Priorities and intersections
Mastering priority rules for crossing every type of intersection without hesitation: priority to the right, STOP, give way and roundabouts.
Updated 13 June 2026
What is an intersection?
An intersection is a place where at least two roads cross. Exits from car parks, garages and private roads are not considered intersections: the vehicle leaving them never has priority and must give way in both directions.
In town, a continuous pavement indicates an exit from a private area (not an intersection). Outside built-up areas, observe the road markings: if the edge line continues uninterrupted, it is also a private exit.
Priority to the right: the basic rule
In the absence of any signage at an intersection, the priority-to-the-right rule applies: you must give way to the vehicle coming from your right. The priority-to-the-right sign (triangle with a black arrow from the right) merely reminds you of this rule when the intersection is considered dangerous.
Priority to the right = the default rule. No sign and no markings? Look to the right and give way.
Common exam trap: when approaching any intersection, even if you think you have priority, always start by slowing down and checking the signage. Priority to the right may apply where you do not expect it.
The STOP sign
The STOP sign requires a complete stop of the vehicle at the stop line. You must then give way to vehicles coming from the right and left, then check that the road is clear before setting off again. Simply slowing down is not enough: the wheels must be completely stationary.
Failing to stop at a STOP sign is punished with a 135-euro fine and 4 penalty points on the licence.
The Give Way sign
This sign (triangle pointing downwards) requires you to let vehicles from the right and left pass. Unlike STOP, a complete stop is not required: if the intersection is clear on both sides, you may pass while slowing down. The associated line on the ground consists of 50 cm dots forming a transverse line (unlike the continuous STOP line). In a one-way street, this line extends across the full width of the carriageway.
One-off priority and priority roads
The one-off priority sign (yellow diamond with an arrow) grants priority at the next intersection only. The priority road sign (yellow diamond) grants priority at all intersections on that road, until the end-of-priority-road sign.
When a priority road passes through a built-up area and its sign is combined with the town-entry sign, priority is maintained throughout the crossing, unless indicated otherwise (traffic lights, for example).
At complex intersections (Y-shaped or with multiple branches), a diagram sub-sign supplements the priority sign. The thick line represents the priority axis; the thin lines represent the non-priority roads.
The tie-break situation
When two vehicles face each other with the same signage (STOP against STOP, give way against give way, or no signage), it is a tie-break situation. If you are going straight or turning right, you proceed directly. If you are turning left, you must let the oncoming vehicle pass so as not to cut across its path.
The roundabout
At the roundabout, vehicles already on the ring have priority. At the entry, a 'give way' sign and a dotted line confirm that you must let them through.
Your lane position in the roundabout depends on your direction: to exit right or go straight ahead, stay in the right lane; to go left or make a U-turn, move towards the centre. If you do not know your exit, stay on the right.
Indicators in the roundabout: keep the left indicator on while you remain on the ring. Activate the right indicator as soon as you are about to exit.
A roundabout without signage remains subject to priority to the right: entering vehicles would then have priority. It is rare but it does exist.
Priority vehicles
Emergency vehicles (police, fire brigade, ambulance) on call with blue flashing lights and a two-tone siren are the only ones allowed to disregard priority rules. You must give way to them and facilitate their progress. Vehicles of general interest (private ambulances, breakdown lorries) use flashing blue lights and a three-tone warning: they are not exempt from priority rules but deserve your cooperation.
A bus leaving its stop has priority in a built-up area. Slow down or stop to let it pull out. Be vigilant: pedestrians may appear from in front of or behind the stationary bus.
Recap
- Without signage, priority to the right applies by default.
- STOP = compulsory complete stop, then give way right and left.
- Give way = slow down and let others pass, without a compulsory complete stop.
- At a roundabout, vehicles on the ring have priority.
- Tie-break face to face: the one turning left gives way.
- Exits from private areas are not intersections: no priority.
- An officer's gestures override all signs and lights.
- Emergency vehicles on call (flashing light + siren) always have priority.
Test yourself
At an intersection with no signage at all, which rule applies?
- ○First to arrive has priority
- ○The largest vehicle goes first
- ✓Priority to the right
- ○Everyone takes turns
Correct answer : Priority to the right
What is the main difference between STOP and Give Way?
- ✓STOP requires a complete stop, Give Way does not
- ○Give Way grants priority
- ○STOP only applies to lorries
- ○Both require a complete stop
Correct answer : STOP requires a complete stop, Give Way does not
Sources: Sécurité routière (securite-routiere.gouv.fr) and service-public.fr.