Intersections, traffic circles and right of way

What an intersection is

An intersection is the place where two or more public roads join or cross. Your path may meet vehicles from the sides, opposing vehicles turning across you, and pedestrians crossing the road. The surfaced conflict area is often called the junction.

As you approach, identify the layout and the control applying to you: stop, yield, traffic lights or an officer’s direction. A warning sign announcing a T-junction or crossroad prepares you for the layout; it does not by itself authorise entry.

Check the exit as well as the entry. There must be room to clear the junction without obstructing other traffic. A turn signal communicates your plan, but it does not give you priority.

Key idea: Know the layout, the controlling instruction and the space available beyond it.

A known order at an all-way stop

At a three-way or four-way stop, bring the vehicle to a complete standstill behind the line. Watch the other approaches so you know which vehicles stopped first. They normally proceed first.

In the illustrated example, A stopped before B, and B before C. A checks and moves first; B checks and then moves; C follows only after another observation. This order depends on the stated arrival times, not on the colour or size of the vehicles.

If another driver enters out of order, avoid the conflict. Do not accelerate simply because it was “your turn”. Where order is unclear, remain stopped and proceed only when safe.

Key idea: Every vehicle stops, then uses the observed arrival order and a fresh safety check.

A yield-controlled roundabout

A roundabout routes traffic around a central island. In South Africa movement is clockwise. The blue roundabout command sign indicates that circulation direction; entry signs and markings tell you how to give way.

At an ordinary yield-controlled roundabout, look right and yield to circulating traffic approaching from your right when it is close enough to create a hazard. Slow down before the yield line and stop when needed. Do not enter because the vehicle ahead of you found a gap: check your own opportunity.

Choose and follow the lane appropriate to your route and the markings. Watch pedestrians and cyclists at entries and exits. A change of lane inside the circle still needs observation and a safe gap.

Key idea: Circulate clockwise and obey the entry control; circulating traffic may have priority.

Mini-circle control and T-junctions

The specific “Yield at traffic circle” control, R2.2, is commonly used at mini circles. The reference manual says to yield to traffic already in the circle and to a driver who reaches or crosses their yield line before you reach yours. This is not a reason to apply a blanket “always go if nobody is on your right” shortcut to every small circle.

At a T-junction, your road ends at a through-road. If your approach has a stop or yield control, give way as instructed and turn only when the chosen route is clear. Check both directions, including the lane you intend to join.

Across all layouts, an officer or a different signed control can change the required procedure. Read the controls at the actual junction rather than relying only on its shape.

Key idea: Different circles and junction controls can require different priority decisions.

Quick recap

• A warning of a junction is not permission to enter.
• At all-way stops, vehicles normally follow their stopping order.
• Roundabout movement is clockwise.
• Read the specific entry control, especially at mini circles.