Väistämissääntö

Väistämissääntö, often translated as the "right-of-way rule" or "priority rule," is a fundamental concept in traffic law that dictates which vehicle or pedestrian has the legal right to proceed first when multiple road users approach the same intersection or point of conflict. The primary purpose of väistämissääntö is to prevent collisions and ensure the orderly flow of traffic by establishing clear expectations for drivers and other road users.

The most common väistämissääntö is the "right-hand rule" or "tiensivuuslaki," which states that a vehicle must yield to any vehicle approaching from its right at an unmarked intersection. This rule applies unless otherwise indicated by traffic signs or signals. However, there are numerous exceptions and specific scenarios covered by väistämissääntö. For instance, vehicles on main roads or highways typically have priority over those entering from side roads. Pedestrians generally have priority in marked crosswalks. Cyclists also have specific rules depending on their location on the roadway and interactions with motorized vehicles.

Understanding and adhering to väistämissääntö is crucial for all road users. Failure to yield the right-of-way is a common cause of traffic accidents and can result in fines, license suspension, and increased insurance premiums. Traffic signs such as "Stop" signs, "Yield" signs, and traffic lights override the general väistämissääntö, clearly indicating who must stop or give way. Local traffic regulations may also introduce specific variations or additional rules to address unique road conditions or traffic patterns.