South Carolina · Handbook chapter 5 · 2 min read
Chapter 5: Right-of-way and traffic signals
Who yields at intersections, four-way stops, left turns and highway entrances, and what South Carolina drivers must do at green, yellow, red and flashing signals, including turning right on red.
Why this chapter matters
Right-of-way mistakes cause many crashes at intersections. Section 6 of the manual sets out who must yield and what each signal means.
Yielding the right-of-way
Nobody should assume they have the right-of-way. You must yield to:
- pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers still in the intersection;
- the driver who reached the intersection first;
- oncoming traffic when you turn left;
- the driver on your right when you both reach an all-way stop at the same time;
- traffic on the highway when you enter from a driveway or private road;
- traffic already on an interstate or limited-access highway when you are on the entrance ramp.
Traffic signals
| Signal | What to do |
|---|---|
| Green | Go through if the intersection is clear, with caution |
| Steady yellow | The light is about to turn red: stop and wait for the next green; if you are already in the intersection, clear it |
| Red | Stop behind the stop line, crosswalk or intersection and wait for green |
| Flashing yellow | Slow down and go on with caution, ready to stop |
| Flashing red | Treat it like a STOP sign: full stop, then go when safe |
- On a vertical signal, red is on top; on a horizontal signal, red is on the left.
- Right turn on red is allowed unless a sign forbids it. Stop first, before the crosswalk, and yield to pedestrians and other traffic.
- When the light turns green, do not rush in. Check that the intersection is clear first.
Traffic control devices
Traffic signals, signs, pavement markings and directions from police, highway workers and school crossing guards are all traffic control devices. In a work zone you must follow a flagger's directions.
Frequently asked questions
Two cars reach an all-way stop together. Who goes first?
The driver on the left yields to the driver on the right.
Can I turn right on a red light?
Yes, after a full stop, unless a sign prohibits it, and only after yielding to pedestrians and traffic.
What does a flashing red light mean?
Stop completely, as at a STOP sign, then go when it is safe.
Based on the South Carolina Driver's License Manual (SCDMV), Section 6: Yielding Right-of-Way and Traffic Signals.