Ontario Right-of-Way Rules
Study selected Ontario right-of-way rules for intersections, left turns and pedestrian crossings, with links to official guidance.
Look for the control first.
Before deciding who moves next, identify the signs, signals, markings, and people directing traffic. A question about an uncontrolled intersection asks you to apply a different situation from one with a stop sign. Read the whole scenario before choosing an answer.
Notice arrival order and direction.
At an all-way stop, the first vehicle to come to a complete stop goes first. When two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. When turning left without a protected left-turn signal, yield to oncoming traffic that is close enough to be a hazard. Waiting for a safe opening matters more than asserting priority.
Keep looking for people.
When turning, yield to pedestrians in or approaching your path and check your blind spots for cyclists. At pedestrian crossovers and school crossings with a crossing guard, wait until pedestrians and any school crossing guard have completely crossed and are safely on the sidewalk. Never let another driver’s wave replace your own checks.
Practise the decision, not just the phrase.
For each question, explain which control applies, what you need to yield to, and what would make the movement safe. If you cannot explain the decision, read the handbook section and try a different example. These notes introduce a few concepts; the official handbook gives the full guidance and exceptions.