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DGT Glossary
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Right of way

Rules that decide which vehicle or road user goes first when several converge at an intersection or manoeuvre.

Definition

Right of way is the set of rules that decide, at every intersection or conflict, who goes first. The general rule at unsignalled intersections is: priority for whoever comes from the right. Many exceptions exist: emergency vehicles with lights and siren, school transport, rail vehicles, pedestrians at marked crossings, cyclists on bike lanes, and roundabout traffic already on the ring.

Key facts

  • Unsignalled intersection: priority from the right (general rule).
  • Roundabout: priority for those already on the ring.
  • Emergency vehicles with lights + siren: absolute priority.
  • Pedestrians at marked crossings: priority over vehicles.

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