At an intersection with a yield sign, you should:
Always stop before entering the intersection.
Yield just to the traffic on the right.
Yield just to the traffic on the left.
Slow down and yield the right-of-way to other traffic.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is:
Slow down and yield the right-of-way to other traffic.
Explanation:
At an intersection with a yield sign, the primary rule is to slow down and yield the right-of-way to other traffic, rather than stopping completely unless necessary. Yield signs are regulatory signs that indicate a driver must give way to any oncoming or cross traffic that has the right-of-way. They are used to manage traffic flow efficiently, especially in situations where a complete stop is not always needed but could otherwise lead to traffic congestion.
When approaching an intersection marked with a yield sign, you should reduce your speed to a safe level and look for any vehicles or pedestrians who have the right-of-way. If there are no other vehicles or pedestrians in the path, you may proceed through the intersection without stopping. However, if there is traffic or a potential hazard, you must yield and allow those vehicles or individuals to pass first.
Why not stop completely? Yield signs are intended to streamline traffic and maintain a steady flow. A full stop is only necessary when conditions dictate—such as when a clear path is blocked by traffic, or when visibility is compromised by an obstruction. In general, stopping unnecessarily at a yield sign can create traffic disruptions, potentially lead to rear-end collisions, or cause delays.
What about yielding to traffic on the right or left? This is a common misconception. While it’s true that some intersections may require drivers to yield to traffic on the right (such as at certain uncontrolled intersections), yield signs do not specify this. The rule of thumb is to yield to any vehicle that is already in or approaching the intersection from any direction.
Understanding this helps ensure safety at intersections and promotes proper yielding practices. Remember that yielding the right-of-way does not mean stopping unless needed; it simply means allowing other traffic to proceed before you enter the intersection.