Traffic jams, confusion at intersections and sudden stops are common problems on busy roads. These issues exist because without clear guidance you can make mistakes. That’s exactly why priority roads and signs are designed.
In this guide, we have explained the meaning of different priority road signs. You will also see priority rules and how you can identify each priority traffic sign.
What is Priority Road?
A priority road is a main road where you can drive without stopping at every intersection. On this road, other smaller or joining roads must yield to the vehicles already traveling on it. It keeps traffic movement smooth and prevents confusion at junctions. This road generally starts with a special sign which shows it’s a priority route.
Priority Road Sign Meaning
The priority road sign tells you that your road has the first right to move at crossings or junctions. Whenever you spot this sign, it means other drivers coming from smaller roads must wait and let you pass first. This sign will stay valid until you see another sign that ends your road’s priority. Mostly, you will find priority traffic signs at following locations.
- Main Roads/Highways
- Minor roads
- Busy city routes
- Intersections or junctions
- Rural connecting roads
- After Crossroad
Shape & Color of Priority Traffic Sign
The priority traffic sign has a very simple and easy-to-spot design. It is shaped like a square turned on its corner which forms a diamond shape. The color of this sign is yellow center with a white border. This bright color makes it clear and highly visible. So that you can see it easily from a distance.
Due to its shape and color, you can fastly recognize it among other signs on the road. One important thing you should keep in mind is that these sign designs change based on the rules each priority sign shows.
Priority Road Sign Types
Different types of priority signs give you a clear message about who should go first on the road. Below are the major ones.
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Priority For Oncoming Traffic Sign
This sign tells you to let vehicles coming from the opposite direction pass first. It is a yellow or white color circle with a red border. Inside the sign, you will find black arrow (shows who goes first) and a red arrow (informs who must wait).
You should slow down or stop until the road is clear. This sign is installed on narrow roads, bridges or single-lane sections where two vehicles cannot pass at the same time.
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Priority Over Oncoming Traffic Sign
When you notice this sign on the road, it means you move first. The vehicles coming from the opposite direction must wait. This sign has a blue rectangular shape with a big white arrow (tell who goes first) and a small red arrow (show who should wait).
Both arrows pointing in opposite directions. These signs are also placed on narrow roads but at opposite ends where only one vehicle can move at a time.
Priority Signs Examples
Following are some common examples of priority signs you may see on the road.
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Priority Road Ahead Sign
The priority road ahead sign guides you about a priority road coming up. When you notice this sign, you should prepare to follow the rules of the priority road. It is used to alert you in advance that vehicles on the main road will have right of way.
It is a yellow diamond with a black border. Inside, you will see thick black lines for the main road and thin lines for the smaller roads that join it.
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Priority Road Sign Yellow
The priority road sign (yellow) shows you that the road you are on has the right of way at intersections. It has a diamond shape and yellow/orange background with white or black border.
When you see this sign, other vehicles from smaller or joining roads must yield to you. It keeps traffic movement smooth and clearly informs you which road is the main priority route.
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End of Priority Road Sign
The end of priority road signs are placed to tell you that the road you are on no longer has the right of way. After this sign, you must give way to other vehicles at intersections. The shape of this sign is diamond with a yellow background and has black border. It also shows you a priority road symbol crossed out with a thick black diagonal line.
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Priority Give Way Sign
When you drive on the road and find a priority give way sign, it means you must let other drivers go first. It has an inverted triangle shape. The color of this sign is white center with a red border. You will see no extra symbol inside it. This sign is installed to clearly tell drivers when they need to slow down or stop to give way at intersections or junctions.
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Pedestrian Priority Sign
The pedestrian priority sign informs you that pedestrians have the right to cross or use the area first. Hence, you should slow down and give way to people walking. Its shape can be square or rectangular with a blue background.
You will notice a walking person symbol inside it. Mostly, you will see these signs near crosswalks, school zones or busy pedestrian areas to remind drivers to be careful.
Who Goes First at a Stop Sign?
When you reach a stop sign, you must stop your car completely and see who else is at the intersection. That means, the first car to arrive will go first. If two cars arrive at the same time, the driver on the right has priority. Pedestrians always go first when crossing the road, so also watch for them carefully. This helps everyone stay safe and avoid dangerous accidents.
Road Priority Rules
- On priority routes, you should always give way to vehicles already on the main road.
- You must stop completely at a stop sign and check all directions before moving.
- Always remember that the first vehicle to arrive at an intersection will go first.
- If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the right side has priority.
- Plus, pedestrians always have priority at crosswalks.
- Emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks and police have priority over all traffic.
- On narrow roads or bridges, you have to follow posted priority signs to see who moves first.
- You should yield to vehicles which are coming from the opposite direction.
Priority To the Right
You must let vehicles arrive from your right move first. Specifically, this rule is used when no other priority signs are present. Sometimes, a junction sign is also installed to remind you about this rule.
Well, the rule doesn’t only apply at intersections, it works anywhere vehicles meet and cross each other. But, when you are on a priority road, you don’t need to follow this law.
Our Final Comments
So, priority road signs are very important to provide you guidance when you are driving on busy roads. They keep traffic organized and prevent dangerous collisions. You should follow them correctly whenever you see these signs on your way.
We are a top manufacturer of traffic signs and supplier of road safety solutions. For any questions about safety products, signs or road rules, you can send us a message.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Has Priority on the Road in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, the traffic on main roads has priority over vehicles present on minor routes. Also, if you are driving straight or turning left, you have priority over those turning right.
Is Parking Prohibited on Roads with a Priority Sign?
Yes, you are not allowed to park your car on roads marked with a priority sign. These paths are designed to keep traffic flow safe. That’s why, when you stop or park on these roads, it can block other vehicles and cause accidents.
Who Has Priority Going Up a Hill?
When two vehicles meet on a narrow hill road, then a vehicle going uphill generally has priority. This is because it is harder for an uphill car to stop and start again. It’s important for a car moving downhill to give way & let the uphill vehicle pass safely.
Do Cars Have Priority Over Cyclists?
No, if you are in a car, you don’t have the right of way over cyclists. The reason is that cyclists are more vulnerable road users, so you should slow down and let them pass. For more clarity, you can follow road signs and markings.
