Rechts vor links: the right-before-left rule

What the rule says

At a junction without traffic lights, without right-of-way signs and without a police officer directing traffic, the vehicle coming from the right goes first. In German this is called rechts vor links – right before left. It is one of the most common reasons learners lose points in the theory test.

Where it applies

You meet it all the time in residential areas and 30 km/h zones, where many junctions have no signs at all. It does not apply if signs or traffic lights regulate the junction, and it does not apply when you come out of a driveway, a car park or across a lowered kerb – then you have to give way to everyone.

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Typical exam trap

Being on the wider road, driving straight on or being faster does not give you priority. If there is no sign and no light, the car from the right goes first.

→ Roundabout rules in Germany (Kreisverkehr)

German terms to know

Vorfahrt – right of way
Vorfahrt gewähren – give way
Kreuzung – junction / crossroads
Einmündung – T-junction

Fahrlingua has practice questions on right of way in 22 languages with the German original, so you learn the rule and the exam wording at once.

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