Turning at a junction: who do you give way to?

⏱️ 2 min read

Turning is the manoeuvre where moped riders get caught out most often: you have to signal, position yourself, AND give way to the right road users. Here is the method, in order.

✨ Key takeaways

Before turning: mirror + shoulder check, indicator (or outstretched arm), correct positioning.
Turning right: give way to crossing pedestrians and to cyclists going straight on.
Turning left: always let oncoming traffic through first.
The "two-stage" left turn is the safest option at big junctions.
Only enter the junction if you can clear it.

Before turning: signal and position yourself

Check behind you: mirror AND a glance over your shoulder — a moped's mirror leaves a big blind spot.
Signal your intention: indicator, early enough. If your moped is not fitted with one, stretch out your arm in the direction you are going to turn.
Position yourself: to the right of the carriageway to turn right; towards the centre line of the carriageway to turn left (on a one-way road, you may keep to the left).
Adjust your speed and turn without cutting across other road users' paths.

Turning right

Keep well to the right in advance and give way to pedestrians crossing the street you are entering, as well as to cyclists going straight on along the cycle path you are cutting across. You too can be that two-wheeler a car cuts across: at a junction, watch out for vehicles turning right beside you.

Turning left: the rule that catches everyone out

Anyone turning left must first let through oncoming traffic going straight on or turning right — even if, otherwise, they have priority at the junction. Only then do they give way to pedestrians in the street they are entering.

Once committed: never stuck in the middle

Only enter the junction if you are sure you can clear it. Being stuck in the middle of the junction — even after a green light — obstructs everyone and exposes you to crossing traffic.

You are turning left; an oncoming car is going straight on. Who goes first?