Priority over oncoming trafficSouth Africa
Traffic rules
South Africa
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 South Africa?
In South Africa, read the actual Yield, Stop, signal or authorised traffic control at a narrow passage. A warning of reduced road or bridge width does not by itself give your direction priority over opposing traffic.
🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — priority-over-oncoming-traffic
Can you enter an occupied narrow passage when you have priority in South Africa?
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.
🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — priority-over-oncoming-traffic
Does priority through a narrow passage extend to nearby junctions in South Africa?
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.
🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — priority-over-oncoming-traffic
Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way.
