Right of Way: Intersections, Narrowings, and Level Crossings

Mastering right of way is one of the keys to passing the theory exam and, above all, to driving safely. An intersection is a node in the road network where trajectories cross at the same level. They are conflict zones where we must exercise extreme caution.

Below, we break down the regulations according to the type of situation.

1. Phases to Cross an Intersection

To approach any crossroads safely, we must respect three differentiated phases:

• Approximation Phase:
  • We must observe traffic and signal in advance.
  • Choose the appropriate lane according to our direction (turn or go straight).
  • Speed: Moderate it until stopping the vehicle if necessary.
• Entry Position Phase:
  • It is the place where we stop if we must yield.
  • If we are going to turn right: We stick to the right edge.
  • If we are going to turn left (on two-way roads): We position ourselves next to the longitudinal line without invading the opposite direction.
• Crossing Phase:
  • It is the moment to cross. It should only be initiated if we are sure not to force other users to abruptly modify their speed or trajectory.
  • Golden Rule: Even having priority (green light), you must never enter an intersection if you foresee that you may get stuck in the middle, blocking cross traffic.

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2. Types of Intersections and Priorities

Priority depends on whether the intersection is signaled or not.

Signaled Intersections

The order of preference is marked by signals (Agents, Traffic Lights, Vertical Signs, and Road Markings).

• Stop: Mandatory stop always at the stop line (or before the intersection if there isn't one) and yield to both sides.
• Yield: We must moderate speed and stop only if vehicles are coming with priority.
• Traffic Lights:
  • Green: Right of way (unless there is a traffic jam on the other side).
  • Fixed Yellow: Stop as if it were red, unless it cannot be done safely.
  • Flashing Yellow: Caution and yield (does not give priority).
  • Green Arrow on Black Background: You can take that direction yielding to vehicles circulating in the lane you are joining.

Unsignaled Intersections (General Rule)

If there are no signals regulating preference, the right-hand rule applies:

"You must yield to vehicles approaching from our right."

EXCEPTIONS (Where you do NOT yield to the right):

1. Paved roads: Have priority over unpaved roads (dirt tracks).
2. Rails: Vehicles circulating on rails have priority over others.
3. Roundabouts: Those inside the circular road have priority over those intending to enter.
4. Motorways/Dual Carriageways: Vehicles circulating on them have preference over those joining.

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3. Roundabouts

Roundabouts are a special type of intersection where circulation is rotary.

• Priority: The vehicle already circulating inside the roundabout always has it.
• Lane Changes: If the roundabout has several lanes, to change from one to another the priority of the one circulating in the lane we want to occupy applies.
• Exit: As a general rule, you must always exit from the outer (right) lane. If we are in the inner one, we must change to the outer one in advance and signaling.

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4. Narrowings

When the road is so narrow that simultaneous crossing of two vehicles is impossible, we must follow this order to know who passes first:

1. Signals: If there are priority signals (R-5 or R-6), they are obeyed.
2. First to enter: If there are no signals, the one who entered the narrowing first passes.
3. Difficulty of maneuver: If they arrived at the same time or it is not known who entered first, the vehicle with greater difficulty to maneuver passes.

Priority Table by Difficulty (In case of doubt)

(From highest to lowest preference)

Order	Vehicle Type
1st	Special vehicles and transport under special regime exceeding masses/dimensions.
2nd	Vehicle combinations (trailer, road train) except those in point 4.
3rd	Animal-drawn vehicles.
4th	Cars with trailers up to 750 kg and motorhomes.
5th	Buses.
6th	Trucks, tractor units, and vans.
7th	Cars, mixed vehicles, and car-derived vehicles.
8th	Special vehicles (quadricycles) and light quadricycles.
9th	Three-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles with sidecar.
10th	Two-wheeled motorcycles, mopeds, and bicycles.

Steep Gradients

On narrow sections with an inclination greater than 7%:

• The vehicle circulating in the ascending direction (the one going up) has preference.
• Exception: Unless the one going up can reach an established passing place sooner.

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5. Level Crossings, Movable Bridges, and Tunnels

These are especially dangerous areas requiring maximum concentration.

Level Crossings and Movable Bridges

• Moving barrier or red light: Total prohibition to pass. Wait in column one behind another.
• Blockage on the tracks: If your vehicle stops on the tracks, the absolute priority is to evacuate occupants and clear the way as soon as possible.
• Overtaking: Prohibited to overtake vehicles with more than two wheels, unless it can be done without invading the opposite direction and there is visibility.

Tunnels and Underpasses

• Lighting: Mandatory to turn on the low beam (at least).
• Prohibitions: You cannot stop, park, make a U-turn, or reverse.
• Safety Distance:
  • Light vehicles: 100 meters or 4 seconds.
  • Vehicles > 3,500 kg: 150 meters or 6 seconds.
  • Note: In case of traffic jam (retention), sufficient distance must be maintained not to hit the one in front in case of sudden braking, turning off the engine if the stop is prolonged.

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6. Pedestrians and Cyclists

Although vehicles have the roadway, there are situations where vulnerable users have priority:

• Pedestrians: Have priority at pedestrian crossings, pedestrian zones, and when the vehicle turns to enter a road and there are pedestrians crossing it (even if there is no painted crossing). You must never overtake at a pedestrian crossing, unless circulating at such a reduced speed that the vehicle can be stopped immediately.
• Cyclists: Have priority on bike lanes, cyclist crossings, and duly signaled shoulders.
• Cyclists in Group: Are considered a single mobile unit. If the first cyclist of the group has entered an intersection or roundabout, they all have priority; we must wait for the last one to pass.