Chapter 5: Right of Way

5.1 At intersections:

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

5.2 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 providing special transport 2 Articulated vehicles and tractive units 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-trailers and vans 7 Passenger cars and derivative of cars 8 Special vehicles that do not exceed the established mass, 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, weight or length

5.3 On gradients:

The vehicle ascending (going uphill) has right of way as a general rule, unless there is a lay-by.

5.4 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.

5.5 Other rights of way

	Pedestrians: In pedestrian crossings In pedestrian and residential areas In an intersection when the vehicle turns and there are pedestrians crossing the street Outside of a built-up area if travelling on the hard shoulder and a vehicle enters to cross it
	Cyclists: In cycle crossings In bike lanes or bike paths In an intersection when the vehicle turns and there is a cyclist crossing the street Outside of a built-up area if travelling on the hard shoulder and a vehicle enters to cross it When travelling in a group if the first has already begun crossing or entered the roundabout
	Animals: In animal crossings, indicated as in the image Outside of a built-up area if travelling on the hard shoulder and the vehicle enters to cross it

Vehicles in response to emergency situations

High-priority vehicles: police, fire service, ambulance and civil defence

• Will travel with both light and auditory signals or only light
• They are NOT required to follow traffic regulations (under their own responsibility) and they must always respect the orders of the agents
• You must facilitate their passing, moving away and even stopping

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

• Must comply with all traffic regulations. May signal using a handkerchief or short beeps with the horn.

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:

• Stop the engine, turn on emergency and position lights, place triangles
• Leave the vehicle and seek shelter or leave the tunnel

b) For traffic requirements (traffic jam):

• Stop the engine, turn on emergency and position lights
• 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

Unit test