Overview
Chapter 5 of the NY DMV Driver's Manual covers essential rules and safe practices for navigating intersections and making turns, including right-of-way, emergency vehicles, signaling, and U-turns.
Right-of-Way Rules
- Yield to vehicles already in intersections before entering, even with a green light.
- When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic moving straight or turning right.
- At intersections without controls or with simultaneous stops, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
- Yield to all traffic and pedestrians when entering a road from a driveway or alley.
- Always yield to pedestrians in any crosswalk, marked or unmarked.
- Do not enter intersections if traffic is backed up, to avoid blocking it.
- Yield to vehicles already in a traffic circle or rotary.
Emergency Vehicles and Move Over Law
- Always yield and pull over to the right for emergency vehicles displaying flashing lights or sounding a siren or air horn.
- If in an intersection, clear it before stopping for an emergency vehicle.
- Move over and reduce speed for stopped emergency or hazard vehicles on multi-lane roads.
- Volunteer vehicles using blue or green lights must follow standard traffic laws; yield as a courtesy if safe.
Proper Use of Turn Signals and Hand Signals
- Signal every turn or lane change at least 100 feet (30 meters) before the action.
- Use established hand signals when turn lights are not functional.
- Begin signaling before braking or turning.
Safe Turning Techniques
- Reduce speed and check for all surrounding traffic, especially motorcycles and pedestrians, before turning.
- Keep wheels straight until beginning the turn to avoid being pushed into traffic if rear-ended.
- For right turns, position as far right as possible; for left turns, use the leftmost lane as appropriate for the situation.
- When turning from or onto different road types, follow lane-specific guidance to avoid interfering with traffic.
U-Turns and Three-Point Turns
- U-turns are only permitted from the lane nearest the center line and where visibility is at least 500 feet.
- U-turns are prohibited on expressways, in NYC business districts, and in school zones.
- Use driveways or safe spaces for turning around when possible.
- A three-point turn should be executed only where safe and may be required on the road test.
Additional Safety Tips
- Be alert for less visible road users, including bicycles, mopeds, people in wheelchairs, or those with strollers and suitcases, especially during turns.
- Never block intersections or cross-streets, even if you have a green light.
Recommendations / Advice
- When in doubt about right-of-way, yield to avoid collisions.
- Practice turns and signaling as described to prepare for the road test and real-world driving.