3.1 Right-of-Way, Intersections, and Turning Rules

Intersections are the most dangerous locations for motorcyclists. More than half of all motorcycle collisions involving another vehicle happen at intersections. Mastering the rules of right-of-way is not just a matter of passing your M1 test—it is critical for your survival on the road.

Uncontrolled Intersections and All-Way Stops

Not every intersection features traffic lights or stop signs. An intersection without any traffic control devices is called an uncontrolled intersection. You must approach these with extreme caution, rolling off the throttle and covering your brakes.

At an uncontrolled intersection, the law dictates that you must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that has entered the intersection from your right or is approaching from your right. The golden rule is: the vehicle on the right always has the right-of-way.

When you approach an all-way stop (a four-way stop), the general rule of thumb is "first to arrive, first to proceed." You must come to a complete stop at the stop line. The first vehicle to come to a complete stop gets to go first. However, if two vehicles arrive at the intersection at the precise same time, the tie-breaker rule applies: the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. If you and an oncoming vehicle arrive head-to-head at the same time and you wish to turn left while they are going straight, you must yield to the oncoming vehicle.

Turning Rules: Left and Right

Left Turns

Making a left turn across oncoming traffic is heavily fraught with risk. Many drivers simply do not see motorcycles. When preparing to make a left turn, you must yield the right-of-way to any oncoming traffic that is going straight through or turning right.

If you must wait in the intersection for a gap in traffic, keep your motorcycle in first gear, keep your brakes applied, and crucially, keep your front wheel pointing straight ahead. If you angle your wheels to the left in anticipation of the turn and are struck from behind, you will be pushed directly into the path of oncoming, high-speed traffic. Only turn your handlebars when you are actually executing the turn.

Right Turns on a Red Light

In Ontario, unless a specific sign prohibits it (such as a "No Right Turn on Red" sign), you are permitted to make a right turn on a red light. However, you cannot simply roll through the intersection. You must bring your motorcycle to a complete, wheels-stopped halt at the stop line or pedestrian crosswalk. After stopping completely, you must carefully check for pedestrians crossing in front of you, as well as cross traffic approaching from your left. You may only proceed with your right turn when the way is completely clear and it is safe to do so.

Proper Lane Selection

When turning from one multi-lane street to another, you must turn into the corresponding lane.

• Left Turns: When making a left turn from a single left-turn lane, you must guide your motorcycle into the leftmost lane of the cross street.
• Right Turns: When making a right turn, you must turn into the rightmost lane.

Failing to turn into the correct lane can result in sideswiping another vehicle and is a common cause of accidents and road test failures.

Roundabouts and Traffic Circles

Roundabouts are circular intersections designed to improve the continuous flow of traffic and reduce the severity of collisions by eliminating left turns across traffic.

When approaching a roundabout, you must slow down and prepare to yield. The most important rule of a roundabout is that traffic already inside the circle has the right-of-way. You must wait for a safe gap in the circulating traffic before you enter.

All traffic inside a roundabout travels in a counter-clockwise direction. When navigating a roundabout:

1. Choose your lane before entering based on your intended exit (e.g., use the left lane if you are going straight or turning left/taking a later exit).
2. Never stop inside the roundabout. If you miss your exit, simply continue around the circle until you reach it again.
3. Use your right turn signal just before you reach your intended exit to clearly communicate your intentions to waiting drivers and pedestrians.

Emergency Vehicles and the Move Over Law

Yielding to Active Emergency Vehicles

When an emergency vehicle—such as a police cruiser, fire engine, or ambulance—approaches from either direction with its red lights flashing and/or its siren sounding, the law requires you to clear the way. You must immediately pull over as close as possible to the right side of the roadway, well clear of any intersections, and come to a complete stop. You must remain completely stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed and it is safe to merge back into traffic. In an intersection, do not stop; clear the intersection first, then pull over.

The Move Over Law

Ontario's "Move Over" law was enacted to protect emergency responders and tow truck operators working on the side of the road. When you approach a stopped emergency vehicle, police vehicle, or a tow truck with its flashing red or amber lights activated on the same side of the highway, you must slow down and proceed with caution.

Furthermore, if you are traveling on a highway with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, you must also move over into an adjacent lane to leave a buffer lane between your motorcycle and the stopped vehicle, provided it is safe to do so. Failing to obey the Move Over law carries heavy fines and demerit points.