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Right-hand rule
The right-hand rule is about who must give way at intersections where there are no road signs, traffic signals, or other special instructions. Understanding the right-hand rule is central to safe driving and to quickly determining who should yield at unsigned intersections.
Rules & Regulations
- Basic rule: At an intersection without a give-way sign, stop sign, traffic signal, or other priority instruction, you must give way to vehicles coming from your right.
- The right-hand rule applies when the roads have equal priority, that is, when there are no signs indicating a main road, give-way, or traffic signal that change the order.
- If two vehicles approach simultaneously and are opposite each other, the vehicle turning left must give way to the vehicle going straight ahead or turning right.
- Roundabouts, main road designations, stop signs, give-way signs, and traffic signals change the priority — the instructions of these signs/signals take precedence over the right-hand rule.
- If a police officer or other traffic director is directing traffic, their instructions take precedence over signs, signals, and the right-hand rule.
Tips for Drivers
- Slow down and scan to the right first when approaching an unsigned intersection — that is often where priority is decided.
- Pay extra attention to cyclists and moped riders who can be hard to see at intersections; small vehicles from the right have the same priority under the rule.
- If you are uncertain or the situation is complex — yield. Giving way prevents accidents and is often the correct action in practice.
- Use clear signals (indicators) in good time so other road users can more easily judge your intentions at unsigned intersections.
Common Mistakes
- Automatically assuming you have priority because your road looks larger or more passable — without signs the right-hand rule applies.
- Forgetting to give way when turning left in front of oncoming vehicles that are going straight or turning right.
- Not seeing or underestimating cyclists/moped riders from the right in poor visibility or when they creep close to the kerb.
Exam Tip
Theory test questions may show a picture with several vehicles in an unsigned intersection — always start by identifying which vehicle is to your right and then apply the rule about who is turning left/has oncoming traffic. If anything looks uncertain, choose the option where you give way.
Did You Know?
The right-hand rule is a simple priority principle used to quickly determine right of way at unsigned intersections and reduces the need for signage in many situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the right-hand rule apply to cyclists and mopeds?
The principle of giving way to vehicles from the right practically also applies to cyclists and mopeds when they use the road at intersections without special instructions. However, there are situations with separate cycle crossings and signage that can change the priority.
What should I do if another vehicle and I arrive at exactly the same time?
Use the right-hand rule: the vehicle coming from your right has priority. If you are opposite each other and one vehicle is turning left, that vehicle must give way to the one going straight ahead or turning right.
Does the right-hand rule apply in roundabouts?
No — roundabouts have special priority rules (vehicles already in the roundabout usually have priority). A roundabout is therefore an exception to the normal right-hand rule.
How do I know if an intersection has equal priority or not?
If there are no road signs, markings, or traffic signals indicating a main road, give way, or stop, the intersection should normally be considered equally prioritized and the right-hand rule applies. When in doubt: reduce speed and be prepared to give way.
What should I do if a police officer is directing traffic at the intersection?
A police officer or other traffic director who is directing traffic has priority over signs, signals, and the right-hand rule. Follow their instructions even if they contradict the usual rules.
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