Uncontrolled Intersections
Some intersections do not have lights or signs to control traffic. While these intersections do not have visible controls, certain rules still control who may go first. You must follow these rules.
At an uncontrolled intersection, if two or more vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver to the right has the right-of-way. Any vehicle that is already in the intersection must be given the right-of-way. That rule applies to ANY type of intersection (21800, CVC).
At T-intersections, vehicles on the through road have priority. A T-intersection is so named because it looks like an upper case "T".
Uncontrolled intersections present a real danger. You should slow down and be prepared to stop for other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians that are already crossing the intersection.
Preview
Preview Judging Time to Make a Maneuver
Before you enter traffic from a side street, estimate the amount of time you will need to safely merge.
When traffic is moving at 30 mph in the city, you need about a 6-second interval or gap between vehicles in the lane you want to join. This is equivalent to half a city block.
On the open highway, you need about a full block.