Approaching a junction

What is a junction?

A junction is the place where two or more public roads cross, join or separate. At this point, paths meet: a clear order of passage is therefore needed. That order depends entirely on what organises the junction: a sign, a road marking, traffic lights, an authorised official… or nothing at all.

The types of junctions

Before deciding who goes first, identify what type of junction you are dealing with. This is the reflex to acquire: you don't guess the priority, you read it.

• Unsigned junction: no sign, no road marking, no lights, no official. Priority from the right applies.
• Junction with vertical signage: a B1 (give way), B5 (stop), B15 (priority road) or B17 sign sets the order of passage.
• Junction with traffic lights: the traffic lights regulate the passage and take precedence over priority signs.
• Junction controlled by an authorised official: their instructions take precedence over everything else, including lights and signs.
• Roundabout: a particular junction where you give way to vehicles already on the circulatory carriageway.

Applying the right priority rule

Once the type of junction is identified, the rule follows naturally. In the absence of any other signal, priority from the right prevails (see the dedicated lesson). But a sign or a road marking may require you to give way, or even to stop completely.

• Give way (B1): slow down, observe, and let road users on the road you are approaching pass. You only have to stop if it is necessary in order to give way.
• Stop (B5): you must come to a complete stop at the marked line (or, failing that, at the entrance to the junction), then give way. Stopping is compulsory, even if the road is clear.
• Priority road (B15): you keep priority, but stay careful; another road user may make a mistake.
• Exit from a place not open to traffic (car park, garage, dirt track): you give way to all road users, from the left as well as the right.

Clearing the junction: never get stuck

Having priority or a green light is not enough to enter. The rule is clear: you may only enter a junction if traffic conditions are such that you will most likely not be brought to a standstill in the junction. If the queue ahead of you is stopped and you risk being stuck in the middle of the crossing, you must wait before the line, even on green.

Turning at a junction

Changing direction is prepared well before the junction. Announce your intention with your indicator, position yourself correctly on the carriageway and adjust your speed. The direction you take then changes which road users you must give way to.

• Turning right: move over to the right in advance, check your blind spot and give way to pedestrians crossing the road you are entering, as well as to cyclists riding along the carriageway.
• Turning left: position yourself near the centre line of the carriageway, let oncoming road users going straight ahead or turning right pass first, then the pedestrians.
• Going straight ahead: stay in your lane, watch both sides and apply the junction's priority rule.

Caution and observation: the method

1. Slow down on approach and look for the signage: sign, road marking, lights, official.
2. Work out which rule applies and therefore who you must give way to.
3. Look left, right and left again before entering.
4. Check that you will be able to clear the junction without getting stuck.
5. Enter decisively, without unnecessary hesitation, as soon as the road is clear.