13. Give Right of Way When Required
Right of way isn’t just about courtesy. It’s about safety, legality, and keeping traffic moving. Failing to yield when required can lead to collisions, confusion, and road rage.
In India’s complex traffic environment, knowing when to give way is essential.
What Is Right of Way?
Right of way means allowing another vehicle, pedestrian, or emergency service to proceed before you when traffic rules or conditions demand it.
It’s not about who’s faster, it’s about who has the legal priority.
Common Right of Way Rules in India
- At intersections without signals: Vehicles on the right have priority
- At roundabouts: Vehicles already inside the circle have right of way
- Pedestrian crossings: Pedestrians always have priority
- Emergency vehicles: Ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles must be given way immediately
- Turning vehicles: Straight-moving traffic has priority over turning vehicles
- Hill roads: Vehicles going uphill have right of way over those coming downhill
These rules are part of the Motor Vehicles Act and must be followed at all times.
What Happens When You Don’t Yield
- Accidents and injuries, especially at intersections and crossings
- Traffic jams and chaos
- Legal penalties, fines and possible license points
- Aggression and road rage from other drivers
Giving way isn’t losing. It’s choosing safety over ego.
Common Misconceptions
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| "If I’m faster, I can go first." | Speed doesn’t override legal priority. |
| "I didn’t see the other vehicle." | You’re responsible for awareness and caution. |
| "Everyone pushes through here." | That doesn’t make it right or safe. |
What You Should Do
- Slow down at intersections and check for other vehicles or pedestrians
- Yield to emergency vehicles immediately, even if it means pulling over
- Follow lane discipline and avoid cutting across traffic
- Be patient. Giving way often prevents delays, not causes them
- Educate new drivers and riders about right of way rules
Key Takeaways
- Right of way rules exist to prevent confusion and collisions
- Yielding is a sign of responsible driving not weakness
- In India’s traffic, giving way can save lives
Real life examples
At a traffic junction🚦, vehicles moving straight towards the main road have the right of way over those movinh to the side road. In this case, the two wheeler was at fault and it appears they escaped from the scene too. This happened at Malleswaram 11th cross. @Mvmtraffic
Rules/right of way don't work in India as nobody is aware of them. In India, observation, anticipation, preparation, maintaining CAS only saves from crashes. It's a built up area & zebra crossing. Why doesn't the car driver slow down? @SafetyOverSpeed
What is Right-of-way on the road? Invariably, Straight going vehicles have right of way over turning vehicles. This is a unversal rule globally. #roadsafety
Test yourself on right-of-way rules. These 3 vehicles have come to a T-junction at the same time. In the absence of traffic lights or Stop/Yield signs who has the right-of-way to go first, second, last? What is the correct sequence: A-B-C B-C-A C-B-A #Roadsafety
Always stop look and proceed when you’re joining a main road. Check both sides. Vehicles on main road have right-of- way. You should not cut in and make them brake or honk at you. #roadsafety
In India patience is in huge shortage. When joining the roadway you are supposed to wait/ yield to traffic flowing on the main road before you can join safely. They have right-of-way. What is your permissible waiting period after which you barge in? 10 seconds, 20, 30?
As per right of way rules, turning vehicles must give way to vehicles going straight. But rules are always broken in India as nobody is aware. So,we need to take extra care. Source : youtu.be/FmmozFoRH1g @SafetyOverSpeed @akaasi
Slow down near intersections. Right of way argument doesn't work in India. #Intersections #IndianRoads
Making right turn from main road: 1. Put on right indicator 2. keep right wheels close to centerline, but don’t cross it. 3. approach the turn slowly & when safe gap- turn right into left side of by-lane. ❌ Don’t cut diagonally Videography credit @Team_Road_Squad 👍 (PS:
Driving back home, a motorist crossed path rashly. Thought to tell him tht since I was going straight, I had the right of way. But then I realised it's #Pune. For ppl who can't differentiate betn red & green lights,or right & wrong side, "Right of way" is like quantum physics.
This is almost suicidal. A non-fatal road crash at Attapur, Rajendranagar. Regulation 9 of Motor Vehicles Driving Regulations 2017 : At any intersection, always the vehicles approaching from the right side have the “Right of Way”. #RoadSafetyCyberabad #RoadSafety
Before you push ahead, ask yourself:
Is it my turn or theirs?
Respect the rules. Share the road. Drive with dignity.