At a T-intersection where there are no signs or signals, which vehicle must yield?

At a T-INTERSECTION — where one road ends and the other continues — the basic right-of-way rule is that VEHICLES ON THE ROAD THAT ENDS (the bottom of the T) must yield to vehicles on the through road (the top of the T). This reflects the fundamental principle that vehicles on a continuing road have established travel and those entering or crossing that flow must yield.

Practical reasoning: The driver on the terminating road is making a forced turn — they must merge into or cross the through traffic stream. The through-road driver has a reasonable expectation of uninterrupted travel. This is the same principle as entering a highway from a side street.

When there are signs: Most T-intersections have a YIELD or STOP sign controlling the terminating road, making the rule explicit. The uncontrolled case described in this question is less common but still tested because it establishes the foundational rule.

State variations: While this rule is universal, some states have specific provisions for T-intersections in residential areas or where local ordinances may differ. Always observe posted signs — they override the default rules.

Common mistake: Some new drivers assume the vehicle going straight always has right-of-way. That's true when both roads continue, but at a T, the terminating road is the one that must yield regardless of direction.