Priority questions become easier when you first identify what controls the movement: the normal side of travel, a pedestrian duty, a junction rule, a sign or a signal. Do not apply a familiar default after a more specific control has taken over.
Move from general placement to specific control
France uses right-hand traffic, so normal driving is close to the right side of the carriageway unless an obstruction, lane marking or another rule requires different positioning. At an intersection of different roads with no sign, signal or special exception, use priority to the right: the driver approaching from the left gives way to the vehicle coming from the right. Vehicle size, confidence and simultaneous arrival do not replace that rule. A pedestrian duty is separate. When a person is lawfully crossing or clearly indicates an intention to cross, the approaching driver gives way and stops when needed.
| Control | Required reading |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled intersection | Apply priority to the right unless another rule displaces it. |
| Signed carrefour à sens giratoire | Entering traffic gives way to users already on the ring carriageway. |
| STOP sign | Make a complete stop at the road boundary, then give way before entering safely. |
| Fixed red light | Stop absolutely. |
| Fixed yellow light | Stop unless a safe stop is no longer possible when it appears. |
A specifically signed carrefour à sens giratoire has its own entry rule: give way to people already circulating. Do not transfer the uncontrolled-intersection default to every circular layout. STOP also has two stages. First come to a complete halt at the boundary of the road being entered; then assess priority and proceed only when safe. Traffic lights control the same decision with different duties. Red is an absolute stop. Fixed yellow normally means stop, but the law avoids demanding a dangerous last-moment stop when stopping safely is no longer possible. Yellow is not an invitation to accelerate, and it does not always demand emergency braking.
Common confusions
- Giving priority to the larger vehicle or to whoever moves first at an uncontrolled intersection. Check which vehicle approaches from the right.
- Applying ordinary priority to the right at every circular junction. The named signed roundabout rule protects users already circulating.
- Treating STOP as a request merely to slow when the road looks empty. The halt is unconditional; safe entry comes afterwards.
- Accelerating at fixed yellow or making an unsafe emergency stop. The duty is to stop unless that cannot still be done safely.
Try it
On an ordinary two-way French road with no obstruction or special lane rule, where should a driver normally position the car?
- Near the centre line at all times
- Near the left-hand edge
- Across whichever lane is emptiest
- Near the right-hand edge
A pedestrian at a lawful crossing clearly indicates an intention to cross. What must an approaching driver do?
- Yield and stop if necessary
- Continue until the pedestrian enters the lane
- Sound the horn and maintain speed
- Yield only when another car has stopped