Right hand rule

The rule is one that most drivers interpret in any way they want. The lack of understanding this rule causes many accidents at intersections The right hand rule simply states that when two cars arrive at an intersection or open area (eg: parking lot) without any signs or signals. You need to give way to the car on your right

Additional rules

  • Give way to traffic from the right
  • This rule applies if there is no other rules or signals
  • The right hand rule apply in different scenarios aswell not just at intersections. (Where two cars might cross paths) eg: parking lot, gravel road. etc
  • If 4 cars arrive at the same time at a junction where the right hand rule is applied mutual consideration should be given

Junction (Road sign)

If its not very clear that the intersection is a right hand rule then the following road sign can be erected there. This sign does not have to be erected in every scenario

a28 1 Junction (Right hand rule)

Scenarios where the right hand rule dont apply

  • Driving on a priority road
  • Crossing a priority road
  • Driving onto a priority road from another road
  • In a roundabout
  • Traffic signals or signs are placed eg: Give way, Stop, etc
  • When you enter a freeway from an acceleration lane

Consider the following examples

The right hand rule always apply when there is no other signs or signals.

Example 1: A is approaching B from the right = B has to give way to A.
intersection 6Example 1
Example 2:

Car B must give way to car A. As car A is on B's right hand

intersection 5 Example 2
Example 3:

Note that the roads do not have to be at 90 degree angle for the right hand rule to apply. Car C give way to Car B. Car A give way to Car C Car A drive last Alternatively Car C give way to Car B. At the same time as car B is driving, Car A can also turn as it will help with traffic flow Car C drive last

intersection 4 Example 3
Example 4:

As everyone has to give way to everyone else mutual consideration needs to be applied.

intersection 3
Example 4
Example 5:
  • A go first: (C is suppose to go first, but there will be an interplay with the traffic thus C will allow A to drive first as C is crossing A path.
  • C go second
  • B go third You cross path with B thus you allow B to drive first. then lastly you drive
  • D go fourth You drive last ( you already crossed over the intersection. But not too much to allow car A to pass you. If Car A cant pass you then you must drive to prevent a collision. This will cause confusion in the flow of traffic)
intersectionExample 5