Who has right of way at a junction?
We’re taking a look at right of way rules so you can feel safe and confident on UK roads
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By Tia Harrison-North
Last updated: 18 June 2025
Right of way rules in the UK can be tricky to get your head around, especially as a new driver.
Taking the time to learn the Highway Code’s rules on who has the right of way – and when - will help you to feel safe and confident behind the wheel, essential for anyone on the roads.
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Right of way rules
What does right of way mean?
‘Right of way’ is the legal right for a vehicle or pedestrian to have priority when moving in a particular situation or place.
In this case, right of way refers to which vehicle or other road user can make the first move at a junction or roundabout.
It can also be referred to as having ‘priority’.
What does 'give way' mean?
On the roads, ‘give way’ means you must let other vehicles go first before you make your move.
You’ll know if you’re in a ‘give way’ area as there will be signs in place.
Give way sign
A ‘give way’ sign is easy to spot – it’s an upside-down triangle with a red border, and ‘give way’ written inside.
Give way signs are upside down to differentiate them from other triangle signs, so you can still spot one if they’re dirty or covered in snow.
Do you have to stop at a give way sign?
You don’t always need to stop at a give way sign but you do need to be prepared to do so.
If the road is clear then you can proceed, but you must stop for any other traffic if you see a give way sign.
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Who has right of way at a junction?
Drivers on a main road have the right of way over any other road users trying to join it using a junction.
If you’re driving and approach a junction leading onto a main road, you’ll need to prepare to stop and wait until it’s safe to join the traffic.
If you’re driving on a main road and want to turn right at a T-junction, you’ll need to give way to oncoming traffic.
Drivers on a main road who are going straight ahead or turning left will also have priority.
How to tell if you’re on a main or minor road
Main roads can be identified by:
Green rectangle signs with white lettering
Roads labelled as ‘A-roads’
At a junction, these will be the roads you give way to.
You’ll know if you’re on a minor road if:
There are road markings or signs indicating you should give way or stop at a junction, such as white dotted lines or solid white lines
There’s only a single carriageway
When do pedestrians have right of way?
Pedestrians (road users who aren’t in cars, other vehicles or on bicycles) have the right of way when:
They have already started to cross the road
They are using a zebra crossing
If the lights are flashing amber at a pelican crossing
If they’re on the pavement – so be careful when pulling out of driveways
If the pavements are closed
Who has right of way at crossroads?
Oncoming traffic has right of way at crossroads, everyone else must follow the ‘give way’ and ‘stop’ road signs.
What about unmarked crossroads?
The Highway Code states that nobody has priority at an unmarked crossroad, so you’ll need to be cautious and read the situation. In general, you can use the typical crossroad principles if it’s safe to do so.
It will typically be whoever arrives first at the junction has right of way, as well as right-turning vehicles giving way to others.
Drivers will often let larger vehicles go first, like lorries and buses.
Who has right of way at roundabouts?
The driver who is already on the roundabout has right of way in the UK, and anyone wanting to enter needs to give way.
This is true unless road signs or traffic lights say otherwise, so always pay attention as you approach.
The general rule is: if the roundabout is clear when approaching, then you can keep moving (as long as there are no traffic lights to tell you otherwise). If there’s oncoming traffic, then you’ll need to give way.
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Who has right of way at mini roundabouts?
You’ll need to give way to the right and to vehicles already on mini roundabouts as well.
Mini roundabout stalemates
A mini roundabout stalemate is when drivers arrive at the roundabout at the same time, and each driver is waiting for the one on the right to enter.
In this case, be cautious and see whether one of the cars has already entered and is over the line. This means they have the right of way and you’ll need to give way to the right.
Is a roundabout a junction?
Yes, a roundabout is a type of junction. This is because a junction is defined as a road where two carriageways meet.
What should you do if a vehicle pulls out in front of you at a junction?
If a vehicle pulls out in front of you at a junction, you should slow down and prepare to stop.
Avoid swerving or any other sudden manoeuvres as this can be dangerous and cause accidents.
If a collision can’t be avoided, brake hard and keep your car straight while sounding your horn.
Read more new driver content
Learning to drive can be a stressful time, and even once you’ve been on the road a while it can be helpful to brush up on your skills.
Take a look at our new driver guides to get more tips on using the roads.
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