Right-of-Way Rules
- 1/24When approaching a signposted intersection, what determines the right of way
Use the trick "Only Tigers Like Very Small Lemon Machines" to remember the priority order of signals.
When approaching an intersection with no signs or signals, what rules apply
In the absence of signs, the general “yield to the right” rule governs who goes first.
If your driving on a paved road and approach an intersection with an unpaved road, who has right of way
Paved roads are prioritized over unpaved ones due to higher traffic and speed expectations.
When entering a roundabout, who has the right of way
Entering vehicles must yield to avoid disrupting the flow inside the roundabout.
If you are driving in an acceleration lane, who has right of way
Drivers in acceleration lanes must yield and merge only when it’s safe.
When a priority vehicle is responding to an emergency, who has the right of way
All drivers must yield, slow down, or stop to let emergency services pass safely.
If pedestrians are crossing at a marked pedestrian crossing
Pedestrians in a designated crosswalk always have priority over vehicles, and drivers must stop to let them pass.
When pedestrians are walking in a pedestrian zone or a residential area
In pedestrian and residential areas, vehicles must drive with extreme caution and yield to all pedestrians in the area.
If a vehicle turns at an intersection while pedestrians are crossing the street
Turning vehicles must always yield to pedestrians who are crossing the road at intersections, whether marked or unmarked.
When a pedestrian is walking on the hard shoulder outside of a built-up area and a vehicle needs to cross it
Pedestrians walking on the hard shoulder outside of built-up zones have priority if a vehicle enters or crosses the shoulder.
If a pedestrian is already on the crossing before the vehicle approaches
Vehicles must not enter or block the crosswalk while pedestrians are still using it, regardless of how slowly they are moving.
When a vehicle exits a driveway, parking lot, or private property and pedestrians are on the sidewalk
Drivers entering or exiting driveways or similar places must stop and yield to any pedestrians using the sidewalk or path.
If a cyclist is using a marked cycle crossing across the road
Just like pedestrian crosswalks, marked cycle crossings give priority to cyclists. Drivers must stop and let them cross safely.
When cyclists are traveling in bike lanes or along designated bike paths
Bike lanes and paths are reserved for cyclists, and vehicles must not obstruct or cut across them without yielding.
If a cyclist is crossing at an intersection while a vehicle is turning
Turning vehicles must yield to cyclists already in the intersection, just as they would with pedestrians.
If an animal is in a designated animal crossing area
Drivers must slow down and yield to animals in marked animal crossing zones to avoid collisions and ensure safety.
When animals are walking on the hard shoulder outside built-up areas and a vehicle enters to cross it
Like pedestrians and cyclists, animals using the shoulder in rural areas have the right-of-way when a vehicle crosses their path.
If a high-priority vehicle approaches with lights and sound, or just lights
High-priority vehicles like police, fire services, and ambulances are allowed to disregard traffic rules when responding to emergencies and must be given priority by all other road users.
When facilitating a high-priority vehicle’s passage
Drivers are obligated to make way for emergency responders, even if it means stopping their own vehicle safely on the side of the road.
If a private vehicle is performing an urgent service
Only officially designated high-priority vehicles may override traffic laws. Private vehicles must still comply fully with the traffic code, even in urgent cases.
When a breakdown occurs on a level crossing or drawbridge
In these situations, the top priority is safety. Occupants should leave the car immediately, alert any incoming traffic (e.g., train engineers), and attempt to clear the vehicle if possible.
In a tunnel emergency such as fire or danger
If there is a dangerous situation in a tunnel, safety procedures include stopping the engine, activating emergency lights, and evacuating to a safe place, ideally in the opposite direction of the fire.
During a traffic jam inside a tunnel or underpass
For non-emergency traffic halts in tunnels, it is essential to stay inside the vehicle and avoid causing additional hazards.
When a fire starts inside a tunnel while driving
This procedure allows emergency services to move your vehicle if needed and ensures your safe exit from the dangerous area.