Priority over oncoming trafficAustria
Traffic rules
Austria
1. Priority over oncoming traffic
Priority over oncoming traffic means that drivers travelling in one direction have priority through a narrow section of road over drivers approaching from the opposite direction. The rule is normally indicated by a priority sign facing one direction and a corresponding give-way sign facing the other.
Drivers with priority must still approach cautiously and must not force their way through when the passage is blocked or already occupied. The signs regulate priority through the narrow section, not speed, parking or priority at nearby intersections.
How is priority over oncoming traffic controlled in Austria?
Austria’s Vorrang gegenüber Gegenverkehr sign gives your direction priority at the indicated narrow section. It differs from Wartepflicht bei Gegenverkehr, which requires waiting for opposing traffic.
🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 10, 20, 52(5), 53(7a)
Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way.
English • Traffic sign StVO § 53 Z 7a • Oncoming traffic must wait. The sign indicates that the driver of an oncoming vehicle must wait under section 52, item 5.
Deutsch • StVO § 53 Z 7a • WARTEPFLICHT FÜR GEGENVERKEHR. Dieses Zeichen zeigt an, dass der Lenker eines entgegenkommenden Fahrzeuges gemäß § 52 Z 5 zu warten hat.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ris.bka.gv.at • StVO § 53 Z 7a
SVG source: 3247 • Public domain • Original revision 2006-08-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Can you enter an occupied narrow passage when you have priority in Austria?
Do not force a conflict. Check the full available width and let a vehicle already committed to the passage clear it when both vehicles cannot pass safely. A priority control does not permit creating danger or disregarding a red signal or authorised instruction.
🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 10, 20, 52(5), 53(7a)
Does priority through a narrow passage extend to nearby junctions in Austria?
No. A control releasing your direction or giving priority over opposing traffic concerns that passage. Junction priority, speed limits, crossings and any later restriction must be assessed separately from their own signs and rules.
🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 10, 20, 52(5), 53(7a)
