When two vehicles arrive to an intersection at the same time, which one has the right-of-way when no signs or signals indicate rules?
- The car approaching from the right has the right-of-way. ✓
- The car approaching from the left has the right-of-way.
- The car in which the driver sounds his horn first has the right-of-way.
- The car that is traveling the fastest has the right-of-way.
Answer: A. The car approaching from the right has the right-of-way.
The car approaching from the right has the right-of-way when two vehicles reach an uncontrolled intersection at the same time.
Why this is the answer
The handbook's section on intersections without signs or signals says to yield to a vehicle that has entered or is approaching the intersection on your right. That rule decides the tie when both cars arrive together. The same passage also says you may legally have the right-of-way but should make sure the other driver yields before you go.
Why the other answers are wrong
- B. The car approaching from the left has the right-of-way. — The car on the left does not get priority here; the handbook says to yield to the vehicle approaching from your right.
- C. The car in which the driver sounds his horn first has the right-of-way. — Sounding your horn first is not a right-of-way rule in the handbook and does not decide who goes first.
- D. The car that is traveling the fastest has the right-of-way. — Traveling faster does not create right-of-way; the rule is based on which side the other car is approaching from.
Remember it
At an uncontrolled intersection, use the right-hand tie-breaker: the car on your right goes first.
Official handbook: Texas Driver Handbook (DL-7), Chapter 3: Safety Responsibility , p. 20