Support us

Give wayAustria

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Austria. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Austria

20. Give way

A give-way sign requires drivers to allow traffic with priority to proceed before entering, crossing or joining a road. Drivers must reduce speed, observe approaching traffic and stop when necessary.

Unlike a stop sign, a give-way sign does not always require a complete stop. The driver may continue without stopping only when the route is clearly safe and no road user with priority is forced to change speed or direction.

Give way
A give way sign. (Salzburg, Austria)
Wikimedia.org • Ralf_Roletschek • CC BY-SA
What does giving way mean in Austria?

The Austrian sign is called Vorrang geben. At the controlled junction, give way to traffic on the priority road from both directions; read any supplementary diagram showing that road’s course.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 19, 52(23–24)

Give way. Give way.

English • Traffic sign StVO § 52 Z 23 • Give way. The sign indicates that drivers must give way under section 19(4). It must be installed before a junction with a priority road or a road carrying heavy traffic, unless the regulatory Stop sign is required.

Deutsch • StVO § 52 Z 23 • VORRANG GEBEN. Dieses Zeichen zeigt an, dass gemäß § 19 Abs. 4 Vorrang zu geben ist. Es ist vor einer Kreuzung mit einer Vorrangstraße oder mit einer Straße mit starkem Verkehr anzubringen, sofern nicht das Vorschriftszeichen „Halt“ erforderlich ist.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ris.bka.gv.at • StVO § 52 Z 23

SVG source: 3247 • Public domain • Original revision 2006-08-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Must you always stop when giving way in Austria?

No. A give-way control requires stopping when necessary to yield or obtain a safe view. A stop sign requires a complete stop even if the road appears empty.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 19, 52(23–24)

What should you check before proceeding after giving way in Austria?

Wait until the manoeuvre is safe. Check the priority traffic, the view in both directions and enough space to complete the entry. Giving way to one vehicle does not remove duties towards another driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 19, 52(23–24)

1 Austria 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Cycling street 12 Pedestrian zone 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Give way to oncoming traffic 24 Railway crossing 25 Mandatory direction 26 Turn prohibition 27 School area 28 Overtaking 29 Crossing animals 30 Wrong-way driving 31 Roadworks 32 Height limit 33 Width limit 34 Weight limit 35 Priority at the next junction 36 Traffic lights 37 Pedestrian lights 38 Speed feedback 39 Driving licence 40 Location marker 41 Traffic mirror 42 Emergency telephone 43 International border 44 Cycling route 45 Parking 46 No parking 47 No stopping 48 Disabled parking 49 Reversing 50 Uncontrolled crossroad 51 Road surface 52 Provisional licence 53 Runaway truck ramp 54 City limit 55 Cyclist crossing 56 Horn 57 Licence plate 58 Charging station 59 Dangers 60 Cyclist 61 Bus 62 Police 63 Ambulance 64 Police signals 65 European emission standard 66 Pothole 67 Private property 68 Path 69 Particulates 70 Air pollution 71 Rush hour 72 Road code 73 Street gutter 74 Cargo bike 75 Forestry vehicle 76 Construction vehicle 77 Semi-trailer truck 78 Trolleybus 79 Speed pedelec 80 Delivery vehicle 81 Idling 82 Tow truck 83 Four-wheel drive 84 No vehicles 85 Bicycle 86 Motorcycle equipment 87 Tram 88 Rail track 89 Caravan 90 Trailer 91 Tow hitch 92 Fire truck 93 Siren 94 Convoy 95 Emergency vehicle lighting 96 Agricultural machinery 97 Electric bicycle 98 Electric vehicle 99 Pedelec 100 Quadricycle ...