Priority signsPortugal

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Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Priority signs

A priority sign is a traffic sign that indicates the order in which vehicles shall pass intersection points. Vehicles often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their intended courses of travel intersect, and thus interfere with each other's routes. The general principle that establishes who has the right to go first is called 'right of way' or 'priority'. It establishes who has the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who has to wait until the other does so. The vehicle that does not need to wait is said to 'have the right of way' or to 'have priority.'

Warning for merging traffic from the left.

Warning for merging traffic from the right.

Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers.

Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way.

1. Stop and give way

This traffic sign means stop and give way. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and give way to traffic that has priority. Proceed only when it is safe.

2. Give way

This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.

3. Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled crossroad. An intersection without traffic signals or signs assigning priority lies ahead. Reduce speed, watch for traffic approaching from other directions and follow the applicable local priority rules.

4. Warning for a roundabout

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a roundabout. A roundabout lies ahead. Reduce speed and follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local roundabout rules when approaching and entering it.

5. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. A side road joins from the left, and traffic entering from that side road must give way.

6. Warning for merging traffic from the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for merging traffic from the left. Traffic travelling in the same general direction may join your traffic stream from the left. Stay alert and adjust your speed or position when necessary to allow traffic to merge safely.

7. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. A side road joins from the right, and traffic entering from that side road must give way.

8. Warning for merging traffic from the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for merging traffic from the right. Traffic travelling in the same general direction may join your traffic stream from the right. Stay alert and adjust your speed or position when necessary to allow traffic to merge safely.

9. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. Side roads join from the left and right, and traffic entering from those side roads must give way.

10. Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where you must give way to oncoming traffic. Allow approaching traffic to pass before entering or continuing through the narrow section when required.

11. Mandatory roundabout direction

This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.

12. Start of a priority road

This traffic sign indicates the start of a priority road. Drivers on the priority road normally have priority over traffic entering from side roads until the priority road ends, unless traffic lights, other signs or applicable traffic rules indicate otherwise.

13. End of the priority road

This traffic sign indicates the end of the priority road. The road no longer has continuing priority at subsequent intersections. Follow the applicable traffic lights, priority signs and default priority rules.

14. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.

15. Crossroad shape

This traffic sign shows the shape or layout of an upcoming junction. The diagram indicates how the approaching road and connecting roads are arranged.

16. Crossroad shape

This traffic sign shows the shape or layout of an upcoming junction. The diagram indicates how the approaching road and connecting roads are arranged.