Priority at the next junctionSwitzerland

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Switzerland. 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.


46. 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
Priority-junction sign on Route de Genolier. (Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
How is priority at the next junction determined in Switzerland?

The intersection-with-a-non-priority-road sign gives priority at the next intersection on a secondary road. If several intersections follow close together, a supplementary length panel can identify the covered section. The main-road sign establishes a separate continuing road status.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR articles 37-39; OCR articles 14-15

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

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

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.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR articles 37-39; OCR articles 14-15

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

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

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.

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: OSR articles 37-39; OCR articles 14-15

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Traffic Rules Ordinance, state 1 October 2026

🔗 fedlex.admin.ch • Switzerland: Road Traffic Act, state 1 July 2026

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