What are Priority and Right of Way Rules?
Priority and right of way rules establish a legal order for which vehicle proceeds first at intersections and road junctions. These rules prioritize main roads over side roads, emergency vehicles over all traffic, and pedestrians over vehicles.
Priority rules give right of way to main road traffic, emergency vehicles, and pedestrians. At equal-priority intersections, the vehicle on the right has priority.
- •Main road traffic (over side roads)
- •Emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire, police)
- •Pedestrians at crossings
- •Vehicles moving straight (over turning)
- •Uphill vehicles (on narrow mountain roads)
- •Side road traffic
- •Regular vehicles
- •Drivers without pedestrian crossing
- •Vehicles turning left (to oncoming traffic)
- •Downhill vehicles on mountain roads)
Step-by-step worked examples
At an intersection, Vehicle A is on a main road heading straight, Vehicle B is on a side road turning left. Who has priority?
Vehicle A is on the main road Vehicle A is moving straight (not turning) Vehicle B must yield to Vehicle A
An ambulance with sirens is at a red light. Can it proceed?
Emergency vehicles have absolute priority Ambulance can proceed despite red light if route is clear All other vehicles must yield immediately
At an intersection with no traffic lights, two vehicles arrive simultaneously from perpendicular roads. Who proceeds?
Both roads appear equal (no main/side marking) Apply the right-of-hand rule Vehicle on your right has priority; vehicle on left must yield
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.At a main-road/side-road intersection, who proceeds first?
Q2.An emergency vehicle is behind you at a red light. What should you do?
Q3.Two vehicles arrive at an equal-priority intersection simultaneously. Who proceeds?
Q4.Can a pedestrian cross at a red light if the road is clear?
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What are Priority and Right of Way Rules?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
Assuming smaller roads have priority. — Correct: Only main roads have priority; side roads must yield.
Thinking emergency vehicles must stop at red lights. — Correct: Emergency vehicles can proceed through red lights with priority if route is clear.
Applying first-arrival rule at equal-priority intersections. — Correct: Use the right-of-hand rule: vehicle on your right has priority.
Thinking pedestrians can always cross freely. — Correct: Pedestrians must use crossings and obey traffic signals.
FAQ
What is the right of way rule?
Right of way determines which vehicle or pedestrian proceeds first. Main roads, emergency vehicles, pedestrians, and straight-moving vehicles generally have priority.
Who has priority at an intersection with no traffic signals?
Apply the right-of-hand rule: the vehicle to your right has priority.
Can emergency vehicles run red lights?
Yes — ambulances, fire trucks, and police have absolute priority if the route ahead is clear.
Do pedestrians have priority over vehicles?
Yes, pedestrians have priority at designated crossings; drivers must yield.