Who Has Right of Way at a Junction?

Who Has Right of Way at a Junction?

Sharing the road is much like sharing toys as a child—it doesn’t always feel fair, but there are clear rules to guide behaviour. This is especially true at junctions, where understanding right of way is crucial. Sometimes, you’ll need to wait for other vehicles, while other times, they’ll wait for you.

But how do you know who has priority? Leo Driving School is here to explain the rules of right of way and how to apply them in real-life driving situations.

Key Terms

  • Give way: To allow other vehicles to go past before you move onto a road. This is also referred to as "yielding" to other vehicles.
  • Right of way: The legal right to proceed first across a road, before other road users. This is often called "priority."

How Do You Give Way at a Junction?

To give way, slow down as you approach the junction, ensuring you can stop if necessary. Always check both directions before entering the junction. If the road is clear, you can proceed smoothly.

Main Rules for Right of Way

In the UK, the two main principles for determining right of way are:

  1. Drivers on a main road have priority over those on a minor road.
  2. Vehicles travelling straight on or turning left have priority. Drivers turning right must wait for a gap in traffic.

Both rules apply simultaneously, so let’s see how they work in practice.

Who Has Right of Way at T-Junctions?

Identifying Main and Minor Roads

  • Main Road: If your road continues uninterrupted, you’re on the main road.
  • Minor Road: If your road ends, and you must turn left or right, you’re on the minor road.

Travelling on the Main Road

  • You generally have priority over traffic joining your road.
  • If turning right, you must give way to oncoming vehicles.
  • Look out for vehicles emerging from minor roads—they may need time to get up to speed. Drive attentively, even if you technically have right of way.

Emerging from the Minor Road

  • You must give way to traffic on the main road.
  • Wait for a sufficient gap before pulling out.
  • Follow road signs, such as "Give Way" or "Stop," and markings reminding you that you don’t have priority.

Who Has Priority at Crossroads?

Controlled Crossroads

  • Traffic Lights: Follow the signals; you have priority when the light is green.
  • Turning Right: Unless a filter arrow is lit, you must yield to oncoming traffic.

Marked Crossroads

  • Main Road: Vehicles travelling straight on or turning left have priority. If turning right, yield to oncoming traffic and position your vehicle clearly to signal your intentions.
  • Minor Road: Always give way to traffic on the main road.

When emerging from opposite minor roads, the rules are:

  • If turning left or going straight on, you have priority. Stay vigilant, as not all drivers will follow the rule.
  • If both vehicles are turning right, no one has priority. Use eye contact or signals to establish who will go first.

Unmarked Crossroads

At unmarked crossroads, nobody has formal priority. Follow these guidelines:

  • The first driver to arrive typically has right of way.
  • Always yield to traffic turning right.
  • Proceed cautiously and establish eye contact to clarify intentions.

Key Points for Right of Way at Junctions

  • Follow road markings, signs, and signals.
  • If markings aren’t clear, proceed with caution.
  • Yield to traffic on the main road.
  • Always yield when turning right.

Who Has Right of Way at a Roundabout?

Roundabouts are a common type of junction in Britain designed to keep traffic moving smoothly and safely at busy intersections. Whether large or small, the rules for right of way at a roundabout are simple: give way to vehicles already on the roundabout.

In the UK, vehicles travel clockwise around roundabouts. This means you must give way to traffic approaching from your right. Typically, you should yield to any traffic that has rounded the corner towards you, as they may change lanes unexpectedly.

You should only enter the roundabout when it is safe to do so without causing other drivers to brake. To assess this, consider:

  • Distance: How close the vehicles are to you.
  • Signals: Indicators, lane position, or road markings showing their intentions.
  • Speed: How fast the vehicles are travelling.

When entering a dual carriageway via a roundabout, wait until it’s safe to cross both lanes at once—unless a central reservation provides enough space for your entire vehicle (Rule 173).

Once on the roundabout, you generally don’t need to give way to anyone else unless signs or road markings instruct otherwise.

Who Has Priority at Mini Roundabouts?

At mini roundabouts, the same rules apply: give way to traffic already on the roundabout. Due to the close proximity of vehicles, also yield to drivers entering the roundabout from your immediate right.

If there are vehicles at all entrances, no one has priority. In such cases, use caution, establish eye contact, and try to understand the other drivers’ intentions. Be prepared to stop if needed.

Traffic Lights at Roundabouts

Larger roundabouts may have traffic lights to manage flow. If lights are present and operational:

  • Follow the traffic light signals—they dictate when you can proceed.
  • Be cautious of the placement of traffic lights. Sometimes, lights may be on the approach to the roundabout but not at the give way point itself. If this happens, you must still give way to traffic on the roundabout.

Left Lane Filters

Some roundabouts feature a left filter lane, which allows left-turning vehicles to bypass the main junction. These lanes are typically marked with signs and separated by white hatchings. If you’re in a filter lane:

  • Continue driving without giving way to traffic on the roundabout.

Key Points for Roundabouts

  • Always give way to traffic coming from the right.
  • Check to the left as well, in case traffic has slowed or stopped unexpectedly.
  • Approach with caution—many drivers neglect proper signalling at roundabouts.
  • Obey all road markings and signals.

Merging from Slip Roads

Joining a dual carriageway from a slip road can feel challenging as you merge sideways. Remember:

  • Traffic on the main road has priority.
  • Use mirrors and check your blind spots to identify gaps.
  • Choose a speed that aligns with traffic flow on the road you’re joining.

While some drivers may adjust their speed or position to let you in, this isn’t guaranteed. Always be prepared to stop if necessary.

FAQs

When Do Pedestrians Have Right of Way?

If a pedestrian has started crossing the road you intend to turn into, you must give way to them. This rule, as stated in the Highway Code (Rules 8 and 170), helps protect vulnerable road users. Always anticipate that pedestrians may step out unexpectedly, even if they haven’t checked for oncoming vehicles.

Who Else Should You Watch Out for at Junctions?

Rule 170 also highlights other road users, including:

  • Cyclists
  • Motorcyclists
  • Mobility scooter or wheelchair users
  • Horse riders
  • Long vehicles

Some of these are vulnerable due to exposure, while others, like lorries, may require more space to manoeuvre.

Do You Always Need to Stop at a Junction?

You don’t always need to stop, but you must slow down enough to give way to traffic if required. However, at junctions with a "Stop" sign or solid white line, stopping is mandatory. At closed junctions with limited visibility, use the "creep and peep" method—move forward slowly until you can see if it’s safe to proceed.

Turning Right at a Box Junction

You can wait in a box junction while turning right, provided your exit is clear and you’re waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic.

If a Car Signals Left Into My Road, Can I Pull Out?

Never assume that an indicator guarantees action. If the car is far enough away, it may be safe to proceed. Otherwise, wait until the vehicle starts turning. Watch out for other vehicles overtaking at the junction.

Leo Driving School ensures you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle roundabouts and junctions with confidence. Book your lessons today!