What does "right of way" signify?

"Right of way" signifies who has the authority to proceed first at an intersection. This concept is essential for maintaining order and safety on the road, as it helps drivers understand when it is their turn to go and when they must yield to others. Knowing who has the right of way prevents accidents and ensures a smoother flow of traffic.

This understanding of right of way is particularly crucial in various scenarios such as intersections without traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, and merging lanes. For instance, at a four-way stop, the vehicle that arrives first generally has the right of way. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, typically, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.

The other options do not accurately define the term. Yielding to traffic rules is part of broader traffic laws, but it does not specify the precedence at intersections. Speed limits indicate how fast a vehicle can travel, which is unrelated to right of way. Similarly, priority for parking spaces pertains to parking regulations rather than intersection navigation.