Give wayBosnia and Herzegovina

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


4. 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. (Ljubuški, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Wikimedia.org • Anto • CC BY
What does a give-way sign mean?

A give-way sign requires drivers to allow traffic with priority to proceed first. The driver must slow down and stop when necessary.

How can you recognise a give-way sign?

It is commonly an inverted triangular sign with a red border and a light-coloured centre. In some countries, it is called a yield sign.

Must you always stop at a give-way sign?

No. You must stop only when necessary to give way or obtain a sufficiently clear view. You may continue slowly when the road is clearly free.

What does giving way mean?

Giving way means allowing another road user to continue without being forced to brake, accelerate, stop or change direction because of your movement.

Where should you stop when necessary?

Stop before the give-way line where one is provided. Without a line, stop before entering the intersection or priority road at a position where you can observe traffic safely.

May you cross the give-way line before stopping?

You may move beyond the line only when this does not interfere with traffic that has priority. Where visibility is limited, first slow or stop at the line and then move forward cautiously.

What is the difference between give way and stop?

A stop sign always requires a complete stop. A give-way sign permits the driver to continue without stopping when the road is clearly free and it is safe to proceed.

Does slowing down satisfy the give-way requirement?

Only when slowing down is sufficient to let all priority traffic proceed safely. If another road user would be hindered, the driver must slow further or stop.

Who must you give way to?

Give way to traffic travelling on the road being entered or crossed and to any pedestrians, cyclists or other road users who have priority under the applicable rules.

Does giving way apply only to vehicles approaching from one direction?

No. Check every direction from which lawful traffic may approach, including cycle paths, one-way roads with authorised contraflow traffic and separate carriageways.

Does a give-way sign give the other road permanent priority?

The sign determines priority at the particular location. The priority arrangement at later intersections may be different unless the road is separately identified as a priority road.

Does giving way give you priority afterwards?

No. You may proceed only when it is safe. Another driver’s hesitation or courtesy does not remove your responsibility to avoid danger.

Must every vehicle in a queue give way separately?

Yes. Each driver must observe the road and make an individual decision. You may not follow another vehicle through without checking that the way remains clear.

Does a give-way sign apply to cyclists?

Normally, yes. Cyclists are generally treated as drivers and must obey the sign unless a supplementary sign or local rule provides otherwise.

Can a give-way sign apply only to cyclists?

Yes. Some countries use supplementary signs or path-specific signs to require cyclists to give way while other traffic follows a different priority arrangement.

Does a give-way sign change the speed limit?

No. It regulates priority rather than speed. Drivers must still approach slowly enough to observe traffic and stop when necessary.

Does a give-way sign change turning rules?

No. Drivers must still obey traffic lights, lane arrows, mandatory-direction signs and turning prohibitions.

How does give way work at a roundabout?

Many roundabout entrances have give-way signs requiring entering traffic to yield to vehicles already circulating. Drivers must follow the actual signs because roundabout priority rules differ between countries.

Do traffic lights override a give-way sign?

Functioning traffic lights commonly take precedence over priority signs controlling the same movement. The give-way sign may apply again when the lights are switched off or flashing, depending on local law.

Do police instructions override a give-way sign?

Yes. Instructions from an authorised traffic officer normally take precedence over traffic signs and ordinary priority rules.

What should you do when visibility is limited?

Reduce speed substantially and stop when necessary. Move forward cautiously only after giving way and checking that the road can be entered without danger.

1 Bosnia and Herzegovina 2 Motorway 3 Quay 4 Give way 5 Roundabout 6 Railway crossing 7 Traffic lights 8 International border 9 Reversing 10 City limit 11 Tourist attraction 12 Bus 13 Police 14 Ambulance 15 Taxi 16 European emission standard 17 Pothole 18 Path 19 Particulates 20 Air pollution 21 Rush hour 22 Road code 23 Street gutter 24 Cargo bike 25 Forestry vehicle 26 Construction vehicle 27 Semi-trailer truck 28 Trolleybus 29 Speed pedelec 30 Delivery vehicle 31 Idling 32 Tow truck 33 Four-wheel drive 34 Bicycle 35 Motorcycle equipment 36 Rail track 37 Caravan 38 Trailer 39 Tow hitch 40 Fire truck 41 Siren 42 Convoy 43 Emergency vehicle lighting 44 Agricultural machinery 45 Electric bicycle 46 Electric vehicle 47 Pedelec 48 Quadricycle 49 Microcar 50 All-terrain vehicle 51 Van 52 Recreational vehicle 53 Scooter 54 Trikke 55 Personal mobility device 56 Skateboard 57 Segway 58 Kick scooter 59 Roller skates 60 Mailman 61 Hitchhiker 62 Toddler 63 Child 64 Disability 65 Motorail 66 km/h 67 mph 68 Speedometer 69 Ride height 70 Dirt road 71 Driving 72 Start-stop system 73 Manual transmission 74 Automatic transmission 75 Throttle 76 Tachometer 77 Steering wheel 78 Power steering 79 Visual scanning 80 Mirror 81 Fuel 82 Fuel gauge 83 Petrol 84 Diesel 85 Diesel exhaust fluid 86 Car insurance 87 First aid kit 88 Fire extinguisher 89 High-visibility clothing 90 First aid 91 Concrete step barrier 92 Barriers 93 Vehicle lights 94 Street lights 95 Dipped beam 96 High beam 97 Fog lights 98 Front fog lights 99 Rear fog lights 100 Side lights ...