Right before left – simply explained
1 min read · Updated on October 17, 2026
Right before left is the most important basic rule at junctions in Germany. It applies whenever nothing else is regulated – no traffic lights, no priority sign and no police.
Vereinfachte Erklärung zum Lernen – keine Rechtsberatung. Verbindlich ist die Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO).
When does right before left apply?
At junctions of equal rank, the vehicle coming from the right has priority. This is typical in residential areas and 30 km/h zones.
When doesn’t the rule apply?
Right before left is overridden by other rules:
- Police directing traffic
- Traffic lights
- Priority signs such as priority road, give way or stop
- Exits from car parks, properties or over lowered kerbs
How to do it right
Approach the junction slowly, look right and let vehicles from there go first. If nobody comes from the right, you may go – but still watch out for pedestrians. Driving School Germany has exactly these junctions in its residential streets.
Keep going
More guides
- Driving roundabouts correctly: indicating, priority, exitingWho has priority in a roundabout, when do you indicate and how do you exit safely?
- Right of way in Germany – all rules at a glanceFrom traffic lights to signs to right before left: the order in which right-of-way rules apply.
- Turning left: who has priority?When turning left, oncoming traffic has priority. How to turn safely and without fault points.