Entering a priority road from a narrow street
Look at the picture, read the situation, and mark each of the three statements true (○) or false (✕). All three right scores 2 points.
You are about to come out of a narrow road onto a priority road at 20 km/h. The wide priority road runs left and right in front of you, and a car is approaching from the right. There is a stop sign. Answer true or false for each of the following.
- (1)The car on the priority road looks far away, so you go through right away.
- (2)You proceed only after the car on the priority road has passed completely, or once you have a sufficient gap.
- (3)Your road is the narrow one, so the car on the priority road will give way to you.
Show the answers and explanation
- (1) ✕ FalseThe car on the priority road looks far away, so you go through right away.
- (2) ○ TrueYou proceed only after the car on the priority road has passed completely, or once you have a sufficient gap.
- (3) ✕ FalseYour road is the narrow one, so the car on the priority road will give way to you.
Explanation
You must not obstruct traffic on a priority road (Road Traffic Act, Art. 36). Even if the other car looks far away, misjudging its speed creates a high risk of collision. At a stop sign you are required to come to a full stop and check for safety (Road Traffic Act, Art. 43). As a rule, the vehicle on the narrow road always gives way.
Source: Rules of the Road (kyōsoku), Ch. 5, Sec. 7, 3(1) (priority roads) / Road Traffic Act, Art. 36 (no obstructing traffic on a priority road) / Road Traffic Act, Art. 43 (stopping)
