7.1 Signs, Signals and Intersection Priority
Key Takeaways
At STOP, make a complete stop at the required line or position, then give way; GIVE WAY does not always require a stop when the path is clear.
At an uncontrolled intersection, apply the give-way-to-the-right rule and the additional right-turn obligations.
A green signal permits proceeding only when the movement is safe and the exit is clear; a U-turn at signals requires permission by sign.
Identify the control before comparing vehicles
Begin an intersection question by finding the controlling signal, STOP sign, GIVE WAY sign, lane arrow or other direction. Then identify each vehicle’s intended path. Do not decide priority from vehicle size, who seems more confident or who has waited longest. A loaded truck needs a larger gap, but that does not give it a special entitlement to enter.
An officer’s lawful traffic direction must be obeyed. Temporary roadworks controls also require attention. A signal for another lane or a pedestrian crossing is not necessarily the signal controlling your movement. Observe the relevant control early enough to stop smoothly with the entire vehicle behind the required position.
STOP and GIVE WAY
At STOP, stop completely at the stop line. If there is no line, stop at the position required by the rule before entering, where the road can be observed. Rolling slowly is not a complete stop. After stopping, give way to the traffic specified by the intersection rule and move only when the full path is safe.
At GIVE WAY, slow and give way as required. A stop is needed when necessary to fulfil that duty, but not every clear GIVE WAY approach requires a ceremonial stop. Giving way means allowing the other road user to proceed without a collision risk; do not enter a small gap that forces them to brake sharply for your trailer.
Where vehicles face opposing STOP or GIVE WAY controls, their intended movements matter. A right-turning vehicle generally gives way to an opposing vehicle going straight or turning left, subject to the specific rule and exceptions such as the slip-lane arrangement. Do not teach that a STOP driver yields to absolutely every vehicle anywhere in the intersection regardless of its control or path.
Uncontrolled intersections and T-intersections
At an intersection without relevant signs or signals, give way to vehicles approaching from the right. A driver turning right must also give way to the specified oncoming straight-ahead or left-turning traffic. Observe both sides even when the formal rule points to one direction; another driver may fail to give way.
At a T-intersection, the vehicle on the terminating road generally gives way to vehicles on the continuing road. The continuing road can bend. Use the road layout and any signs rather than assuming the road that looks straight is always continuing. Pedestrians and other crossing duties can also apply to the turn.
| Layout or movement | Main decision |
|---|---|
| STOP approach | Complete stop, then apply the relevant give-way rule |
| GIVE WAY approach | Give way; stop if needed to do so |
| Uncontrolled crossing | Give way to the right and apply turn duties |
| Terminating road at T-intersection | Give way to traffic on the continuing road |
| Right turn across oncoming traffic | Give way to the specified conflicting movements |
| Driveway or road-related-area entry | Apply entry and pedestrian duties, not ordinary road-to-road assumptions |
Traffic lights and arrows
A red signal requires stopping at the required position. Yellow requires stopping unless it is unsafe to do so. Anticipate a possible change as you approach: do not use the length of the truck as a reason to accelerate at yellow. A green light allows the movement subject to the remaining give-way and clear-exit duties.
A green arrow can separately control the indicated movement. A red arrow prohibits that movement even when the general light is green. A permissive right turn without a protected arrow requires the relevant give-way checks, including oncoming traffic and pedestrians. A U-turn at an intersection with traffic lights is prohibited unless a sign permits it; even when permitted, give way to all relevant traffic and pedestrians.
At flashing yellow or an uncontrolled failure, approach with caution and apply the relevant give-way rules rather than assume the main road has unconditional priority. If an officer directs traffic, follow that direction. The safe gap must allow the loaded vehicle to complete the movement, not merely put its cab into the intersection.
Keep the exit clear
Rule 128 prohibits entering a blocked intersection when the driver cannot drive through because the road or exit is blocked. Estimate space for the entire combination. A green signal can change while the trailer remains across a crossing, creating a hazard to pedestrians and cross traffic. Wait before the intersection if the exit space is uncertain.
Consider a semi-trailer facing green with a queue just beyond the far side. A gap that accommodates the cab but leaves the trailer across the intersection is inadequate. Wait until enough space opens for the full vehicle. The driver behind sounding a horn does not change the rule.
When leaving a driveway, loading area or other road-related area, give way under the applicable entry rule, including to pedestrians on the footpath. A heavy vehicle turning across a footpath should move slowly and confirm the whole crossing path. Do not rely on the noise of the engine to warn someone out of the way.
Key decisions
Find the controlling rule, compare intended paths, allow a realistic heavy vehicle gap and preserve the clear exit. Priority never removes the duty to avoid a foreseeable collision.
Official sources
Road Rules 2019, traffic signals, rules 62–74 and 128; official Road Rules Handbook. Sources checked 10 October 2026.
A semi-trailer has a green light, but the exit queue leaves space only for its cab. What should the driver do?
Wait until the entire combination can clear the intersection
Enter because green gives unconditional permission
Enter and use hazard lights while the trailer blocks traffic
Sound the horn to make the queue move
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.