North Carolina DMV Practice Test

When must drivers yield to others at an uncontrolled intersection?

1. Whenever there's a stop sign

2. When other vehicles are already in the intersection

3. Only for emergency vehicles

4. Never, unless directed by signals

The correct answer is: When other vehicles are already in the intersection

At an uncontrolled intersection, drivers must yield to other vehicles that are already in the intersection because this helps maintain safety and prevents accidents. When a vehicle is already established within the intersection, it has the right of way. This rule is rooted in the principle of ensuring that merging traffic does not collide, promoting a smoother flow of vehicles through areas where there aren’t signals or stop signs to direct traffic. The other choices do not correctly reflect the rules governing uncontrolled intersections. For example, having a stop sign indicates a need to stop, which is irrelevant at an uncontrolled intersection, where no such sign is present. Yielding only to emergency vehicles does not encompass the broader responsibility of yielding to all traffic already in the intersection. Lastly, the idea that drivers never need to yield unless directed by signals does not apply in situations where vehicles are already in the intersection, as it could lead to dangerous collisions. Thus, yielding to vehicles that are already present in an uncontrolled intersection is essential for safety.