Give way to oncoming trafficWorldwide

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


34. Give way to oncoming traffic

Give way to oncoming traffic means that drivers must allow vehicles approaching from the opposite direction to pass first through a narrow section of road. The rule is normally indicated by a sign facing the direction that must yield and a corresponding priority sign facing oncoming traffic.

Drivers must reduce speed and stop when necessary before entering the narrow passage. They may continue only when they can do so safely and without obstructing oncoming traffic that has priority.

Give way to oncoming vehicles. (Geneva, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What does give way to oncoming traffic mean?

It means that you must allow drivers approaching from the opposite direction to pass through the narrow section first.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section B.5–6; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 12–13; international framework subject to national law

What sign does traffic at the opposite end see?

Drivers approaching from the opposite direction normally see a corresponding sign indicating that they have priority over oncoming traffic.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section B.5–6; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 12–13; international framework subject to national law

Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers. Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers.

Must you always stop at the sign?

No. You must stop only when necessary to give way. You may continue cautiously when the narrow passage is clear and no priority traffic is approaching.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section B.5–6; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 12–13; international framework subject to national law

What should you do when a bus or truck approaches?

Stop before the narrow section and leave additional space. Large vehicles may require most or all of the available road width.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section B.5–6; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 12–13; international framework subject to national law

Does the sign impose a speed limit?

No. It regulates priority rather than speed. Drivers must nevertheless approach slowly enough to observe oncoming traffic and stop safely.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section B.5–6; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 12–13; international framework subject to national law

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