Priority signsChina
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A priority sign is a traffic sign that indicates the order in which vehicles shall pass intersection points. Vehicles often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their intended courses of travel intersect, and thus interfere with each other's routes. The general principle that establishes who has the right to go first is called 'right of way' or 'priority'. It establishes who has the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who has to wait until the other does so. The vehicle that does not need to wait is said to 'have the right of way' or to 'have priority.'
What should I know about priority signs in China?
At a sign-controlled junction, follow the indicated priority. The stop indication can display 停; do not mistake it for a hazard warning.
🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text
🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text
🔗 szjj.sz.gov.cn • Shenzhen Traffic Police — official sign categories and their functions
🔗 openstd.samr.gov.cn • SAMR — current GB 5768.2-2022 status, not the full standard
🔗 std.sacinfo.org.cn • SAC — published first sign-standard amendment, effective 1 January 2026
Must you always stop when giving way in China?
Not under every give-way control. However, China’s rule for an uncontrolled junction without priority signs or markings requires stopping and looking before yielding to traffic from the right. Follow that rule rather than importing a foreign rule that permits rolling through every empty junction.
🔗 jtgl.beijing.gov.cn • Beijing Traffic Police — full Road Traffic Safety Law, 2021 amended text
🔗 samr.gov.cn • SAMR — full implementing Regulations, 2017 amended text
🔗 szjj.sz.gov.cn • Shenzhen Traffic Police — official sign categories and their functions
🔗 openstd.samr.gov.cn • SAMR — current GB 5768.2-2022 status, not the full standard
🔗 std.sacinfo.org.cn • SAC — published first sign-standard amendment, effective 1 January 2026
1. Stop and give way
This traffic sign means stop and give way. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and give way to traffic that has priority. Proceed only when it is safe.
English • Traffic sign 禁1 • Stop and give way. Stop completely before entering the junction, check that it is safe and let vehicles with priority pass before proceeding.
中文 • 禁1 • 停车让行。 进入路口前必须完全停车，确认安全并让有优先通行权的车辆先行后再通过。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第27页
SVG source: Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China • Public domain • Original revision 2025-11-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.
2. Give way
This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.
English • Traffic sign 禁2 • Slow down and give way. Slow down or stop to check the intersecting road, let vehicles with priority pass and proceed when safe.
中文 • 禁2 • 减速让行。 减速或停车观察相交道路，让有优先通行权的车辆先行，确认安全后通过。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第28页
SVG source: Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China • Public domain • Original revision 2022-03-03. Wikimedia original unmodified.
3. Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad
This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled crossroad. An intersection without traffic signals or signs assigning priority lies ahead. Reduce speed, watch for traffic approaching from other directions and follow the applicable local priority rules.
English • Traffic sign 警1 • Road junction. Watch for crossing traffic and obey local signals and give-way requirements.
中文 • 警1 • 交叉路口。 前方有交叉路口，注意横向来车；应遵守现场的信号和让行规定。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第74页
SVG source: Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China • Public domain • Original revision 2017-05-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Openstd.samr.gov.cn • official published diagram 警1.
4. Warning for a side road from the left
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road from the left. A side road joins the road ahead from the left at an uncontrolled junction. Reduce speed, watch for traffic entering from the side road and follow the applicable default priority rules.
English • Traffic sign 警1 • Side road on the left. Watch for crossing traffic.
中文 • 警1 • 左侧交叉路口。 前方左侧有道路相交，注意横向来车。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第74页
SVG source: Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China • Public domain • Original revision 2017-05-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Openstd.samr.gov.cn • official published diagram 警1.
5. Warning for merging traffic from the left
This traffic sign indicates a warning for merging traffic from the left. Traffic travelling in the same general direction may join your traffic stream from the left. Stay alert for entering vehicles and follow the applicable priority signs and local rules.
English • Traffic sign 警1 • Oblique junction on the left. Watch for entering and turning vehicles.
中文 • 警1 • 左侧斜交路口。 前方左侧有道路斜向相交，注意驶入和转弯的车辆。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第74页
SVG source: Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China • Public domain • Original revision 2024-05-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.
6. Warning for a side road from the right
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road from the right. A side road joins the road ahead from the right at an uncontrolled junction. Reduce speed, watch for traffic entering from the side road and follow the applicable default priority rules.
English • Traffic sign 警1 • Side road on the right. Watch for crossing traffic.
中文 • 警1 • 右侧交叉路口。 前方右侧有道路相交，注意横向来车。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第74页
SVG source: Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China • Public domain • Original revision 2017-05-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Openstd.samr.gov.cn • official published diagram 警1.
7. Warning for merging traffic from the right
This traffic sign indicates a warning for merging traffic from the right. Traffic travelling in the same general direction may join your traffic stream from the right. Stay alert for entering vehicles and follow the applicable priority signs and local rules.
English • Traffic sign 警1 • Oblique junction on the right. Watch for entering and turning vehicles.
中文 • 警1 • 右侧斜交路口。 前方右侧有道路斜向相交，注意驶入和转弯的车辆。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第74页
SVG source: Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China • Public domain • Original revision 2024-05-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.
8. Warning for a roundabout
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a roundabout. A roundabout lies ahead. Reduce speed and follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local roundabout rules when approaching and entering it.
English • Traffic sign 警1 • Roundabout. Slow down and obey local signals and give-way requirements.
中文 • 警1 • 环形交叉路口。 前方有环形交叉路口，减速并遵守现场的信号和让行规定。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第75页
SVG source: Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China • Public domain • Original revision 2017-05-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Openstd.samr.gov.cn • official published diagram 警1.
9. Warning for a staggered junction
This traffic sign indicates a warning for a staggered junction. Side roads join the main road at different points rather than directly opposite each other. Reduce speed and watch carefully for vehicles entering, leaving or crossing the main road.
English • Traffic sign 警1 • Staggered junctions. Roads join first from the left then the right; watch traffic at both junctions.
中文 • 警1 • 错位交叉路口。 前方先左后右有道路相交，注意两个路口的来车。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第75页
SVG source: Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China • Public domain • Original revision 2018-06-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Openstd.samr.gov.cn • official published diagram 警1.
10. Warning for an uncontrolled T-junction
This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled T-junction. The road ends at an intersection where no traffic signs or signals assign priority. Reduce speed and follow the applicable default priority rules.
English • Traffic sign 警1 • T-junction. The road meets another in a T shape. Slow down and obey junction controls.
中文 • 警1 • T形交叉路口。 前方道路与另一条道路形成T形交叉，减速并遵守路口控制。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第75页
SVG source: Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China • Public domain • Original revision 2017-05-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Openstd.samr.gov.cn • official published diagram 警1.
11. Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers
This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where you must give way to oncoming traffic. Allow approaching traffic to pass before entering or continuing through the narrow section when required.
English • Traffic sign 禁3 • Give way to oncoming traffic. Stop and let opposing vehicles pass first.
中文 • 禁3 • 会车让行。 会车时应停车，让对向车辆先行。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第29页
SVG source: Beijing Traffic Management Bureau • Public domain • Original revision 2020-03-19. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Openstd.samr.gov.cn • official published diagram 禁3.
12. Mandatory roundabout direction
This traffic sign indicates the mandatory direction around a roundabout. Traffic must circulate in the direction shown by the arrows. The sign does not itself determine priority; follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local rules.
English • Traffic sign 示9 • Roundabout circulation. Follow the arrows around the island, keeping right; give priority to circulating vehicles when entering.
中文 • 示9 • 环岛行驶。 车辆必须按箭头所示方向靠右环行，进入环岛时应让环内车辆优先通行。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第54页
SVG source: Beijing Traffic Management Bureau • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Artwork verified against Openstd.samr.gov.cn • official published diagram 示9.
13. Start of a priority road
This traffic sign indicates the start of a priority road. Drivers on the priority road normally have priority over traffic entering from side roads until the priority road ends, unless traffic lights, other signs or applicable traffic rules indicate otherwise.
14. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way
This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.
English • Traffic sign 示15 • Priority over oncoming traffic. This direction has priority; proceed only after checking the narrow section can be passed safely.
中文 • 示15 • 会车先行。 会车时本方向享有优先通行权；确认狭窄路段可安全通过后再前进。
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Openstd.samr.gov.cn • 国家标准全文公开 • GB 5768.2-2022（含第1号修改单）
🔗 Upload.wikimedia.org • 标准原文镜像 • PDF第58页
SVG source: Beijing Traffic Management Bureau • Public domain • Original revision 2022-02-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.
