A T-junction is two roads intersecting each other at an angle of 90 degrees, and one of the roads after the intersection has no continuation. Despite the fact that this type of intersection seems very simple, there are some subtleties and rules for driving a T-junction. It is important to know and take them into account when driving a car.
What is a T-junction?
First of all, it is worth noting that the T-shaped intersection of the bands cannot be distinguished into any separate category. In addition, the concept in the SDA "T-junction" is missing. It is important to understand that fundamentally the passage of this type of intersection does not differ from any other type, so in practice you can safely apply the same traffic rules.
In order to understand for sure how to drive through the T-intersections, it is necessary to analyze all possible situations to the maximum. In addition, it is worth considering the rules of passage for crossing lanes for cyclists, because traffic rules for motorists and cyclists are sometimes very different.
Rules for driving the T-junction with adjustable
If the intersection is equipped with a traffic light, then, as a rule, there are no difficulties for drivers. The only thing you always need to take into account is that you must take into account and observe absolutely all the established signs on the road and the markings. It is necessary to move strictly in lanes and not to violate the order of travel.
Adjustable intersections are very simple, therefore the least accident occurs on them. No exception is the T-shaped intersection of the stripes.
If a traffic light with an additional section is installed at the intersection, then in this case traffic participants who move along this lane should provide an advantage to those cars that move along the main traffic signal. Simply put, cars driving on a green traffic light with an additional section can make maneuvers without restrictions, but only if they do not interfere with other vehicles.
How to get through the unregulated T-junction?
Like any other intersection, the type in question is divided into two types: an unequal and equivalent T-shaped intersection.
An equal intersection does not fall under the influence of any signs. All vehicles moving along it must necessarily give way to those vehicles that move to the right. In addition, when turning left at an equivalent intersection, the driver must provide the road to all vehicles that move in the opposite direction directly.
A T-shaped intersection of stripes is considered unequal if a sign is placed in front of it. An intersection with such a sign necessarily has a main and secondary road. Any driver knows that cars that move on a secondary road are obliged to provide an advantage to those road users who are moving in the main direction. As in the case of an equivalent intersection, drivers who choose a left turn must necessarily give priority to all vehicles that drive directly on the oncoming lane.
There is another rule of passage for an equivalent intersection. If the driver turns off the main road, then he takes precedence over other cars that are in the secondary lane.
One-way driving
Sometimes there are situations when a vehicle drives up to an intersection where there is one road with one-way traffic and the other one is not. What to do in this situation?
So, the driver must pass the T-shaped intersection with a one-way road in the same way as a regular intersection. The rules of the road say that it is necessary to rebuild in the extreme row for turning in advance so as not to interfere with other vehicles. Also, do not forget that this type of intersection, as a rule, is not equipped with a traffic light, which means that the driver must give way to vehicles that move on the right.
It is important to know that it is strictly forbidden to travel on a one-way road towards traffic. This is punishable by a large fine or deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle for up to six months.
One-way traffic
Now you need to understand the situation when the driver leaves the one-way road to the two-way. This can be a T-junction or a regular intersection.
As usual, the driver must first change lane in the row where he is going to turn. Most likely, at the intersection of roads there will also be no traffic lights and traffic signs, so it is important to monitor the vehicles on the right, which are called "interference on the right" among drivers. Traffic regulations require maximum attention and accuracy from the driver.
After the driver is convinced that it is possible to drive calmly and that nothing is stopping him, he has the right to safely make a maneuver.
U-Turn
This type of intersection does not differ from the usual view even when performing such a maneuver as a U-turn. The rules for the passage of the T-junction, or rather a U-turn, provide only one limitation - this maneuver can be accomplished by moving exclusively in a passenger car. Larger models, such as trucks or SUVs, will no longer be able to make a U-turn in a limited space, and reverse driving at road intersections is prohibited.
When the driver began to turn around at the T-junction, he should be especially careful and watch what sign was installed at the intersection. A crossroads can only be crossed after there is no interference. Next, the driver must turn on the turn signal and perform a maneuver.
Driving an adjustable T-junction on a bicycle
Adjustable intersections for cyclists as well as for motorists, are the simplest, compared, for example, with unregulated. This type of T-shaped intersection of roads, as a rule, is regulated by a special traffic light.
So, if such a traffic light is really installed and there is a bicycle path, then the driver must always give priority to the bicycle when turning right. For him, it will be a hindrance to the right. The SDA also states that the cyclist can choose the left direction, but in this case he should not interfere with vehicles. A person moving on a bicycle should remember that, being a T-shaped intersection, he must definitely reach the end of the road intersections. Thus, it will absolutely not interfere with other participants in the movement.
Driving an unregulated T-junction on a bicycle
The concept of an unregulated intersection means such an intersection at which a traffic light is not installed (or it is faulty) and there is no traffic controller. The T-junction also falls under the same parameters. A cyclist can make a left or right turn, however, when leaving on the roadway, he automatically becomes a participant in the movement and is obliged to give way to all vehicles that have priority.
It is worth recalling that those vehicles that move along the main road or are located to the right of a moving bicycle / car have priority. It is also important to know that the asphalt road will always be main in relation to the dirt road.
If the bike path crosses the road outside the intersection, then it is not considered an intersection. Therefore, the bike driver in these cases is obliged to give priority to all moving cars.
T-junction and left turn for cyclists
Driving directions for the T-junction do not regulate how to make a left turn to a cyclist, although this maneuver is considered the most difficult.
So, according to the established rules, if a person is cycling along a multi-lane road or if there are rails in the center of the road for tram traffic, then he does not have the right to turn left. And what to do in a situation when this maneuver is necessary?
- You can proceed as follows. Drive straight ahead and turn left at a right angle. After that, stand in the right row of the intersected lane, after the enable signal of the traffic light lights up, you can drive straight ahead.
- If the first maneuver fails, then there is only one way out - to get off the bike and cross the intersection at the pedestrian crossing.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that any cyclist should independently be responsible for their actions. In order not to get into an accident and not to interfere with other vehicles, cyclists are prohibited from turning to the oncoming lane when turning left.
How to protect yourself from an accident
When driving, it is important for you and other drivers of the vehicle to cross the intersection safely. The rules of the road say that the driver must accept the correct lane in advance, reduce speed and comply with the requirements of road signs and markings.
There are no specific rules for the safe passage of a T-junction. The main thing when making a maneuver is to be attentive and careful. It is necessary to respect other participants in the movement and not interfere with other vehicles.
Some experienced drivers sometimes do not pay attention to traffic rules and move according to the rule, which is popularly called 3D, it stands for "Give way to the fool." Indeed, in some situations it’s easier to miss the annoying driver than to waste your time and nerves on paperwork and visiting the traffic police.