Intersections

General Priority Rules at Intersections

Navigating intersections safely requires a clear understanding of priority rules, also known as right-of-way. These rules establish a clear and predictable order for traffic flow, minimizing conflicts and enhancing safety for all road users.

The Default Rule: Priority to the Right

In the absence of any signs, signals, or road markings indicating otherwise, the fundamental rule at an intersection is to yield to vehicles approaching from your right. This is the default priority rule and applies to most standard intersections.

• A stop line painted on the road without an accompanying STOP sign does not, by itself, remove the priority-to-the-right rule.
• Vehicles traveling on a paved road have priority over vehicles entering from an unpaved road or a private path.
• Animal-drawn vehicles are also subject to the general right-hand priority rule at unsignposted intersections.

Traffic Signals and Signs

Traffic signals and signs override the default priority rules. It is crucial to obey them correctly.

• Traffic Lights: When approaching an intersection with multiple traffic lights, obey the signal located immediately to your side of the road. If you are turning right, follow the signal on the right. If you are going straight or turning left, you must obey the traffic light situated to your left.
• STOP Signs: A STOP sign requires you to come to a complete stop and yield to all cross-traffic. The sign applies specifically to the next intersection you encounter after passing it.
• Stop Lines: A stop line marked in a single lane only obliges the vehicles traveling in that specific lane to stop.

Entering and Clearing Intersections

Proper intersection management is key to preventing gridlock and accidents.

• Never enter an intersection, pedestrian crossing, or level crossing if traffic is congested and you are likely to become stuck, blocking the flow of cross-traffic.
• If you find yourself unintentionally blocking an intersection after the light has changed, you must clear the intersection as soon as it is safe to do so, without waiting for the next green light.

Special Priority Situations

Roundabouts

At roundabouts, the priority rule is simple and universal: vehicles already circulating inside the roundabout always have priority over vehicles waiting to enter. You must yield to all traffic on your left that is already in the circle before you proceed.

Trams and Rail Vehicles

Trams and other rail vehicles have absolute priority over all other road users at unsignposted intersections. You must yield to them regardless of which direction they are approaching from.

Emergency Vehicles

Priority vehicles (such as ambulances, fire engines, and police cars) on an emergency service have the right of way. You must make way for them.

• When you see or hear an approaching emergency vehicle using its flashing lights and siren, you must clear a path by moving to the right or stopping if necessary.
• A priority vehicle has the right of way even if it is only using its flashing light, provided that omitting the siren does not pose a danger to other road users.
• They only have this priority when actively performing an emergency service.
• In a personal emergency, drivers of non-priority vehicles may use audible signals (the horn) to warn other users of their urgent situation.

Cyclists, Pedestrians, and Animals

Drivers must show special consideration for more vulnerable road users.

• Cyclists: Motor vehicles must always yield to cyclists who are traveling on a signposted bike lane, a cycle crossing, or a hard shoulder.
• Pedestrians: When turning into another road, you must yield to any pedestrians who are crossing it, even if there is no marked crosswalk. However, pedestrians should only step onto a crossing when the speed and distance of approaching vehicles allow them to do so safely.
• Animals: Similar to pedestrians, you must yield to animals crossing a road you are turning into. On officially signposted drove roads (cañadas), animals have priority over vehicles. Animals may only travel on conventional roads when no drove road is available.

Roadworks Personnel

Instructions given by authorized roadworks personnel or traffic officers override all other signs, signals, and rules. You must obey their signals without hesitation.

Navigating Narrow Passages

Signposted Narrowings

When you approach a narrow passage indicated by a sign with a red arrow pointing in your direction of travel, it means oncoming traffic has priority. You must wait for any oncoming vehicles to clear the passage before you proceed.

Unsignposted Narrowings on Flat Roads

Where a narrow passage is not governed by signs, the following rules apply:

1. The vehicle that entered the narrow section first has the right of way. This rule also applies within roadworks areas.
2. If it is unclear which vehicle entered first, priority is determined by which vehicle is harder to maneuver. The general hierarchy is as follows:
   • Cars with trailers have priority over buses.
   • Animal-drawn vehicles have priority over cars.
   • Cars have priority over motorcycles and mopeds.
3. If two vehicles of the same type meet, the one that would have to reverse a shorter distance to find a passing place has priority.

Narrow Sections on Steep Grades

On steep, narrow roads without specific signage, the vehicle traveling uphill has priority over the vehicle traveling downhill. The downhill vehicle must reverse to a safe passing place if necessary. The only exception is if the downhill vehicle is already very close to a designated passing place, in which case the uphill vehicle may wait.

Special Rules for Tunnels and Level Crossings

Driving and Stopping in Tunnels

Tunnels present unique risks, and specific rules apply to ensure safety.

• Safe Distance: Always maintain a minimum following distance of 100 metres or 4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
• Stopping: If you are forced to stop in a tunnel due to a traffic jam, stay in your vehicle. If the stop lasts for more than two minutes, you must switch off the engine but keep your sidelights on to remain visible.

In Case of Fire in a Tunnel

A fire in a tunnel is an extremely dangerous emergency. Follow these steps precisely:

1. Pull your vehicle as far to the right as possible.
2. Switch off the engine completely.
3. Leave the keys in the ignition.
4. Leave the doors unlocked (or open).
5. Evacuate the tunnel immediately on foot, following emergency exit signs.

Level Crossings

At a railway level crossing, a moving half-barrier is a clear signal to stop. You must stop and wait for the barrier to fully rise and any signals to cease before proceeding.