ROAD CODE

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About riding

Giving way at uncontrolled intersections

An uncontrolled intersection is an intersection where there are no Give Way signs, Stop signs, roundabouts or traffic signals to tell you who has to give way.

If both drivers are facing Give Way signs, Stop signs or green traffic lights these rules apply.

What are the give way rules?

  • If you are turning at an intersection, give way to all vehicles not turning.
  • If you are turning left at an intersection, give way to vehicles coming towards you that are turning right.
  • In all other situations, give way to all vehicles coming from your right.
  • If you are leaving the path of a marked centre line, you are deemed to be turning and must give way to vehicles that are following the centre line.

Two vehicles coming towards each other and turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

Two vehicles coming towards each other and turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

Two vehicles turning right

When two vehicles are coming towards each other at an uncontrolled intersection and both are turning right, no one should have to give way.

This is because normally neither will cross the other's path, so both vehicles can turn safely. However, be careful if the other vehicle is a large truck or bus, as they may need more room to make the turn.

Turning at an uncontrolled intersection when others are not

You are turning, so you must give way to vehicles not turning.

Turning at an uncontrolled intersection Turning at an uncontrolled intersection


Turning at an uncontrolled intersection Turning at an uncontrolled intersection

Turning left at an uncontrolled intersection

You are turning left, so you must give way to vehicles coming towards you and turning right.

Turning left at an uncontrolled intersection

Note: be aware of the traffic behind you. If you were on the motorcycle, vehicles travelling behind you may affect whether the red car could turn or not.

Going straight through at an uncontrolled intersection

You are going straight through, but you must give way to straight-through traffic from your right.

Going straight through at an uncontrolled intersection

Turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

Give way to the right when both are turning right.

Turning right at an uncontrolled intersection Turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

Leaving the path of the centre line at an uncontrolled intersection

If you are leaving the path of a marked centre line at an uncontrolled intersection, you must give way to vehicles following the centre line. This is because vehicles leaving the path of the centre line are legally turning (even though sometimes they might actually be going in a straight line) and the give way rules apply.

Leaving the path of the centre line at an uncontrolled intersection

Helpful hint

At an uncontrolled intersection, if you are turning, give way to all vehicles not turning. In all other situations, give way to vehicles crossing or coming from your right.

 

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