Uncontrolled crossroadWorldwide

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.


98. Uncontrolled crossroad

An uncontrolled crossroad is an intersection where traffic priority is not specifically regulated by traffic lights, an authorised person or signs assigning priority to particular approaches. Drivers must therefore determine who has priority using the default traffic rules that apply in that country.

The applicable rule varies between countries and may include priority from the right, priority from the left or another default right-of-way rule. Drivers should approach an uncontrolled crossroad carefully, observe traffic from every direction and never assume that a wider or busier road automatically has priority.

Warning for crossroad and speed limit of 30 km/h. (Allier, France)
Wikimedia.org • Tabl-trai • CC BY-SA
What is an uncontrolled crossroad?

An uncontrolled crossroad is an intersection where priority is not specifically assigned by traffic lights, an authorised person or priority signs. Drivers must use the default priority rules of the country.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 18; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A.18; sign-system reference

Who has priority at an uncontrolled crossroad?

This depends on the local traffic law. Some countries use priority from the right, while others use different rules. Drivers should know the default intersection rule of the country in which they are driving.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 18; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A.18; sign-system reference

What should you do if you are unsure who has priority?

Reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Never force your way through an intersection simply because the priority situation is unclear.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Article 18; international framework subject to national law

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, section A.18; sign-system reference

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