Right-of-Way at Intersections: Essential Rules for Truck Drivers

“A stitch in time saves nine” – this old adage holds true, especially when driving a truck, the livelihood of many families. To ensure your safety and the safety of others, understanding traffic laws, particularly the right-of-way at intersections, is crucial.

Right-of-Way Rules: Drive Safely and Confidently

According to Vietnamese Traffic Law, the right-of-way at intersections is determined as follows:

Priority for Vehicles on Arterial Roads

1. Vehicles on non-arterial roads must yield to vehicles on arterial roads from any direction: For example, if your truck is on Nguyen Trai Street (non-arterial) and approaching an intersection with Le Van Luong Street (arterial), you must yield to all vehicles from Le Van Luong Street, regardless of whether they are turning left, right, or going straight.
2. If both roads are arterial: The vehicle approaching an intersection with a priority road sign must yield to the vehicle on the road without the sign.

Applying the “Right-Hand Rule”

1. At intersections without priority road signs: The vehicle that arrives first has the right-of-way. If vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle to the right has the right-of-way.
2. Example: Your truck is on Tran Duy Hung Street and arrives at an intersection simultaneously with a motorbike on Hoang Minh Giam Street (both non-arterial). You must yield to the motorbike because it’s on your right.

Special Cases

1. Emergency vehicles (fire trucks, military vehicles, police vehicles) on duty: Always have the right-of-way; all other vehicles must yield.
2. Ambulances on emergency calls: Have the right-of-way but must use sirens, bells, and emergency lights.

Summary of Right-of-Way at Intersections

Important Considerations at Intersections

Besides understanding the right-of-way, for absolute safety, you should:

• Reduce speed when approaching an intersection.
• Carefully observe all directions to ensure no approaching vehicles.
• Use turn signals to indicate your intended direction.
• Obey traffic signals and traffic officers’ directions (if any).

Frequently Asked Questions About Right-of-Way

1. Do I need to consider right-of-way at intersections with traffic lights?

Answer: Yes, you still need to be aware of right-of-way rules even at signalized intersections. Traffic lights can malfunction or be out of service. In such cases, you need to apply right-of-way rules for safe navigation.

2. Can I turn right on a red light if there’s no “No Right Turn on Red” sign?

Answer: Yes, you are generally allowed to turn right on red if there is no prohibiting sign. However, you must yield to pedestrians and other vehicles on the arterial road.

A truck is stopping at a traffic light, waiting to turn right. There is a sign indicating "No right turn on red" in Vietnamese.

3. My truck is large; what should I do to ensure safety at intersections?

Answer: With a large truck, you should:

• Carefully check for blind spots before turning.
• Use your horn to alert other vehicles when necessary.
• Drive slowly and stop completely when needed to yield to other vehicles.

A truck is carefully navigating a busy intersection.

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Conclusion

Understanding the right-of-way at intersections is key to safe driving and avoiding unnecessary risks. Always be observant, obey traffic laws, and drive responsibly to protect yourself and the community. For more useful information about trucks and traffic laws, visit our website: https://xetaihanoi.edu.vn/.