RechtsvorLinksRegel

RechtsvorLinksRegel, or the right-before-left rule, is a basic principle of traffic regulation used at unregulated intersections in many German-speaking countries. It states that vehicles entering an intersection must yield to traffic coming from the right.

How it works: When two vehicles approach an intersection from perpendicular directions at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the vehicle on the right. The vehicle on the right has priority. In practice, drivers should slow down, make eye contact or signal intent, and proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Scope and exceptions: The rule applies at crossroads without signs or signals that define priority. It does not apply where other rules are in effect, such as on a Vorfahrtstraße (priority road), at a Stop or Vorfahrt-gewähren (yield) sign, or on roundabouts where entering traffic must yield to those already circulating. Pedestrians and bicycle paths may have their own rules that supersede the RechtsvorLinksRegel. In many jurisdictions, the rule is complemented or overridden by formal traffic signs and signals, making the rule one of several tools to determine right of way.

Regional variations: While common in Germany and some neighboring countries, the exact application and wording can vary by region. In some areas, certain crossroads may follow different priority conventions, especially in rural versus urban settings.

Importance and education: The RechtsvorLinksRegel is a foundational element taught in driver’s education as part of understanding ordinary intersections and yielding behavior. It emphasizes cautious negotiation of shared space and reducing ambiguity at unregulated junctions.