Rules of the Road & Right of Way
Right-of-way rules decide who proceeds first so intersections stay safe. In Massachusetts you yield, take special care in rotaries, and stop for school buses.
Intersections
At a four-way stop, the first driver to arrive goes first; if two arrive together, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. When turning left, yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before you turn.
Rotaries
Massachusetts rotaries work like roundabouts: vehicles entering must yield to pedestrians and to traffic already circulating. Signal before you exit and watch for cyclists.
Emergency vehicles and school buses
When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right and stop until it passes. On an undivided road, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus showing flashing red lights and stay stopped until they stop flashing.