Special Right-of-Way Cases

Where These Cases Sit in the Hierarchy

Right-of-way rules follow a clear hierarchy: police → traffic lights → signs → markings → priority from the right. Priority from the right is the lowest level – it only applies when nothing else is regulated.

The cases on this page are statutory special rules that override priority from the right. You will find the full hierarchy under Right of Way & Hierarchy.

Turning Left

Oncoming traffic has priority – whether it goes straight on or turns right. You may only turn once the way is clear.

Anyone waiting stops within the junction so that other traffic is not obstructed.

Moving Off, Turning Around & Reversing

When moving off from the kerb, turning around and reversing, all other road users have priority. You must not obstruct anyone.

This also applies towards cyclists and pedestrians – if necessary you must call on a helper.

Exits: Yard, Garage, Car Park, Petrol Station, Field Track, Pavement

Anyone joining the road from such an exit must give way to users of the main or minor road – even when they come from the left.

These accesses do not count as junctions. Priority from the right therefore does not apply at all.

If your view is blocked, you must edge forward carefully and, if necessary, call on a helper.

Roundabout

Vehicles already in the roundabout have priority. On entering you must give way to vehicles coming from the left – priority from the right is suspended.

You indicate right when leaving the roundabout; you do not indicate when entering.

Mountain Roads (Narrow)

As a rule of thumb, the uphill vehicle has priority. If passing is impossible, the downhill vehicle must normally reverse – unless the uphill vehicle is clearly closer to a passing place.

Exceptions: scheduled public transport vehicles (postal bus) and heavy vehicles take precedence over light ones.

Pedestrian Crossings

Pedestrians and users of vehicle-like devices (e.g. scooters) who are on the crossing or waiting in front of it and evidently want to cross have priority.

You must brake in good time and stop if necessary. Overtaking before a pedestrian crossing is prohibited.

Emergency Vehicles

Vehicles with blue lights and a two-tone siren (fire service, ambulance, police, customs) always have priority – even at a red light and regardless of any signage.

Make way immediately, stopping if necessary. On motorways, form the emergency corridor.

Tram

The tram has priority on its own track – except when it joins a main road from a minor road.

When turning you must not obstruct the tram; it also takes precedence over priority from the right.

Further Special Cases

• Where several roads with Stop or Give way meet at a junction, priority from the right applies again among those vehicles.
• If vehicles arrive simultaneously from all directions, drive with particular care and reach an understanding with the others.
• When passing on narrow roads the order is: road trains before other vehicles, heavy motor vehicles before light ones, coaches before lorries.