Give wayItaly

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Italy. 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.


17. 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 at a roundabout. (Tirano, Italy)
Wikimedia.org • Lord_Koxinga • CC BY-SA
What does giving way mean in Italy?

The Italian instruction is dare precedenza. Give way to the traffic assigned priority by the signs and approach the junction with the care required by the Road Code.

🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 38–41, 43, 145, 191

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 191

Give way. Give way.

English • Traffic sign II.36 • Give way. Drivers must give way to vehicles travelling in either direction on the road they are about to enter or cross.

Italiano • Figura II.36 • Dare precedenza. Obbliga a dare la precedenza ai veicoli che circolano nei due sensi sulla strada nella quale ci si sta per immettere o che si sta per attraversare.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Normattiva.it • D.P.R. 495/1992 • testo vigente • art. 106, comma 1
🔗 Gazzettaufficiale.it • Gazzetta Ufficiale • Figura II.36 • pagina 255

SVG source: F l a n k e r • Public domain • Original revision 2011-02-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Must you always stop when giving way in Italy?

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.

🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 38–41, 43, 145, 191

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 191

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

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.

🔗 aci.gov.it • Italy, Road Code — articles 38–41, 43, 145, 191

🔗 aci.gov.it • ACI official Road Code — article 191

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