Priority over oncoming trafficFinland
Traffic rules
Finland
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 Finland?
Finland’s Etuajo-oikeus kohdattaessa identifies a place where the opposite direction has a give-way duty. It is a meeting-priority control, separate from the priority-road designation used at junctions.
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 5, 25, 30; Annex 3 B3–B4
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex — corresponding current Finnish statutory text
Can you enter an occupied narrow passage when you have priority in Finland?
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.
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 5, 25, 30; Annex 3 B3–B4
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex — corresponding current Finnish statutory text
Does priority through a narrow passage extend to nearby junctions in Finland?
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.
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex, Finnish Road Traffic Act 729/2018 — 5, 25, 30; Annex 3 B3–B4
🔗 finlex.fi • Finlex — corresponding current Finnish statutory text
Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way.
English • Traffic sign B3 • Priority over oncoming traffic. Marks a section where oncoming vehicles and trams must give way under B4.
Suomi • Liikennemerkki B3 • Etuajo-oikeus kohdattaessa. Merkillä osoitetaan tienkohta, jossa vastakkaisesta suunnasta tulevalle ajoneuvoille ja raitiovaunulle on määrätty väistämisvelvollisuus merkillä B4.
Svenska • Vägmärke B3 • Förkörsrätt vid möte. Märket anger ett ställe på vägen där fordon och spårvagnar som kommer från motsatt håll har ålagts väjningsplikt med märke B4.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Finlex.fi • Tieliikennelaki 729/2018 • liite 3.2 (FI)
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Finlex.fi • Vägtrafiklag 729/2018 • bilaga 3.2 (SV)
SVG source: Commons.wikimedia.org • Wikimedia original
Republic of Finland • Public domain • Original revision 2020-05-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.
