[rconti]

You're supposed to enter the intersection to make a restricted turn across oncoming traffic. Though I believe only one car should do it at a time.

It's different from gridlock because you know that when the oncoming traffic stops, there is somewhere for your car to go.

[ensignavenger]

Except that you block the view for oncoming vehicles turning the opposite direction (their left). A properly labeled intersection has white lines (in the US, other places may use something else) that indicate where to stop, and if engineered properly, stopping before these white lines leaves a clear view.

[dsfyu404ed]

which doesn't matter because after the oncoming traffic gets the red light you take your left and are no longer blocking anyone's view.

[ensignavenger]

Huh? You are still blocking the view and preventing the other side from turning left safely until the traffic clears and you can turn.