
An emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren on. What must you do?
Pull as far to the right as is safe, stop, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle and any others following it have passed. Do not block intersections. On divided highways, the rules for opposing-direction traffic vary by state, described in the state-specific rule below.
Pull over to the curb or the side of the road and stop, parallel and as near to the curb as you can, staying clear of intersections. Do not start again until the emergency vehicle has passed, and then keep at least 500 feet behind it.
When you hear a siren or see a vehicle approaching from any direction with flashing red lights or a combination of red and blue lights, you must pull over to the curb or side of the road and stop. Drive parallel and as near to the curb as possible; on a one-way street, drive toward the nearest roadside and stop. Stay clear of intersections so the emergency vehicle can pass through unobstructed. Do not start driving again until the emergency vehicle has passed, and once you do, keep at least 500 feet behind it and make sure another emergency vehicle is not coming. During an emergency you must also obey the direction of any uniformed police officer, sheriff, constable, or properly attired person, including fire police.
Exiting a Driveway, Alley, or Private Road
You are pulling out of a driveway onto a public street. A pedestrian is walking on the sidewalk. What must you do?
When exiting a driveway, alley, or private road onto a public street, you must yield to all road traffic and to any pedestrian on the sidewalk you must cross. Stop at the sidewalk, let the pedestrian pass, then look both ways before pulling onto the street.
Highway On-Ramp Merge
You are entering a highway via an on-ramp. What must you do?
When entering a highway, the merging vehicle yields to mainline traffic. Match the speed of the highway traffic in the acceleration lane, look for a safe gap, signal, and merge smoothly. Do not stop on the ramp unless traffic conditions absolutely require it.
Single-Lane Roundabout, Entering
You are approaching a single-lane roundabout. A vehicle is already in the circle. What must you do?
When entering a roundabout, yield to all traffic already in the circle. Wait for a safe gap, then enter, drive counterclockwise, and exit at your intended street. Use your right turn signal as you approach your exit.
Pedestrian in a Marked Crosswalk
A pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk in your direction of travel. What must you do?
Yield to the pedestrian. Stop before the crosswalk and remain stopped until the pedestrian has cleared your half of the road and, in many states, until they have fully crossed. Specific stopping requirements and pass-on-the-left rules vary by state.
Yield to a pedestrian crossing at any intersection without a traffic light, whether or not the crosswalk is painted, and to one in a marked crosswalk anywhere. Yield also to a pedestrian on a sidewalk crossing a driveway or alley, and when you turn a corner into someone crossing with the light.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing at any intersection without a traffic light, whether or not a crosswalk is marked; crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk anywhere, whether or not at an intersection; walking on a sidewalk that crosses a driveway or alley; and crossing with the light when the driver is turning a corner. You must always yield to a blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or being led by a guide dog. When approaching a stopped vehicle from behind, slow down and do not pass until you are sure no pedestrians are crossing in front of it. At a red light where a right-on-red is otherwise permitted, you must first stop, look in all directions, and turn only after pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk. The Pennsylvania manual does not carve out a different duty based on which half of a divided roadway the pedestrian occupies; the duty to yield applies whenever a pedestrian is lawfully in a crosswalk in your path.
Left Turn on Solid Green Light
You have a solid green light and want to turn left. Oncoming traffic also has a solid green. What must you do?
On a solid green light, a left turn is permitted but not protected. You must yield to all oncoming through traffic and to any pedestrians legally crossing your turn path. Only complete the turn when the way is clear.
Yield Sign
You approach a yield sign. What must you do?
A yield sign means you must slow down, prepare to stop if necessary, and give the right of way to all crossing or through traffic before proceeding. You only stop fully if traffic conditions require it.
T-Intersection, Uncontrolled
You are on the road that ends at a T-intersection (no stop sign, no yield sign). Through traffic crosses your path on the road at the top of the T. What must you do?
At an uncontrolled T-intersection, the through road (the road at the top of the T) has the right of way. The vehicle on the terminating road yields to all traffic on the through road before turning.
Two Vehicles Meeting on a Narrow Mountain Road
On a narrow mountain road with no room for two vehicles to pass, you meet an oncoming vehicle. Who must back up?
Where state law codifies the rule, the vehicle traveling downhill must yield by backing up to a wider section, since reversing uphill is more difficult. Most state manuals are silent on this scenario; in those states, drivers should use courtesy and judgment.
Pennsylvania does not assign priority by grade; neither the uphill nor the downhill driver is named as the one who must back up. On a road wide enough for only one line of traffic each way, give the other driver at least half of the traveled roadway and work it out to the nearest pull-out.
Pennsylvania does not assign priority by grade. Neither the uphill nor the downhill driver is named as the one who must back up, and the manual does not cover the situation.
A general duty still applies. When you meet a vehicle coming the other way, you pass to the right, and on a road wide enough for only one line of traffic in each direction you each give the other at least half of the main-traveled portion of the roadway, as nearly as you can.
So on a narrow mountain grade there is no rule naming who reverses. Work it out with the other driver and back to the nearest pull-out or wide spot, keeping your half of the road as you go.
Uncontrolled Intersection, Sequenced Arrival
Two vehicles approach an uncontrolled intersection at different times (no stop signs, no signals, no yield signs). Who proceeds first?
At an uncontrolled intersection, the first vehicle to arrive has the right of way. The second vehicle yields and waits for the first to clear.
2-Way Stop, Stopped Vehicle Yields to Cross Traffic
You are stopped at a stop sign. The cross street has no stop sign. When can you proceed?
At a 2-way stop, the cross street has the right of way and does not stop. You must wait until the intersection is clear in both directions and you can proceed without forcing other drivers to slow or change course.
Motorist Turning Right Across a Bike Lane
You want to turn right at the next intersection. There is a cyclist in the bike lane to your right. What must you do?
Yield to the cyclist before crossing the bike lane. Look over your right shoulder and check your right-side mirror, signal, and slow until you can confirm no cyclist is in or approaching your turn path. Begin the turn only when the bike lane is clear.
4-Way Stop, Sequenced Arrival
Two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop at different times. Who proceeds first?
The first vehicle to come to a complete stop has the right of way. The second vehicle waits for the first to clear the intersection, then proceeds. Each subsequent vehicle proceeds in the order it stopped.
Pedestrian at an Unmarked Crosswalk
A pedestrian is crossing at an intersection where there are no painted crosswalk lines. What must you do?
Every public-road intersection has an implied crosswalk, marked or not. Yield to a pedestrian crossing at the unmarked crosswalk just as you would at a marked one. State coverage of unmarked-crosswalk rules varies; some statutes only protect marked crosswalks explicitly.
Yield to a pedestrian crossing at any intersection without a traffic light, whether or not the crosswalk is painted, and to one in a marked crosswalk anywhere. Yield also to a pedestrian on a sidewalk crossing a driveway or alley, and when you turn a corner into someone crossing with the light.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing at any intersection without a traffic light, whether or not a crosswalk is marked; crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk anywhere, whether or not at an intersection; walking on a sidewalk that crosses a driveway or alley; and crossing with the light when the driver is turning a corner. You must always yield to a blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or being led by a guide dog. When approaching a stopped vehicle from behind, slow down and do not pass until you are sure no pedestrians are crossing in front of it. At a red light where a right-on-red is otherwise permitted, you must first stop, look in all directions, and turn only after pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk. The Pennsylvania manual does not carve out a different duty based on which half of a divided roadway the pedestrian occupies; the duty to yield applies whenever a pedestrian is lawfully in a crosswalk in your path.
Multi-Lane Roundabout, Entering
You are approaching a multi-lane (two-lane) roundabout. What must you do differently from a single-lane roundabout?
At a multi-lane roundabout, yield to all traffic in both circulating lanes before entering. Choose your lane on approach based on your destination (right lane to exit at the first or second street, left lane to go further). Do not change lanes while inside the circle. Signal right before exiting.
Uncontrolled Intersection, Simultaneous Arrival
Two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection at the same time. Who proceeds first?
When two vehicles arrive at an uncontrolled intersection simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. The vehicle on the left yields.
4-Way Stop, Simultaneous Arrival from Perpendicular Directions
Two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop at the same moment, on perpendicular roads. Who proceeds first?
When two vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop at the same time on perpendicular roads, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. The vehicle on the left yields and waits for the right-hand vehicle to clear the intersection.
Pedestrian with a White Cane or Guide Dog
A pedestrian carrying a white cane or accompanied by a guide dog is at the curb or in the crosswalk. What must you do?
All states require drivers to yield to pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired and identifiable by a white cane or guide dog. Stop and wait until the pedestrian has fully cleared the roadway, regardless of marked-vs-unmarked crosswalk distinctions. Many states impose elevated penalties for failure to yield in this situation.
Yield to a pedestrian crossing at any intersection without a traffic light, whether or not the crosswalk is painted, and to one in a marked crosswalk anywhere. Yield also to a pedestrian on a sidewalk crossing a driveway or alley, and when you turn a corner into someone crossing with the light.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians who are crossing at any intersection without a traffic light, whether or not a crosswalk is marked; crossing the roadway in a marked crosswalk anywhere, whether or not at an intersection; walking on a sidewalk that crosses a driveway or alley; and crossing with the light when the driver is turning a corner. You must always yield to a blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or being led by a guide dog. When approaching a stopped vehicle from behind, slow down and do not pass until you are sure no pedestrians are crossing in front of it. At a red light where a right-on-red is otherwise permitted, you must first stop, look in all directions, and turn only after pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk. The Pennsylvania manual does not carve out a different duty based on which half of a divided roadway the pedestrian occupies; the duty to yield applies whenever a pedestrian is lawfully in a crosswalk in your path.
4-Way Stop, Opposing Vehicles, One Turning Left
Two vehicles face each other at a 4-way stop. Both stop at the same time. One intends to go straight (or turn right); the other intends to turn left. Who proceeds first?
When opposing vehicles arrive at a 4-way stop simultaneously and one intends to turn left, the through (straight) or right-turning vehicle has the right of way. The left-turning vehicle yields until oncoming traffic clears.
What the signal means
Left Turn on Green Arrow
You have a green left-turn arrow. What does this mean?
A green left-turn arrow gives you a protected turn. Oncoming traffic has a red signal and is required to stop. Proceed through the turn while watching for pedestrians who may still be in the crosswalk.
Flashing Red Signal
You approach an intersection with a flashing red signal. What must you do?
Treat a flashing red signal exactly as you would a stop sign: come to a complete stop, yield to all cross traffic, and proceed only when the way is clear.
Flashing Yellow Signal
You approach an intersection with a flashing yellow signal. What must you do?
A flashing yellow signal warns you to slow down and proceed with caution. You do not need to stop. Watch for cross traffic and pedestrians, especially since drivers on the cross street may have a flashing red and may be entering the intersection.
What the law requires of you
School Bus with Red Flashers Active
A school bus has stopped on the road ahead with red lights flashing and the stop arm extended. What must you do?
On an undivided road, all vehicles in both directions must stop and remain stopped until the bus turns off its red flashers, retracts the stop arm, and begins to move. On a divided highway, opposing-direction traffic may be exempt depending on the median configuration; the state-specific rule below describes when the exemption applies.
Stop at least 10 feet from a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm out, whether you are behind it, meeting it, or approaching the intersection where it stopped. You are excused only on the opposite side of a highway divided by a barrier, guide rails, or a median, and even then you must slow down and pass with caution.
When a school bus stops with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended, all traffic must stop at least 10 feet away, whether you are behind the bus, meeting it on the same roadway, or approaching the intersection where it is stopped. Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm has been withdrawn, and the children have reached a safe place. The one exception is a divided highway: if you are driving on the opposite side of a highway divided by a concrete or metal barrier, guide rails, or a median of trees, rocks, streams, or grass, you do not have to stop, but you must reduce your speed and continue with caution. Failure to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended brings a 60-day suspension of your driver's license, five points on your driving record, and a fine of $250 plus a $35 surcharge that funds the School Bus Safety Grant Program.
Cyclist at a Stop Sign
A cyclist approaches a stop sign. Must they come to a full stop?
By default, cyclists must obey stop signs the same as motor vehicles: come to a full stop, yield to cross traffic, then proceed. Several states permit the "Idaho stop" (also called "safety stop" or "stop-as-yield"), which allows a cyclist to treat a stop sign as a yield sign when safe. The state-specific rule below describes the local treatment.
Not permitted in Pennsylvania. A bicyclist is a vehicle operator here and must come to a full stop at a stop sign and at a red light, the same as a driver.
Pennsylvania treats bicyclists as vehicle operators, and the same rules of the road that apply to motorists apply to them. A cyclist must come to a full stop at a stop sign the same way a driver does. Pennsylvania does not recognize an 'Idaho stop' that would let a rider treat a stop sign as a yield. The manual makes the point in its introduction, noting that 'all bicyclists, just like motorists, are required to stop at red lights,' and it reinforces the point in the safe-passing chapter: bicyclists are considered vehicle operators and are expected to obey all traffic laws.
Stopped Emergency or Disabled Vehicle on the Shoulder
You see an emergency vehicle stopped on the shoulder with lights flashing, or a disabled vehicle with hazards on. What must you do?
Move Over laws require you to change lanes away from the stopped vehicle when safe to do so. If you cannot change lanes, slow significantly below the posted speed limit and pass with extra caution. Specifics on which vehicles trigger the law and the required speed reduction vary by state.
Move into a lane that is not next to an emergency response area or a disabled vehicle marked with at least two signal lamps, flares, or caution signs. If traffic or conditions stop you from moving over, slow to at least 20 mph below the posted limit instead.
Pennsylvania's Move Over Law requires drivers to move into a lane that is not adjacent to an emergency response area or a disabled vehicle. An emergency response area is the area where an emergency responder is helping someone on or beside the road, or is conducting a traffic stop or vehicle check, while displaying visual signals. Responders include police, sheriffs, coroners, medical examiners, firefighters, fire police, fire marshals, rescue personnel, EMS, towing and recovery personnel, and hazmat responders. The manual also names highway construction and maintenance personnel in that list, so treat a marked work zone with crews present as an emergency response area for test purposes. Utility, municipally owned utility, and electric cooperative crews count while providing disaster emergency services within the first 72 hours after a declared emergency, or until the declared emergency expires, whichever is later. A disabled vehicle is one in or beside a traffic lane that is clearly marked with at least two signal lamps, road flares, caution signs, or other traffic control devices. If traffic or other conditions prevent moving over, the driver must reduce speed to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Workers and emergency responders may report violators directly to law enforcement, who may issue citations from those reports. The base penalty is a summary offense with a fine of up to $500 for a first offense, up to $1,000 for a second, and up to $2,000 for a third or subsequent, plus 2 points on your driving record. Fines for certain listed violations, such as reckless and careless driving and disobeying a traffic-control device, double when they happen in an emergency response area that responders are actively working.
If someone is hurt, a second fine is added on top of that one: up to $1,000 for causing bodily injury, up to $5,000 for causing serious bodily injury, and up to $10,000 for causing a death.
Suspensions run on their own track. You lose your operating privilege for 90 days if the violation caused serious bodily injury or death, and also for a third or subsequent conviction on its own, even where nobody was hurt. The suspension is six months if the violation caused serious bodily injury to an emergency responder or to a person in or near a disabled vehicle, and one year if it caused their death.
Right Turn on Red
You are stopped at a red light and want to turn right. What must you do?
After a complete stop at the red light, you may turn right unless a sign prohibits the turn. Yield to all cross traffic and pedestrians in the crosswalk before proceeding. Some states or specific intersections prohibit right-on-red by default; the state-specific rule below describes the local default.
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