Priority over oncoming trafficUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
19. 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.
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What does priority over oncoming traffic mean?
It means that drivers travelling in your direction have priority through the narrow passage over drivers approaching from the opposite direction.
How can you recognise the sign?
It is commonly a rectangular sign showing two arrows in opposite directions. The larger or lighter arrow represents the direction that has priority, while the other arrow represents oncoming traffic.
Where is this sign normally used?
It is used at a bridge, roadworks area, traffic-calming feature or another narrow section where vehicles travelling in opposite directions cannot pass safely.
What sign does oncoming traffic see?
Drivers approaching from the opposite end normally see a corresponding sign requiring them to give way to oncoming traffic.
Does the sign mean that the road is one-way?
No. Traffic may use the road in both directions, but only one direction should normally pass through the narrow section at a time.
Does the sign give priority along the entire road?
No. It applies only to the particular narrow section associated with the sign.
Does it give you priority at an intersection?
No. It regulates priority between opposing traffic at the narrowing. Traffic lights, intersection signs and ordinary priority rules remain applicable elsewhere.
Does it impose a speed limit?
No. Drivers must respect the applicable speed limit and approach slowly enough to stop safely if the passage is occupied.
Must you stop before entering?
Not normally. You may continue when the passage is clear, but you must slow or stop when necessary to avoid danger.
Does having priority mean you must enter first?
No. Priority is a right to proceed before approaching traffic, not an obligation to continue. Wait when entering would create danger or block the passage.
What if an oncoming vehicle is already in the narrow section?
Reduce speed and allow the vehicle enough room to leave. Do not enter simply because your sign gives you priority if doing so would trap the other vehicle or cause a collision.
May you force an oncoming driver to reverse?
No. Drivers must avoid creating danger. When another vehicle is already committed to the passage, the safest solution may be to wait until it has cleared.
What if both vehicles arrive at the same time?
The driver facing the priority sign may normally proceed first, while the opposite driver must wait. Both drivers should reduce speed and make sure the other has understood the situation.
Does the rule apply to cyclists and motorcycles?
It normally applies to all drivers, including cyclists and motorcyclists, but local law may define the exact road users covered.
Should you leave space for cyclists?
Yes. Do not pass a cyclist in the narrow section unless the required safe lateral distance can be maintained.
What should you do when meeting a large vehicle?
Allow additional width and time. Buses, trucks and vehicles towing trailers may need most or all of the available road space.
May pedestrians be present in the narrow section?
Yes. Drivers must remain alert for pedestrians, particularly where a pavement or verge also becomes narrow or unavailable.
Does the sign permit overtaking?
No. It regulates opposing traffic only. Overtaking remains subject to the ordinary rules, and it is often unsafe near a narrow passage.
May you stop or park in the narrow section?
Only where local law permits it and sufficient space remains. Stopping or parking must not block the passage or create danger.
What if temporary traffic lights are operating?
Follow the traffic lights. Active temporary signals or instructions from authorised workers normally take precedence over the fixed priority arrangement.
Do police or road-worker instructions override the sign?
Yes. Follow instructions from an authorised person even when they differ from the priority indicated by the sign.
When does the priority rule end?
It ends after you have passed through the narrow section controlled by the signs. The ordinary traffic rules then apply again.
