Teorio
Right of Way
Right of way concerns when you as a driver must let other traffic pass before you. Understanding right of way is central to driving safely and following traffic rules at intersections, at entrances, and in roundabouts.
Rules & Regulations
- Right of way means you must yield to other traffic that, according to the rules or signage, is entitled to go before you.
- Right of way is usually indicated by a yield sign (an inverted triangle with a red border) and/or road markings; where such instructions exist they must be followed.
- When you must yield, you should adjust your speed, slow down, and stop if necessary to let other traffic or unprotected road users pass.
- At an intersection without traffic signs or road markings, the right-hand rule applies: you should first yield to vehicles coming from the right.
- In roundabouts it often applies in practice that traffic already in the roundabout has priority, and incoming traffic should yield according to signage or road markings.
- You must not force other road users to brake or make dangerous evasive maneuvers because you failed to yield; show clarity and consideration in your driving.
Tips for Drivers
- Brake and scan the intersection in good time — look both ways and assess speed and distance before you enter.
- Be especially attentive to pedestrians and cyclists who may find it harder to change course or speed quickly; yield to them when they have the right to go.
- In roundabouts, wait until there is a clear gap instead of edging out; be aware of lane changes and signage that may create specific conditions.
- Use indicators well in advance when you intend to turn off a road or into an intersection — this reduces the risk of misunderstandings about who should wait.
Common Mistakes
- Believing that a yield sign always requires a full stop — you should only stop if necessary to let others pass.
- Forgetting that unprotected road users (pedestrians, cyclists) can have priority at crosswalks or when they are clearly in your path.
- Assuming roundabout rules differ without checking the signage — many roundabouts have clear yield rules for entering traffic.
- Thinking that trams always have absolute priority in all situations — in reality yield rules apply to tram drivers too unless otherwise indicated, but at intersections without traffic signals the tram effectively has priority because it cannot easily swerve or brake quickly.
Exam Tip
Be careful to distinguish between situations with signs/road markings and unmarked intersections — images without markings on the test usually mean the right-hand rule applies.
Did You Know?
Right of way is one of the most common causes of conflicts at intersections, and correct application reduces the risk of head-on and side collisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always have to stop at a yield sign?
No, you do not necessarily have to stop at a yield sign. You should slow down and stop only if it is necessary to let other traffic or pedestrians pass.
Who has priority at an uncontrolled crossroads?
At an uncontrolled intersection (no signage or markings) the right-hand rule applies, which means you should yield to vehicles coming from your right.
What applies to cyclists and pedestrians regarding right of way?
Pedestrians at crosswalks and cyclists on a main road or in your path may have priority; always check if they are in your way and yield when required.
How does right of way work in roundabouts?
In many roundabouts traffic already in the roundabout has priority and incoming traffic should wait, but you should always follow the signage and road markings at the location.
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