Priority and junctions
Priority is the topic where people lose the most points. Let's break down the order-of-way principle so it works in any junction situation.
Regulated junctions
If there's a traffic light or a police officer directing traffic, they override signs and markings. Look at the signal first, everything else after.
Unregulated and give way to the right
Without a light, sign priority applies; where there are no signs, 'give way to the right' does. Work out who is on the priority road and the order becomes clear.
Roundabouts
The roundabout is a source of disputed cases. Go by the signs at the entry: often priority is with those already on the roundabout, but check the signs in the specific question.
How not to get confused
One algorithm: signal → signs → markings → give way to the right. Apply it in order in every question, without guessing.
Situation: three crossroads in a row
A mini-scenario from Roman: priority is topic number one, both on the exam and in real life. Three crossroads, three calls.
1 / 3
An unmarked crossroads of equal roads. A car arrives from the right at the same moment as you. Who goes first?
Real-world situations
An unregulated junction of equal roads: a car is approaching from your right and there are no priority signs.
Give way to the car on the right — this is the 'give way to the right' rule (Latvian road rules, paragraph 133). Once it has passed, you go.
The junction has a traffic light, but a priority sign stands next to it.
While the light is working, it overrides the sign. Follow the light; the sign only applies when the light is off or flashing amber.
You are entering a roundabout and there is a 'Give way' sign at the entry.
First let the vehicles already on the roundabout pass, then enter. If there is no sign, work out the order from the junction's other signs.
Common mistakes
Deciding priority 'by eye', without looking at the signs.
Follow the algorithm: signal → signs → markings → give way to the right.
Confusing who is on the priority road at an unregulated junction.
Find the priority signs first. No signs and no light — give way to the right applies.
On a roundabout, letting entering cars go, thinking it's 'give way to the right'.
On a roundabout the order is set by the entry signs; usually the entering driver yields.
Key takeaways
- A traffic light or officer always overrides signs and markings.
- At an equal-priority junction with no signs, give way to the vehicle on your right.
- The priority road is set by priority signs — don't guess from how the road looks.
- On a roundabout the order is set by the entry signs — check them every time.
Check yourself
An unregulated junction of equal roads. You and a car on your right approach at the same time. Who goes first?
The traffic light is working normally, but a 'Priority road' sign stands beside it. What do you obey?
You are entering a roundabout with a 'Give way' sign at the entry. What do you do?
The priority algorithm
- First — the light or the officer
- Then — the priority signs
- After that — the markings
- Last — give way to the right
- Check the signs at the roundabout entry
Frequent questions
Why is priority the most common mistake?
Because of rushing and trying to decide 'by eye'. A clear algorithm and practice on different junction layouts help.
Who has priority on a roundabout?
It depends on the signs at the entry. The general rule often gives priority to those on the roundabout, but always check the signs in the question.
How do I quickly identify the priority road?
By the priority signs. If there are none and no light, give way to the right applies.
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