Priority signsPanama

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

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Priority signs

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 Panama?

ALTO requires stopping. Give-way controls require yielding at the indicated entry or junction.

🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 147–184: actual controls, circulation, signs, parking and safe speed

🔗 infojuridica.procuraduria-admon.gob.pa • Procuraduría official amendment register — Decree 640/2006, currency and modifying instruments

Must you always stop when giving way in Panama?

No. A give-way control requires stopping when necessary to yield or obtain a safe view. A stop sign requires a complete stop even if the road appears empty.

🔗 gacetaoficial.gob.pa • Panama Traffic Regulations, Decree 640/2006 — Articles 147–184: actual controls, circulation, signs, parking and safe speed

🔗 infojuridica.procuraduria-admon.gob.pa • Procuraduría official amendment register — Decree 640/2006, currency and modifying instruments

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 R-1-1 • Stop. Stop completely before the junction and proceed when safe.

Español • R-1-1 • Alto. Deténgase completamente antes de la intersección y continúe cuando pueda hacerlo con seguridad.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ena.com.pa • ENA Norte: detalle de señalización vertical, enero 2026, hoja 44

SVG source: Amateria1121 • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-15. 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 R-1-2 • Give way. Give priority to traffic on the road being joined; stop if necessary.

Español • R-1-2 • Ceda el paso. Ceda la prioridad al tránsito de la vía a la que se incorpora; deténgase si es necesario.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ena.com.pa • ENA Norte: detalle de señalización vertical, enero 2026, hoja 44

SVG source: Amateria1121 • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates give way ahead. A give-way requirement applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to stop if necessary.

English • Traffic sign P-3-2A • Give way ahead. Prepare to reduce speed and give priority.

Español • P-3-2A • Ceda el paso próximo. Advierte que más adelante encontrará una señal de ceda el paso. Prepárese para reducir la velocidad y ceder la prioridad.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ena.com.pa • ENA Norte: detalle de señalización vertical, enero 2026, hoja 44

SVG source: Amateria1121 • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Stop and give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates stop and give way ahead. A stop sign applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to come to a complete stop.

5. 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 P-2-1 • Crossroads. A four-arm junction is ahead. Reduce speed and watch crossing traffic.

Español • P-2-1 • Intersección de vías. Advierte una intersección de cuatro ramales. Reduzca la velocidad y observe el tránsito que cruza.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ena.com.pa • ENA Norte: detalle de señalización vertical, enero 2026, hoja 44

SVG source: Amateria1121 • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-15. 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 P-2-3B • Side road on the right. Warns of a junction with a road joining from the right.

Español • P-2-3B • Vía lateral derecha. Advierte una intersección con una vía lateral por la derecha.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ena.com.pa • ENA Norte: detalle de señalización vertical, enero 2026, hoja 44

SVG source: Amateria1121 • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. 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 P-3-4 • Roundabout. Reduce speed and observe entry priority signs.

Español • P-3-4 • Rotonda. Advierte la proximidad de una rotonda. Reduzca la velocidad y respete la señalización de prioridad del acceso.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ena.com.pa • ENA Norte: detalle de señalización vertical, enero 2026, hoja 44

SVG source: Amateria1121 • Public domain • Original revision 2014-04-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.