Give wayUruguay

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

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Uruguay

1. 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.

What does giving way mean in Uruguay?

Uruguay’s national circulation regulations require a driver giving way to reduce speed and stop if necessary, without invading the junction or disturbing the other road user’s normal progress. Obey any additional signs.

🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, National Road Circulation Regulation, Decree 118/1984; 🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, Law 18,191, article 17, updated text

Give way.

English • Traffic sign R-2 • Give way. Give priority to vehicles on the priority road; stop if necessary.

Español • R-2 • Ceda el paso. Cede el paso a los vehículos que circulan por la vía preferente; detente si es necesario.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Gub.uy • MTOP, Norma Uruguaya de Señalización Vertical, PDF p. 85
🔗 Gub.uy • MTOP, significado, PDF p. 20

SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Original SVG
Intendencia de Durazno • Public domain • Original revision 2025-07-03. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork reviewed against the Uruguayan MTOP Norma Uruguaya de Señalización Vertical, currently published standard: Gub.uy • R-2, PDF page 85. Intentional educational illustration update from the previous PNG; original SVG unmodified.

Must you always stop when giving way in Uruguay?

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.

🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, National Road Circulation Regulation, Decree 118/1984; 🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, Law 18,191, article 17, updated text

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

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.

🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, National Road Circulation Regulation, Decree 118/1984; 🔗 impo.com.uy • Uruguay, Law 18,191, article 17, updated text