6.1 Intersections and Right-of-Way
Key Takeaways
- At a four-way stop, the first vehicle to arrive proceeds first; if two vehicles arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle on its right.
- At a two-way stop, through traffic on the uncontrolled street has the right of way — stopped vehicles must wait for a safe gap before crossing or turning.
- Pedestrians have the right of way at every intersection and crosswalk, whether the crossing is marked or unmarked.
- Left-turning motorcycles must yield to oncoming through traffic and to pedestrians before completing the turn.
- Riders choose a lane position at intersections that keeps them visible to other drivers and outside other vehicles' blind spots.
Intersections are where most motorcycle conflicts happen, because traffic is converging, turning, and stopping in a small space. ICBC's Learn to Ride Smart devotes Chapter 5 to rules of the road precisely because the right-ofway rules tell you who must yield — and where a rider has to slow, stop, or reposition to stay safe.
Types of Intersections
An intersection is controlled when a traffic signal, stop sign, or yield sign tells road users who must stop or yield. A controlled intersection can be:
- Signal-controlled — obey the lights; a green light means go only if the way is clear and pedestrians have finished crossing.
- Four-way stop — all approaches have stop signs. The first vehicle to stop is the first to go. If two vehicles stop at the same time, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on its right.
- Two-way stop — only the side street (or one direction) has stop signs. Cross-traffic on the through street does not stop and has the right of way.
An intersection is uncontrolled when there are no signals or signs. At an uncontrolled intersection, the rule is the same as a simultaneous four-way stop: yield to the vehicle on your right. Slow down, scan both directions, and be ready to stop.
Right-of-Way Table
| Situation | Who yields |
|---|---|
| Four-way stop, two arrive together | Vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on its right |
| Two-way stop, side street entering | Stopped vehicle yields to through traffic on the uncontrolled street |
| Uncontrolled intersection | Yield to the vehicle approaching from your right |
| Left turn across oncoming traffic | Left-turning vehicle yields to oncoming through traffic and pedestrians |
| Right turn on green | Turning vehicle yields to pedestrians and cyclists in the crosswalk |
| Green light, pedestrians still crossing | Driver waits; pedestrians have the right of way until they finish crossing |
Yielding to Pedestrians
In British Columbia, pedestrians have the right of way at every intersection, whether or not the crosswalk is painted. When you approach an intersection, scan the corners and the crosswalks. If a pedestrian has stepped off the curb or is about to, you must stop and let them finish. A rider turning right on a red light must come to a complete stop first and yield to pedestrians and any cross traffic before turning.
Turning Vehicles Yield to Through Traffic
The general rule is straightforward: through traffic has priority over turning traffic. A vehicle turning left across the path of oncoming traffic must wait for a safe gap. A vehicle turning right must yield to pedestrians and cyclists before swinging wide. On a motorcycle, the temptation to accelerate through a closing gap is strong — resist it. A small profile and low frontal area make a rider harder for oncoming drivers to see, so a rider should assume oncoming drivers have not seen them and wait for a clearly adequate gap.
Motorcycle Lane Position at Intersections
A motorcycle occupies one lane but can move within it. ICBC teaches riders to use the left, centre, and right tire tracks as three distinct lane positions. At an intersection, lane position matters for two reasons: being seen and keeping space.
- Left tire track — puts you where the driver ahead expects to see a vehicle in their side mirror; good when you are turning left or want oncoming drivers to notice you.
- Right tire track — keeps you out of the path of oncoming left-turners and away from the oily centre strip; useful when you are going straight through and want a buffer from left-turning traffic.
- Avoid the centre track at a stop — it collects oil and coolant drips and offers the least traction when you put a foot down.
When you stop behind a vehicle, leave at least a full lane's length ahead of you and stop slightly to one side of the vehicle in front (often the left tire track). This keeps an escape path open and makes you visible in the lead driver's mirror. When waiting to turn left, position yourself near the centre line so oncoming drivers can see you early, but stay out of the oncoming lane.
See-Think-Do at Intersections
Apply the See-Think-Do strategy at every intersection: scan at least 12 seconds ahead so you read the lights, signs, and queued traffic early; think about who must yield and where your escape route is; do the smooth action — adjust speed early, cover the brakes, and reposition for visibility.
ICBC breaks the intersection routine into three moments:
- Approaching — scan the road you are crossing: look left, centre, right, then glance left again. If an oncoming vehicle is signalling left, take extra care, because that driver may not see you. Check the crosswalks before you ride through them.
- Stopping and starting up again — check your mirrors for traffic behind as you slow. Once stopped, make sure you have a clear view; if your view is blocked, edge forward into the intersection until you can see before you ride through.
- Turning — shoulder check in case a cyclist or other road user has come up beside you, scan the intersection before moving, and look in the direction you want to go once the turn begins.
Intersections reward riders who slow down early and position themselves to be seen rather than riders who rely on having the right of way. ICBC's collision statistics make the point: 60 per cent of crashes in B.C. happen at intersections.
You and another vehicle arrive at a four-way stop at the same time. The other vehicle is on your right. Who has the right of way?
You are approaching a two-way stop on the side street. Cross-traffic on the through street is moving freely. What must you do?
You are waiting to turn left on a green light and a pedestrian is still in the crosswalk you would cross. What is the correct action?