Minnesota Permit Practice Test

How can you lose the right of way when entering an intersection?

1. By using hand signals improperly

2. Approaching at an unlawful speed

3. Failing to yield to pedestrians

4. Turning without signaling

The correct answer is: Approaching at an unlawful speed

Entering an intersection at an unlawful speed can result in losing the right of way because speed regulations are designed to ensure safety for all road users. When a vehicle approaches an intersection too quickly, it may not be able to stop in time to yield the right of way to pedestrians or other vehicles that have the legal priority. Additionally, approaching an intersection at an excessive speed reduces the driver's ability to assess and react to potential hazards, making it more likely that they will enter the intersection without properly yielding. The other options, while they can contribute to unsafe driving practices, do not directly relate to the legal right of way in the same way. For example, improper use of hand signals or failing to signal while turning can certainly create confusion and unsafe conditions but do not directly constitute an act that causes a driver to lose the right of way in the same manner as approaching at an unlawful speed. Similarly, failing to yield to pedestrians is a violation of the laws governing right of way, but the scenario described focuses on the speed aspect.