Intersections
Who goes first at intersections of main and equal roads and on roundabouts.
5 min read
Interactive visual cheat-sheet
Intersection Priority Hierarchy
Master the 4-level priority pyramid and explore the scenarios that cause the most exam mistakes.
4-level order of authority (top overrides bottom)
Traffic Controller
Overrides working traffic lights, road signs, and road markings.
Working Traffic Light
Cancels main/secondary road priority signs (2.1–2.5). Flashing yellow = unregulated.
Priority Signs + Plate 8.13
Main road goes first. If two vehicles are both on the main road, the right-hand rule resolves who goes first.
Equal Roads (Right-Hand Rule)
Trams go first over cars; among non-rail vehicles, yield to any vehicle approaching from your right.
Order of passage
1st: Your green car · 2nd: Cross traffic on red
Official rule
A working traffic light makes the intersection regulated and cancels priority signs (2.1 Main road, 2.4 Give way, 2.5 Stop).
Common exam trap
Don’t yield because of the 2.4 triangle when you have a solid green light — the sign only applies if the light is off or flashing yellow.
Main and minor roads
A driver approaching on a minor road gives way to vehicles on the main road, whichever way they go next. If the main road changes direction at the intersection, drivers on it follow the rules for equal roads among themselves.
- If you can’t tell whether your road is paved (dark, mud, snow) and there are no priority signs, assume you are on the minor road
Equal roads
At an intersection of equal roads, give way to vehicles approaching from the right. When turning left or making a U-turn, give way to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right. A tram has priority over non-rail vehicles, whichever way it goes.
Roundabouts
When entering a roundabout marked with sign 4.3 “Roundabout”, give way to vehicles already on it.
Regulated intersections
When turning left or making a U-turn on a green light, give way to oncoming vehicles going straight or right. Even on green, give way to vehicles still finishing their crossing.
- Don’t enter an intersection if a jam ahead would make you stop and block crossing traffic
Remember
- ✓ Equal roads: give way to the right
- ✓ Roundabout with sign 4.3: vehicles on the roundabout go first
- ✓ Turning left: give way to oncoming traffic going straight or right
Common mistakes
- ✗ Entering an intersection into a jam and blocking crossing traffic
- ✗ Thinking a turn signal gives you priority