Priority over oncoming trafficSpain
Traffic rules
Spain
1. Priority over oncoming traffic
Priority over oncoming traffic means that drivers travelling in one direction have priority through a narrow section of road over drivers approaching from the opposite direction. The rule is normally indicated by a priority sign facing one direction and a corresponding give-way sign facing the other.
Drivers with priority must still approach cautiously and must not force their way through when the passage is blocked or already occupied. The signs regulate priority through the narrow section, not speed, parking or priority at nearby intersections.
How is priority over oncoming traffic controlled in Spain?
The priority-over-oncoming sign gives your direction priority at the narrow passage. Its counterpart prohibits entering if crossing would force opposing vehicles to stop. Without specific controls, the rules for narrow roads apply, including priority for the vehicle that entered first.
🔗 boe.es • General Traffic Regulation articles 3,60,62-63; catalogue R-5,R-6
Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way.
English • Traffic sign R-6 • Priority over oncoming traffic. Drivers have priority over oncoming vehicles at the narrow section ahead.
Español • R-6 • Prioridad respecto al sentido contrario. Indica a los conductores que, en un próximo paso estrecho, tienen prioridad con relación a los vehículos que circulen en sentido contrario.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Boe.es • Reglamento General de Circulación • anexo I • catálogo vigente
🔗 Boe.es • Real Decreto 465/2025 • R-6 • página 46
SVG source: Benedicto16 • Public domain • Original revision 2025-11-29. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Can you enter an occupied narrow passage when you have priority in Spain?
Do not force a conflict. Check the full available width and let a vehicle already committed to the passage clear it when both vehicles cannot pass safely. A priority control does not permit creating danger or disregarding a red signal or authorised instruction.
🔗 boe.es • General Traffic Regulation articles 3,60,62-63; catalogue R-5,R-6
Does priority through a narrow passage extend to nearby junctions in Spain?
No. A control releasing your direction or giving priority over opposing traffic concerns that passage. Junction priority, speed limits, crossings and any later restriction must be assessed separately from their own signs and rules.
🔗 boe.es • General Traffic Regulation articles 3,60,62-63; catalogue R-5,R-6
