Priority at the next junctionCanada

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Canada. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


33. Priority at the next junction

Priority at the next junction means that drivers travelling on a particular road have priority over traffic entering from intersecting roads at the next junction. The priority arrangement is normally indicated by signs facing both the priority traffic and the traffic that must give way.

Unlike a continuing priority road, this priority applies only at the indicated intersection. Drivers must still approach cautiously and obey traffic lights, authorised officers, crossings, turning rules and other applicable signs.

Priority at the next junction
Side-road junction warning sign in Leamington. (Ontario, Canada)
Wikimedia.org • Ken Lund • CC BY-SA
How is priority at the next junction determined in Canada?

There is no safe universal rule that a road with more lanes or heavier traffic has priority. At an intersection in Canada, identify the applicable Stop or Give Way signs, traffic lights and local right-of-way rules.

🔗 ontario.ca • Ontario MTO Driver’s Handbook — controlled/uncontrolled intersections and all-way stops

🔗 icbc.com • ICBC — Learn to Drive Smart, March2026, comparative signs and safe-driving guidance; BC scope

Does priority at one junction automatically continue along the entire road in Canada?

No. One-junction priority and continuing priority-road status are distinct concepts. Check the local signs at each following junction, including any end-of-priority marker, traffic signal or new Give Way or Stop sign.

🔗 ontario.ca • Ontario MTO Driver’s Handbook — controlled/uncontrolled intersections and all-way stops

🔗 icbc.com • ICBC — Learn to Drive Smart, March2026, comparative signs and safe-driving guidance; BC scope

May a driver with priority ignore pedestrians or another safety obligation at the next junction in Canada?

No. Junction priority does not cancel duties towards pedestrians, traffic signals, emergency vehicles or other road users where the law gives them precedence. Approach at a speed allowing you to stop safely.

🔗 ontario.ca • Ontario MTO Driver’s Handbook — controlled/uncontrolled intersections and all-way stops

🔗 icbc.com • ICBC — Learn to Drive Smart, March2026, comparative signs and safe-driving guidance; BC scope

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