Give wayDenmark

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


9. Give way

A give-way sign requires drivers to allow traffic with priority to proceed before entering, crossing or joining a road. Drivers must reduce speed, observe approaching traffic and stop when necessary.

Unlike a stop sign, a give-way sign does not always require a complete stop. The driver may continue without stopping only when the route is clearly safe and no road user with priority is forced to change speed or direction.

Give way
A give way sign. (Skavnshøj, Denmark)
Wikimedia.org • Beethoven9 • CC BY-SA
What does a give-way sign mean?

A give-way sign requires drivers to allow traffic with priority to proceed first. The driver must slow down and stop when necessary.

How can you recognise a give-way sign?

It is commonly an inverted triangular sign with a red border and a light-coloured centre. In some countries, it is called a yield sign.

Must you always stop at a give-way sign?

No. You must stop only when necessary to give way or obtain a sufficiently clear view. You may continue slowly when the road is clearly free.

What does giving way mean?

Giving way means allowing another road user to continue without being forced to brake, accelerate, stop or change direction because of your movement.

Where should you stop when necessary?

Stop before the give-way line where one is provided. Without a line, stop before entering the intersection or priority road at a position where you can observe traffic safely.

May you cross the give-way line before stopping?

You may move beyond the line only when this does not interfere with traffic that has priority. Where visibility is limited, first slow or stop at the line and then move forward cautiously.

What is the difference between give way and stop?

A stop sign always requires a complete stop. A give-way sign permits the driver to continue without stopping when the road is clearly free and it is safe to proceed.

Does slowing down satisfy the give-way requirement?

Only when slowing down is sufficient to let all priority traffic proceed safely. If another road user would be hindered, the driver must slow further or stop.

Who must you give way to?

Give way to traffic travelling on the road being entered or crossed and to any pedestrians, cyclists or other road users who have priority under the applicable rules.

Does giving way apply only to vehicles approaching from one direction?

No. Check every direction from which lawful traffic may approach, including cycle paths, one-way roads with authorised contraflow traffic and separate carriageways.

Does a give-way sign give the other road permanent priority?

The sign determines priority at the particular location. The priority arrangement at later intersections may be different unless the road is separately identified as a priority road.

Does giving way give you priority afterwards?

No. You may proceed only when it is safe. Another driver’s hesitation or courtesy does not remove your responsibility to avoid danger.

Must every vehicle in a queue give way separately?

Yes. Each driver must observe the road and make an individual decision. You may not follow another vehicle through without checking that the way remains clear.

Does a give-way sign apply to cyclists?

Normally, yes. Cyclists are generally treated as drivers and must obey the sign unless a supplementary sign or local rule provides otherwise.

Can a give-way sign apply only to cyclists?

Yes. Some countries use supplementary signs or path-specific signs to require cyclists to give way while other traffic follows a different priority arrangement.

Does a give-way sign change the speed limit?

No. It regulates priority rather than speed. Drivers must still approach slowly enough to observe traffic and stop when necessary.

Does a give-way sign change turning rules?

No. Drivers must still obey traffic lights, lane arrows, mandatory-direction signs and turning prohibitions.

How does give way work at a roundabout?

Many roundabout entrances have give-way signs requiring entering traffic to yield to vehicles already circulating. Drivers must follow the actual signs because roundabout priority rules differ between countries.

Do traffic lights override a give-way sign?

Functioning traffic lights commonly take precedence over priority signs controlling the same movement. The give-way sign may apply again when the lights are switched off or flashing, depending on local law.

Do police instructions override a give-way sign?

Yes. Instructions from an authorised traffic officer normally take precedence over traffic signs and ordinary priority rules.

What should you do when visibility is limited?

Reduce speed substantially and stop when necessary. Move forward cautiously only after giving way and checking that the road can be entered without danger.

1 Denmark 2 Motorway 3 Built-up area 4 Speed limit 5 Footpath 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Bus stop 9 Give way 10 Roundabout 11 Railway crossing 12 Crossing animals 13 Wrong-way driving 14 Selective barriers 15 Traffic lights 16 Pedestrian lights 17 Road markings 18 Driving licence 19 Traffic mirror 20 International border 21 Cycling route 22 Parking 23 No parking 24 No stopping 25 Parallel parking 26 Parking meter 27 Parking disc 28 Disabled parking 29 Traffic management 30 Reversing 31 Emergency exit 32 Licence plate 33 Charging station 34 Dangers 35 Cyclist 36 Bus 37 Police 38 Ambulance 39 European emission standard 40 Pothole 41 Path 42 Particulates 43 Air pollution 44 Rush hour 45 Road code 46 Street gutter 47 Cargo bike 48 Forestry vehicle 49 Construction vehicle 50 Semi-trailer truck 51 Trolleybus 52 Speed pedelec 53 Delivery vehicle 54 Idling 55 Tow truck 56 Four-wheel drive 57 No vehicles 58 Bicycle 59 Motorcycle equipment 60 Tram 61 Rail track 62 Caravan 63 Trailer 64 Tow hitch 65 Fire truck 66 Siren 67 Convoy 68 Emergency vehicle lighting 69 Agricultural machinery 70 Electric bicycle 71 Electric vehicle 72 Pedelec 73 Quadricycle 74 Microcar 75 All-terrain vehicle 76 Van 77 Recreational vehicle 78 Scooter 79 Trikke 80 Personal mobility device 81 Skateboard 82 Segway 83 Kick scooter 84 Roller skates 85 Mailman 86 Hitchhiker 87 Toddler 88 Child 89 Disability 90 Commercial vehicle 91 Motorail 92 Garbage truck 93 Parking violation 94 km/h 95 mph 96 Speedometer 97 National speed 98 Ride height 99 Dirt road 100 Driving ...