Chapter 5: Right of Way

1. At intersections:

In the following table you can see the right of way priorities between cars at intersections.

2. Narrow sections:

In narrow sections, to find out which vehicle goes first:

• 1- Signals for the narrow section

  My direction has priority	The other direction has priority

• 2- If there are no signals, whoever enters first
• 3- If it is not clear who entered first, whoever will have more difficulty manoeuvring should enter first. Look at the table:

  Order of preference

  1 Special vehicles and special transport exceeding normal mass or dimension limits 2 Vehicle combinations, except passenger cars with trailers up to 750kg MAM 3 Vehicles pulled by animals 4 Passenger Car with trailer up to 750kg and motorhomes/RVs 5 Collective passenger transport vehicles 6 Lorries/trucks, tractor units and vans 7 Passenger cars and derivative of cars 8 Special vehicles that do not exceed the established mass or dimensions, quadricycles and light quadricycles 9 Tricycles, motorcycles with sidecar and 3-wheel mopeds 10 Motorcycles, 2-wheel mopeds and bicycles

• 4- If vehicles are of the same type, whoever would have to reverse a greater distance
• 5- If both have to reverse the same distance, whoever has the greater width, MAM or length

3. On gradients:

On a narrow section with a gradient of at least 7%, the ascending vehicle normally has priority, unless it could reach a passing place first. If in doubt, apply the narrow-section preference rules.

4. Construction:

We should pay attention to the construction signals and signs given by workers on roadways under construction. Road markings that indicate road construction are yellow.

5. Other rights of way

	Pedestrians: In pedestrian crossings On pavements and pedestrian areas; on a single-level shared platform, pedestrians have priority anywhere on the carriageway In an intersection when the vehicle turns and there are pedestrians crossing the street When a vehicle crosses a shoulder used by pedestrians who have no pedestrian area Between a stopped public-transport vehicle at a marked stop and the nearest pavement/refuge when boarding or alighting For marching military units, school lines and organised processions
	Cyclists: On properly signposted cycle crossings On properly signposted cycle lanes or shoulders When a motor vehicle or moped turns into another road and a cyclist is nearby These priority rules apply against other vehicles, not only motor vehicles When travelling in a group if the first has already begun crossing or entered the roundabout
	Animals: On properly signed cattle crossings (the animal sign with a “cañada” supplementary panel) When a vehicle turns into a road that animals are crossing, or crosses a shoulder used by animals with no cattle route available

5.1 Vehicles in response to emergency situations

High-priority vehicles: police, fire service, civil defence/rescue and medical assistance vehicles on urgent duty

• Use warning lights and siren; lights alone when omitting the siren creates no danger
• On urgent duty they may depart from certain movement, lighting and signalling rules, under their own responsibility and only without endangering anyone; officers’ orders and signals always apply
• You must facilitate their passing, moving aside and stopping if necessary. On motorways/autovías with stopped or walking-pace traffic, form an emergency corridor for approaching priority vehicles: the leftmost lane moves left and all other lanes move right.

NON high-priority vehicles: private vehicles performing some urgent service

• Must comply with all traffic regulations. Warn others with short repeated horn signals and hazard lights if fitted, or by waving a handkerchief.

5.2 Emergency situations:

1. If you break down at a level crossing or drawbridge you should:

• Evacuate the occupants
• Signal the engineer and drivers about your situation
• Attempt to remove the vehicle quickly

2. In tunnels and underpasses:

a) In an emergency:

• If the vehicle can still move, continue to the exit or an emergency area. Otherwise stop in the nearest emergency area or as far right as possible; switch off the engine, use hazard and position lights and activate the connected V-16 beacon when required.
• Use the nearest SOS post and follow instructions. Leave for the nearest refuge or exit, using areas separated from traffic where available.

b) For traffic requirements (traffic jam):

• Stop as far as possible from the vehicle ahead, switch off the engine, keep position lights on and use hazard lights temporarily to warn following drivers
• DO NOT leave the vehicle

c) In a fire:

• Park vehicle on the right and turn off the engine
• Leave the keys in the ignition and doors open
• Leave the vehicle and seek shelter or leave the tunnel in the opposite direction to fire