Right or left? Polish equal-priority intersections in 60 seconds
One checking order solves most equal-priority intersection situations. Learn the right-hand rule, left turns and the tram exception.
At an equal-priority intersection in Poland, give way to a vehicle approaching from your right. When turning left, also give way to oncoming traffic travelling straight or turning right.
The rule is simple only after confirming that the intersection really has equal priority.
First identify what controls traffic
Check in this order:
- 1Directions from an authorised person.
- 2Traffic lights.
- 3Priority signs.
- 4General rules, including priority from the right.
If you see Give Way, STOP, priority-road signs or a plate showing the priority route, do not treat the junction as equal-priority.
The right-hand rule
Consider each vehicle separately. A driver yields to the vehicle on that driver's right. Who arrived first or travels faster is irrelevant.
If several vehicles each have another on their right, drivers may need to communicate and proceed with special caution. Examination diagrams normally contain a detail that resolves the order.
A left turn is the second filter
Even with nobody on the right, a left-turning driver yields to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right.
Do not finish the analysis after checking only the right-hand side.
The tram exception
Article 25 of the Polish Road Traffic Act gives a rail vehicle priority over other vehicles at an equal-priority intersection regardless of the side from which it approaches. Traffic lights and signs still take precedence in the analysis.
Examination algorithm
- Is an authorised person directing traffic?
- Are traffic lights operating?
- Are priority signs present?
- Who is on each vehicle's right?
- Who is turning left?
- Is there a tram?
- Is there space beyond the intersection?
The final point matters: even a driver with priority must not enter when unable to leave the intersection.
Apply this algorithm to varied examination situations. Memorise the legal reason for priority, not the order of cars in one picture.