Right of Way Rules
- 1/29When two vehicles approach an unregulated intersection from perpendicular roads
When no traffic signs or lights are present, vehicles must yield to those coming from the right. This ensures predictability and safety in uncontrolled junctions.
At a four way stop where all vehicles arrive simultaneously
In the absence of stop, yield, or traffic lights, drivers must always give way to vehicles from their right. This default rule keeps traffic flowing fairly.
In a T-junction, the right of way goes to
If you’re on a designated main road, other vehicles entering must yield to you. Road markings and signs usually identify the through road.
If exiting a parking lot onto a main road
Entering from a parking lot, private driveway, or gas station. You must give way to all road traffic. Merging without priority is illegal and unsafe.
When turning left at a signalized intersection
When turning left, let oncoming vehicles pass first. This prevents collisions and maintains smooth traffic flow through intersections.
In Greece roundabouts, unless signs indicate otherwise
In Greece roundabouts, vehicles already circulating have priority. Drivers entering must wait for a safe gap before proceeding.
If entering a roundabout
You must not enter a roundabout if it would force others to slow down or stop. Wait until it’s safe to merge smoothly.
If multiple lanes exist within a roundabout
Use the outer (right-hand) lane if you’re taking the first exit from a roundabout. This keeps traffic organized and minimizes confusion.
If a cyclist enters a roundabout from a parallel path
Cyclists on marked bike crossings have legal priority. Drivers must slow and yield to avoid endangering them.
If a roundabout is signalized and a green arrow points right
If a green directional arrow is illuminated, you may proceed in that direction even if others normally have right of way.
If you hear a siren from behind
Police, ambulances, and fire engines with lights and sirens on must be allowed through immediately. Blocking them is a punishable offense.
If at a red light and an emergency vehicle signals to pass
In an emergency, it’s legal to carefully run a red light or cross a solid line to clear the way. Safety must still be ensured.
If a fire engine and an ambulance approach from opposite directions at a crossroad
When two emergency vehicles approach simultaneously ambulance and fire truck, they often communicate priority. All other road users must stop or yield to allow both vehicles to proceed safely.
At a marked crosswalk without traffic lights, drivers must
At zebra crossings, vehicles must give way to pedestrians waiting or starting to cross. This rule applies even if there is no traffic light at the crossing.
If turning right while a cyclist continues straight
In Greece, when turning right, you must yield to cyclists proceeding straight on a cycle path or lane to your right.
If cyclists are on a continuing bike track across a junction
Cyclists on designated lanes or crossings (like bike boxes or bike lanes) have legal priority. Turning or crossing vehicles must yield to them at intersections
If entering a main road from a smaller or private road
When entering a main road from a smaller or private road (such as a driveway, parking lot, or side street), Greece traffic rules require you to yield to all road users already on the main road.
On highways with merging lanes
When entering from an on-ramp or side road, drivers must match speed and yield to through traffic.Priority is not shared the through lane holds the right.
At a T-junction where signs are missing
Vehicles on a priority or main road are not required to stop for entering side traffic. Side road drivers must wait until the main road is clear.
A yellow diamond-shaped sign indicates
This sign indicates you are now on a road with right of way at all unsignaled junctions ahead. It stays in effect until a cancellation or end-of-priority sign appears.
A white inverted triangle with red border means
Drivers must slow down and give way to all traffic on the intersecting road. Unlike a stop sign, no full stop is required unless necessary.
A thick white line across a lane implies
The stop line marks where a vehicle must halt when facing a stop sign or red light. Crossing this line without stopping is a traffic violation.
If a tram and a car arrive at a crossing at the same time
Trams, due to fixed rails and limited maneuverability, are prioritized at most intersections. Drivers must yield unless traffic lights indicate otherwise.
If a car enters a roundabout with a priority-to-the-right sign
In certain Greece roundabouts with no signs, traffic from the right has priority. This contradicts the usual yield-to-left rule at roundabouts.
When entering an intersection without signs or signals
At uncontrolled intersections in Greece, the priority to the right rule applies. This means that if there are no signs, signals, or markings, drivers must always yield to traffic coming from their right to prevent collisions and maintain orderly flow.
If making a left turn across oncoming traffic
In Greece, when making a left turn across oncoming traffic, you are required to yield to all vehicles and cyclists coming straight from the opposite direction.
If exiting a roundabout while a pedestrian is crossing
Drivers exiting parking lots, garages, or side streets must yield to pedestrians on crossings. This holds even when pedestrians approach from behind obstructions.
If reversing from a driveway onto a public street
Those exiting private property or driveways must wait for all traffic and pedestrians. They have no priority, regardless of road markings or gaps.
If a traffic officer gives a hand signal that contradicts a red light
If a police officer is directing traffic, their hand signals take full precedence. This applies even if it contradicts red lights or road signs.