Uncontrolled intersection

In general, there are two types of intersections including signalized and unsignalized intersections.^[1] An uncontrolled intersection is a road intersection where no traffic lights, road markings or signs are used to indicate the right-of-way. They are found in either residential neighborhoods or in rural areas. While the intersection itself is unmarked, warning signs or lights may be present to alert drivers to it.

Uncontrolled T-intersection

At an uncontrolled T-intersection (3-way intersection), right-of-way rules differ from country to country. In Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand^[2] and most of the United States, traffic on the terminating road must give way (yield) to traffic on the continuing road. In Germany,^[3] traffic generally has to give way to traffic on the right at an uncontrolled intersection, whether it is a 3-way intersection or not.

Uncontrolled 4-way intersection

An uncontrolled intersection in suburban Melbourne, Australia

At uncontrolled 4-way intersections the common rules are

• give way to traffic approaching from the passenger's side (i.e. from the right in countries that drive on the right-hand side, rule known as priority to the right, and vice versa)
  • however, this may be the opposite depending on the local laws
• turning traffic with crossing paths usually gives way to traffic driving straight through in the opposite direction
• drivers opposite one another and both turning in their same direction, e.g. both drivers turning to their right (in countries that drive on the right-hand side), do not need to give way to one another as their paths will not cross.

Common practice dictates that drivers will treat the intersection as if they have a give way (yield) sign and look both directions for cross-traffic to avoid any accidents with motorists who did not recognize or did not follow the uncontrolled intersection rule.

References