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Right of way in Germany – all rules at a glance
1 min read · Updated on October 17, 2026
Who may go first depends on several rules that follow a fixed order. Know them and you’ll be safe at every junction.
Vereinfachte Erklärung zum Lernen – keine Rechtsberatung. Verbindlich ist die Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO).
The order
From top to bottom – the higher rule always wins:
- Signals from police officers
- Traffic lights
- Priority signs (e.g. stop, give way, priority road)
- Right before left
Example
If the light is green, it applies – even if there’s a stop sign next to it. If the lights fail, the signs apply again.
In the game
In the Driving School Germany practical test, right-of-way mistakes cost points. If you know the order, you’ll drive much more safely.
Keep going
More guides
- Right before left – simply explainedWhen the right-before-left rule applies, when it doesn’t – and how to use it safely at junctions.
- Driving roundabouts correctly: indicating, priority, exitingWho has priority in a roundabout, when do you indicate and how do you exit safely?
- Turning left: who has priority?When turning left, oncoming traffic has priority. How to turn safely and without fault points.