Give way to oncoming trafficUkraine

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


1. Give way to oncoming traffic

Give way to oncoming traffic means that drivers must allow vehicles approaching from the opposite direction to pass first through a narrow section of road. The rule is normally indicated by a sign facing the direction that must yield and a corresponding priority sign facing oncoming traffic.

Drivers must reduce speed and stop when necessary before entering the narrow passage. They may continue only when they can do so safely and without obstructing oncoming traffic that has priority.

When must I give way to oncoming traffic in Ukraine?

Where priority signs, temporary signals or an authorised controller in Ukraine require your direction to yield at a narrow road or bridge, allow opposing traffic through first. Do not assume every narrowing has the same priority arrangement.

🔗 pdr.infotech.gov.ua • Road Traffic Rules — Section 33, actual sign meanings; Section 8 controls and Rule 12 safe speed

Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers. Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers.

English • Traffic sign 2.5 • Priority for oncoming traffic. Do not enter the narrow section if this would impede oncoming traffic; give way to oncoming vehicles on it.

Українська • 2.5 • Перевага зустрічного руху. Не в’їжджайте на вузьку ділянку, якщо це утруднить зустрічний рух; дайте дорогу зустрічним транспортним засобам на ній.

Does a road-narrows warning automatically give oncoming traffic priority in Ukraine?

Not necessarily. A warning of a narrow carriageway is not itself the same as an instruction to give way. Check whether there is a separate priority sign, signal or temporary traffic control, and take account of any rules for an obstruction on your side.

🔗 pdr.infotech.gov.ua • Road Traffic Rules — Section 33, actual sign meanings; Section 8 controls and Rule 12 safe speed

What if an oncoming vehicle is already entering a narrow passage in Ukraine?

Reduce speed and wait where you can do so safely rather than forcing two vehicles into insufficient space. Even if a sign gives your approach priority, that does not justify a collision or endangering another road user.

🔗 pdr.infotech.gov.ua • Road Traffic Rules — Section 33, actual sign meanings; Section 8 controls and Rule 12 safe speed