Driving question because maybe I don't know how to drive..

There is this route I go down regularly, but every time I go down it, I always question what I'm supposed to do…
I see people do different things, which doesn't help.. then I also do different things.

The street is a narrow suburban street with a cross road as pictured.

The blue and red cars are facing a stop sign.

There is often a long line of blue and red cars banked up.

I am in the first blue car. When can I turn right?

https://imgur.com/a/whJuGwp

  • The orange cars are just for context.. there can be a steady stream of those cars too.

— edit 19/05 ——————————————————————————————-

I think what I'm really trying to ask is:

If the first red car is going straight (more often than not), why can't I enter the road at the same time, wait, & not cut his path?
Very similar to how people wait in the intersection when there isn't an active "turn right arrow" at the traffic light.

Then after he has passed, shouldn't I be able to turn right? and because I'm in the intersection already, the second red car should wait?

Obviously, orange cars have the right of way, but if we remove them from the equation at the moment…
This way, both red and blue lanes of traffic move steadily. It doesn't seem right that blue should just STOP for eternity.

Poll Options

  • 6
    Go first
  • 40
    After the first red car goes. (Because the second red car will have to move up and then Stop?)
  • 362
    After all of the red cars go.
  • 4
    No idea

Comments

  • +39

    It's a game of chicken for both the blue and red cars

    • +15

      Just turn left and loop around. You don't need to stress..

      • +10

        Two wrongs don't make a right. But three lefts do.

        • But all could be Trumped by a four way-right pact, supported by the GOP, the Mercers, and Our Rupert, the pride of (more than just Dame Elizabeth), all of Oz, and the next generation of the Monarchy (okay, so I was just joking about the last one there…)

    • -3

      There needs to be a poll option for taking a leap of faith into incoming traffic screaming "allah akhbar!"

      • +2

        Surely when it comes to it, heroes will run towards all Gods, from all sides, to save the day.

        Only to find those left alive emerge electronically enslaved, indentured to one algorithm or another, existing only to do the whimsical bidding of the Great Robots, our off-planet masters, and our best connected influencers.

    • +1

      If reds going straight through, they have priority. If reds indicating a right turn, you can both proceed as long as the intersection is not abnormally small, or if blue is a truck, in which case you should give room. If blue is indicating a left turn, they also have priority from reds perspective.

  • +9

    I encounter similar intersection daily but we have traffic lights. If I'm the first car I drive to the middle of the crossing, indicate right and wait the red cars go. When lights turns red it's my turn to proceed.

    If the intersection is busy and there are no traffic lights I'd avoid it like plague.

    • +3

      Yes this is how you should drive at a shared traffic light, but sadly OP doesn't have that luxury in their scenario.

    • +20

      I'd avoid it like plague
      This.

      It's a trick question. The real answer is OP turns left, does a 180 at next intersection to join the orange cars, and smugly smiles as the reds and blues yield to OP.

      • +5

        Unfortunately i do that too. One ridiculous traffic light in particular, i go straight through, chuck a Uturn 100m up the road and return to turn left on the hwy. And that is a light controlled intersection!!!! Saves me at least 5 minutes most times as the lights are timed way too short…

        In this case you have to watch the chickens opposite you wait for the entire road to be cleared before going. Too frustrating at peak times!

        We also have a small roundabout in town where enormous lines form at peak times as some people wait for the entire roundabout to be clear before daring to enter…. most frustrating.

        • We’ve got a local where the majority turn left (west) at lights. There is a massive queue in peak hour so clowns go straight through the lights and u-turn to then turn right (west) at the lights. I almost got cleaned up once because the idiot in front didn’t check before pulling the u-turn. I would now wait my turn in the queue because it’s too risky to ‘cheat’ - but I figured out an alternate route so avoid it when possible.

    • +3

      traffic lights … I drive to the middle of the crossing, indicate right and wait

      It is frustrating how many idiots will sit behind the line, waiting for the green arrow, instead of doing that. (Red arrow is off, or not there, of course)

      But question: somebody told me that is only permitted for only one car to enter the intersection turning right like that, even a large intersection.
      I can't find a clear rule in the WA Traffic code, but as long as the second car is fully in the intersection, it seems OK.

      Do the ADR in other states say differently?

      • +1

        Oh I have not heard about that, rule, but I'll push bumber to bumber behind the first brave one as long as I don't cause hazards or inconvenience anyone getting the green light next.

        • Yeah as long as you are fairly over the line, it would be a keen cop to book you for that. Still technically a risk.

      • In Qld I was taught only one car. In Japan they have lanes marked for lining up like this with space for sometimes 2 or more.

      • It's one car in NSW too. This rule is there because one car can turn on red. If a second lined up past the line, they would be inside the intersection on the red light.

        • because one car can turn on red.

          That is just re-stating the question, not answering it. Why?

          (4)If the traffic‑control signals change to yellow or red while the driver is stopped and the driver has fully entered the intersection, the driver must leave the intersection as soon as the driver can do so safely.

          • @bargaino: Only the first car can turn on red because of the 3 second moment when all lights are red. A second car cannot make the turn within the 3 seconds.

        • +2

          It's one car in NSW too. This rule is there because one car can turn on red. If a second lined up past the line, they would be inside the intersection on the red light.

          Will you post that rule from the NSW Traffic Act please.

      • I think the rule is you are not allowed to enter an intersection until you know you can clear it.
        If you are the first car then you know you will be able to clear the intersection when the lights change.
        If the second or third, it is not so certain, eg if the car in front is very slow to go you may be still stuck there after lights are green the other way.

        • But it is the same for second car as first. Its OK if still in intersection when other lights go green, as they can clearly see you in front of them. You wait until sure it is safe (from oncoming cars running the amber/red) before crossing.

          • @bargaino: But technically it is now their right of way, as opposed to the first car that can clear it before the lights turn green.

            • @jatyap: first car has no guarantee of that. I don't see the difference.

              • @bargaino: No guarantee, It is more a matter of skill/experience, but the window is there for the first car.
                But a common enough scenario that driving examiners do test that you have the awareness and confidence to clear the intersection in that situation (I know, because my wife got deducted points because of that).
                It's called "stealing" in some parts of WA, and other parts of the world, as far as I know.

                You could argue that if the first car goes quick enough and the second car goes quick enough, that they may be able to make it. If the lights take some time to change, then yes. In most intersections, almost always, the second car is turning while the other lights have already turned green.

                • @jatyap: It does depend on the intersection of course, but what is the problem if occasionally the cars getting a green light need to wait a second, or accelerate more slowly while the 2nd car completes the turn?

                  Anyway, the purpose of my question was to find out what the law says, and I still don't know!

                  • @bargaino: Each state has their own code, but for WA, it is perfectly clear:

                    Keep intersections clear
                    Do not enter an intersection when a queue of traffic prevents you from fully exiting on the other side.
                    Stop before you enter the intersection so that you do not block crossing traffic.

                    Technically, in the scenario, blue cars all have to give way to the red and orange cars, regardless of how long it takes.
                    Intersections like this are frequent accident spots though, and are good candidates for installation of traffic lights.

                    • @jatyap:

                      it is perfectly clear:

                      haha! Nothing in law is ever clear, because the next sentence can contradict it.
                      Don't you see that your quote applies to cars not turning?

                      I'm trying to find where people get the idea that only one right-turning car is allowed to enter.

                      • @bargaino: Are there intersections like this which fit more than one car?

                        • @skid: Any multi-lane intersection with traffic islands.

                      • @bargaino: What's the problem with the above applying to cars not turning? Don't queue across intersections, pretty standard.

                        • @BartholemewH: Standard?? Please explain.

                          • @bargaino: What's the mystery? In NSW for example: "You must not enter an intersection unless there’s space for your vehicle in your lane on the other side of the intersection. This includes all intersections and crossings, including intersections with traffic lights, railway level crossings and pedestrian crossings."

                            • @BartholemewH: Nah. That clearly applies to vehicles going in a straight line, not turning right. Irrelevant.
                              How do you think that allows one car in but not two?

                      • @bargaino: Aside from multi-lane right turns, did you think that the second car can just drive through the first one?
                        Also, having one car behind another creates a "queue of traffic". It doesn't necessarily have to be a queue going in a different direction. As long as the second car has no current way to clear the intersection, they shouldn't enter.

                        If that's not clear enough, the first car is at the head of the queue, the second car is in the same queue (they are both queueing up to turn right). Technically, the second car does have a queue of traffic that prevents him from clearing the intersection.

                        The main thing is, "KEEP INTERSECTIONS CLEAR", regardless if you're going to be an hour late for your meeting. That's the most important part.

                      • @bargaino: also, take note that the law does not say "fully exiting the opposite side", it says the "other side". Sides can be opposite or adjacent to each other.

                        But if that really bothers you, feel free to send a note to whichever minister is in charge of the department that distributes that handbook.

                        However, the spirit of the law is quite clear. If you're turning right, you need to give way to people going straight or turning left.

                        • @jatyap: I'm seeing some strong emotions, but not much of a logical argument.

                          • @bargaino: I am passionate about it, but not emotionally attached, if you know what I mean.

                            Can you explain why my pointing out the definition of a queue or that "the other side" does not necessarily mean "the side directly opposite" is "not much of a logical argument"?

                            That said, I don't know what your goal is, here. To try to find a loophole for making things more dangerous for everybody? It sure does not seem like you are only after accuracy.

                            • @jatyap: A uber driver told me only one car allowed. Another guys thinks his driving instructor said same. I can find no evidence for this in WA code.
                              Was hoping somebody could cite a rule, or somehow confirm none.

                              The rule i did find is that you cannot proceed on red unless completely over the line. Makes sense.

                              • @bargaino: Fair enough, I don't think there's actual wording to that extent. However, for most intersections (again, removing freeways and multi-lane highways from the equation), I don't believe there is enough space for two cars to queue up with both completely over the line.

  • +13

    maybe I don't know how to drive..

    Uh oh….

    If you see any red cars, please give em way first. Kthxbai

    Kind Regards
    Red car driver

  • +3

    Everyone so far is saying 'After all of the red cars go', which I think is the right answer.. but then in reality it doesn't seem to work.

    Because both red and blue are already giving way to the orange traffic, I think it could literally take half an hr to find that moment when there is no orange and red cars in the way.
    That would mean I'm holding up a whole load of cars behind me (I know this does not doesn't influence the law).

    If there is no orange traffic, and the first red car is going straight, I sometimes go a bit into the intersection and try and go straight after the first red car.

    At other times, the red drivers don't seem to STOP and more like give way which makes it dicey.

    And then at other times, the red drivers seem to give way to me and just stop there like I'm an idiot if I don't go….

    • +27

      Have you tried turning left and going a different way, or going a different way and avoiding that intersection all together?

      • +2

        They need to teach this to drivers.

        There are some intersections where there's virtually never a safe gap to turn right during peak hour. In that case, one should proceed safely along a different route and turn back somewhere else.

        • +2

          In reality, such a busy intersection would typically be signposted as "no right turn" because it's just too dangerous.

          • @Windows7forever: My car was written off at such an intersection by someone who turned right at peak hour without giving way. It now has traffic lights.

            So yes, typically; but not always.

    • And then at other times, the red drivers seem to give way to me and just stop there like I'm an idiot if I don't go…

      If they are letting you go you have to take it . The poll not taking into account the red cars are giving you way .

      • I can't exactly see them signaling for me to go or anything, but yes, if they do seem to give way I do take it.

        • It gets a bit dangerous as you also have to keep an eye out for the cross traffic (orange cars), but if you are careful and quick, you may be able to turn right after the first blue car passes, as the second blue car is meant to come to a complete stop at their stop sign, so you might have enough time to turn right before they reach the stop sign and stop. A problem arises if the second blue car does not stop which could lead to an accident. So the correct thing is to wait for all the blue cars to pass before turning right to avoid possible accidents. If I had to turn right at that intersection on a daily basis, I would avoid it altogether and look for an alternative route.

      • You don't have to take it. If you do, and they pull out straight into you, you are in the wrong.

    • +2

      I would never enter traffic based on "they should be stopping".

      My wife was pulled over for turning right in front of a police car. Here argument was that he's just entered a 60 zone, and if he was doing 60 she had plenty of time.
      She got away with a warning. The cop said "not everyone slows down - don't do it again". (It only becomes 60 because of a roundabout ahead, then straight back to 80.)

      In this scenario I would say "not everyone stops. Don't risk it".

      Of course, if red car yields, you need to go, but that's when accidents happen - e.g. both stop, then both go.

      • I would never enter traffic based on "they should be stopping".

        Surely you don't stop on a green, when the other guy has a red?

        • You got me - I will never say never again. I should have preceded by "In such a scenario…"

    • That's because those drivers also don't know the rules. Which is laid out in this video.

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/13763666/redir

      In reality, like you said. It might be impossible to wait forever but the rule is you give way to anyone going straight or turning their left.

      It's similar to if you were at a traffic light intersection where both drivers turning don't have an arrow.

      • +1

        The video did not cover the question OP asked.

    • +10

      The right answer isn't given as an option in your poll.

      The blue and red cars are 'equal' in this situation.

      You have to give way to the red cars only because you are turning right.

      If the next red car is also turning right then you can both go at the same time.

      • -3

        How do they both go at the same time? And perform ritual head on crash???

        • +5

          If both are turning right the turn and pass passenger door to passenger door.
          https://www.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/_small/pub…

          • @Euphemistic: Thank you for posting I’m shocked how long it took for someone to post this.
            No wonder the roads are a nightmare these days. Everyone’s forgotten the basics.

            • -1

              @Kivharo: Cos noone (profanity) knows this. Have you driven at all? I see crazy shit daily, and you want to trust someone to sweep past you, passenger door to passenger door?

              Awesome. Enjoy your Australian driving experience. Hope it all works out for you.

        • Haha, do you even have a license?

          • -1

            @Jono05: What's your point mate? Because I don't trust other drivers means I don't have a license? Or do I have experience in not trusting other drivers? Almost got taken out years ago from this exact situation. So I don't enter it anymore.

            Again. What's your point?

            • @Sxio: You don’t know how both cars can turn right at the same time.

              • -1

                @Jono05: Are you too dumb to understand that i do not trust the other car to do the move correctly?

                Just because it is possible and legal does not mean drivers are competent to do it. Have you ever practised it? In 20yrs of driving I've never done it. But I've seen dozens of ppl indicate to turn and then sail straight through intersections. I've also seen ppl not indicating make massive sweeping turns across every lane of intersections, ensuring that anyone else who was there would've been wiped out.

                I only have 1 life, I'm letting caution and my previous experience of some ppl being terrible and dangerous drivers inform my decision to never do this.

                But you have fun with it mate. Enjoy trusting other drivers to always do the right thing. Can't see how that can go wrong.

                • @Sxio: Name calling, that’s very mature. I can tell you I’ve been driving for a lot longer than 20 years and have no problem turning right at the same time as another car. Maybe you should go back to driving school.

    • In that case, you (and all the blue cars) still have to wait. The law and traffic codes are pretty clear on this.
      In fact, driving instructors and examiners discourage people from "giving way" when it's their right of way, or other drivers from taking advantage of this "generosity", as this confuses drivers, and makes things less clear.

  • +15

    If the first red car is indicating to turn right then you can also turn right. Otherwise wait.

    • -5

      Two main lanes are priority. Then the red car only if the red car going straight or turn left. If the red car turn right, blue car has higher priority.

      • +12

        Blue is also turning right though.

        So they are both in a similar situation, both at stop sign, both waiting to turn right, both with same 'priority'.

        And both can turn right at the same time, so blue is free to proceed.

        • +1

          Haha, I forgot the same views is 'mirrored' between red and blue. Yes it's true both can proceed anytime, see here

          • @foxmulder: I don't trust any other car to do this with. I've seen too many wild drivers just launching across intersections. I'll wait until they go.

            • @Sxio: If they are indicating right but instead go straight and hit you, then they will be at fault.

              That said, always proceed with caution obviously.

              • -1

                @trapper: Yay! The person who hits me with a head on collision is at fault! So good! There are no problems now!

  • +15

    Driving question because maybe I don't know how to drive

    Don't be so hard on yourself, nobody I see on the roads knows how to drive either.

    • +7

      This person is already leagues above many simply by thinking instead of beeping.

  • +31

    If you are a tradie, you get to go first, before the red cars, orange cars, and every other coloured cars.

    • +4

      You don't even need to signal.

      • its a trick question. the tradie wouldn't have stopped for the stop sign

    • +2

      Or drive a beamer

    • +7

      Tradies in Hiluxes have priority over regular tradies as well as emergency vehicles

    • Why are a lot tradies reckless like this? Don’t they already over charge and rip off people, or is that their entire personality
      Edit: and it’s not even the foreign tradies who actually deserve higher pay

      • +1

        Personality + amphetamines

    • +1

      Must be either Auburn or Guildford tradies.

  • +1

    After all the orange and red cars have gone.

    Not sure of your state, but most states are the same (except WA, because why not), but your answers can be found in Road Rule 67

    • What's the rule in WA?

      • Similar rule, just a different number in WA. Almost all the other states follow the standard Australian Road Rules layout… WA don’t.

        • WA really wanting their independence.

          • @Munki: McGowan spotted with comically large hand saw approaching the WA border

      • +3

        In WA, rule 34.

    • After all the orange and red cars have gone.

      Assume all the orange are gone. So if both the first blue and red want to turn right, then traffic will stop as they both are waiting for each other, which can't be right..

      • Yes! This street isn't really wide so would have to do some serious weird angled turn if both going right at the same time.

      • +3

        No, it is covered in Rule 67…

        (3) The driver must give way to a vehicle in, entering or approaching the intersection except—
        (a) an oncoming vehicle turning right at the intersection if a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line applies to the driver of the oncoming vehicle…

        If OP is turning right AND the opposing car is turning right from their position, they don’t need to give way to each other. (They do, however, need to avoid each other.)

        If OP is turning right, they need to give way to the oncoming car if it is going straight, or turning left.

        • they don’t need to give way to each other. (They do, however, need to avoid each other).

          Not possible with small intersection or large vehicles. Eventually someone has to yield. No way to tell who that someone is.

          If OP is turning right, they need to give way to the oncoming car if it is going straight, or turning left.

          I dont get this part either. What happens when OP is doing a slow right turn (as he should) and the 2nd red car is going straight (no way to tell beforehand since its sitting behind the first red car) while OP is already in the intersection?

          It seems to me whoever steps on the pedal first is better protected by the vague road rules, which seems to promote dangerous and reckless behavior.

          • +1

            @ripesashimi:

            Not possible with small intersection or large vehicles.

            No, the road rule says they dont have to give way to each other, not that they dont have to avoid hitting each other. Two very different things.

            What happens when OP is doing a slow right turn (as he should) and the 2nd red car is going straight… while OP is already in the intersection?

            Other car needs to give way… Road Rule 67(3)…

            (3) The driver must give way to a vehicle in, entering or approaching the intersection

            If OP goes at the same time as the first red car that is also turning right (because neither OP nor the other driver need to give way to each other), then OP has entered the intersection and this Road Rule 67 applies to the next red car waiting in turn, as OP's car is already in/entering the intersection and RR67 says the next red car must give way to cars already in or entering the intersection.

            It seems to me whoever steps on the pedal first…

            Then you are reading it wrong. It's pretty clear and easy to understand.

            • @pegaxs:

              the road rule says they dont have to give way to each other, not that they dont have to avoid hitting each other. Two very different things.

              Dont you agree with me that the rules must have been clearer than 'you dont have to give way to each other'? That, by itself, is not enough to guide who should go first.

              • +1

                @ripesashimi:

                Dont you agree with me that…

                I dont get it. It's very clear on who goes first. So no, I dont agree.

          • @ripesashimi: I do it when I'm in this situation, it's a bit precarious, but I find most people are a bit tentative about going. I go because I know I'm allowed, they often don't but sometimes do. Saves everyone sitting around twiddling their thumbs though, which I've seen often enough. If you're in a very large vehicle just assert your dominance. Normally there will be no issues with two competent drivers turning right at the same time opposite each other though.

            • @Miss B: I find living in regional Australia, both drivers turning right will both go at the same time the vast majority of the time. Are regional drivers more confident?

              • +1

                @BartholemewH: Probably more competent drivers, along with being more courteous. When you aren’t stressed out by huge traffic problems all the time driving isn’t half as difficult.

  • +1

    Things you can do in this situation:

    • Wait and let the red cars go first
    • Stick your hand out your window and give hand signals to the red cars, like a pseudo volunteer traffic controller
    • Write a letter to the council requesting they install traffic lights/a roundabout here to increase efficiency
    • Go first and hope for the best
    • Wait for a red car to turn left then turn right as they go left and smile at each other when you pass each other
Login or Join to leave a comment