Since the power went out all over town, it has come to our attention that there are some folks out there who seem confused about what to do when they approach an intersection where there are no functioning traffic lights.

Intersections where the traffic lights are not functioning are considered "uncontrolled" intersections. To help us out, the road crews in Brewer have been kind enough to put out a barrel with four stop signs fastened to it in the center of each affected intersection. Thanks guys. So, now what, you ask?

Well, the first thing you do is stop.

Then, according to the Maine Motorist Handbook it should go like this:

  • When approaching an intersection, yield the right -of-way to vehicles which have already entered the intersection.
  • If two cars enter an uncontrolled intersection at about the same time, yield to the car on your right.
  • When entering a traffic circle, the vehicle which is already in the circle has the right-of-way.
  • If two cars enter an intersection at the same time from opposite directions and one driver is signaling for a turn, the right-of-way belongs to the car going straight through.
  • At a 4 -way stop, the driver reaching the intersection first gets to go first (of course all vehicles must stop).
  • You must yield to emergency vehicles approaching from any direction when they are sounding a siren and emitting a flashing light. You must immediately drive to the right side of the roadway, clear of any intersection, and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Failure to do so is a Class E crime.

So now you know. Happy driving and here is hoping the power comes back on soon.

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