Priority over oncoming trafficUnited Kingdom
Traffic rules
United Kingdom
19. 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.
Wikimedia.org • M J Richardson • CC BY-SA
How is priority over oncoming traffic controlled in the United Kingdom?
In Great Britain, a priority-over-oncoming sign gives your direction priority through the controlled section. The opposite direction faces the corresponding give-way instruction. Northern Ireland has a separate Highway Code.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 163; Rule 109 and narrow-road controls
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: information signs (Great Britain)
Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way.
English • GB diagram 811A • Priority over oncoming vehicles. You have priority over vehicles approaching from the opposite direction at the narrow section. Proceed only when it is safe.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • Crown copyright • OGL v1.0)
🔗 Legislation.gov.uk • Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions • Great Britain
🔗 Gov.uk • Department for Transport • Know your traffic signs
SVG source: Government of the United Kingdom – Department for Transport • OGL v1.0 • Original revision 2022-01-10. Wikimedia original unmodified. © Crown copyright. Traffic signs are Crown copyright. You may reproduce traffic signs free of charge and without having to seek permission, but you must reproduce them accurately and not in a misleading context (e.g. not on roadside billboards where they could mislead drivers). (ref [1])
Artwork verified against Gov.uk • official published diagram 811.
Current design and permitted variants verified against Legislation.gov.uk • TSRGD, current text.
Can you enter an occupied narrow passage when you have priority in the United Kingdom?
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.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 163; Rule 109 and narrow-road controls
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: information signs (Great Britain)
Does priority through a narrow passage extend to nearby junctions in the United Kingdom?
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.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code: Rule 163; Rule 109 and narrow-road controls
🔗 gov.uk • DfT Know Your Traffic Signs: information signs (Great Britain)
