Chapter 6: Navigating the Roads

Successfully navigating public roads is a complex task that involves constant interaction with other drivers. The rules of navigation, such as who has the right-of-way and when it is safe to pass, create a predictable environment that prevents chaos and collisions. A thorough understanding of these procedures is vital for passing the MVA skills test and for developing the judgment needed to handle any traffic situation safely.

Maryland’s traffic laws provide a clear framework for how vehicles should move and interact on the road. These rules cover yielding, turning, passing, and navigating modern intersections like roundabouts. Adhering to this framework is a legal requirement and a core component of defensive driving.

Right-of-Way

The concept of right-of-way determines who has the legal right to proceed first in a given traffic situation. However, the right-of-way is something to be given, not taken. A safe driver is always prepared to yield to prevent a crash, even if they legally have the right-of-way.

General Yielding Rules

• Uncontrolled Intersections: At an intersection with no signs or signals, the first vehicle to arrive has the right-of-way. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on their right.
• All-Way Stops: At a four-way stop, the same rules apply. The first vehicle to stop proceeds first. If two or more vehicles stop simultaneously, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
• Driveways and Private Roads: A driver entering a public road from a driveway, alley, or private road must stop and yield the right-of-way to all approaching traffic and pedestrians.
• Merging: When merging onto a highway from an on-ramp, the driver entering the highway must yield to traffic already on the main road.
• Pedestrians: Drivers must yield to pedestrians in any crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked. Drivers turning at an intersection must also yield to pedestrians crossing the street they are turning onto.
• Emergency Vehicles: Upon the approach of an emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance) using its siren and flashing lights, a driver must immediately move as far as possible to the right edge of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.
• Stationary Emergency Vehicles (Move Over Law): When approaching an emergency, tow, or service vehicle stopped on the shoulder with its lights flashing, drivers must move over one full lane if possible. If moving over is not safe or possible, the driver must slow down to a reasonable and prudent speed.

Common Mistake:
At a four-way stop, drivers who arrive at the same time often become hesitant or try to wave the other person on. The rule is simple and should be followed for predictability: the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.

Turns, U-Turns, and Roundabouts

Executing turns and navigating intersections requires a clear, step-by-step process to ensure safety and communicate intentions to other drivers.