A little problem in European traffic rules: Priority of a car sitting on a "stepstone" island

A little problem in European traffic rules: Priority of a car sitting on a "stepstone" island - Woman in Black Tank Top and Blue Denim Jeans Sitting on Gray Concrete Road

Here is an intersection which always gives me trouble:

Image of an intersection

  • The usual continental European traffic rules apply;
  • There are two lanes which have right-of-way, one going towards the North-West, and one towards the South-East ;
  • There is a side-road coming in from the East (is a highway off-ramp, actually) and a side-road going to the West (a highway on-ramp)
  • In the picture, the light blue area cannot be used as it is a bus lane, but that is not important here.

If you have a car A driving along the red path, it may encounter heavy traffic on both NW and SE lanes. There is a little "stepstone island" in between the lanes so that you can proceed across the NW lane if it is free, then wait for the SE lane to clear.

While car A is waiting on the "stepstone", a car B initially on the NW lane may wish to turn to its left in order to proceed West, then also wait for the SE lane to clear.

Once the SE lane is clear, you have to decide which of A and B goes first. I am of the impression that it should be B as B is coming off the lan which has right-of-way but apparently opinions on this diverge, leading to hesitancy.

Is there an applicable rule to decide who goes first without having to resort to casting dice?






Pictures about "A little problem in European traffic rules: Priority of a car sitting on a "stepstone" island"

A little problem in European traffic rules: Priority of a car sitting on a "stepstone" island - Woman in Black Tank Top and Blue Denim Jeans Running on Road
A little problem in European traffic rules: Priority of a car sitting on a "stepstone" island - Two Kids Doing Some Artworks
A little problem in European traffic rules: Priority of a car sitting on a "stepstone" island - Two Kids Doing Some Artworks



Who has the right of way in Europe?

General rules of European motoring Anyone driving in Europe needs to get comfortable with the concept of roundabouts, circles in which traffic flows in one direction. Drivers already in a roundabout always have the right of way, while drivers seeking to enter a roundabout have to yield.

Does Europe have traffic laws?

Cameras enforce speed limits and traffic indications, and taxi, bus, and bike lanes are only for taxis, buses, and bikes, respectively. But there are some significant differences in European driving rules: Generally, you're not allowed to turn right at a red traffic light.

What is the correct procedure for following the road ahead at a roundabout in Europe?

All traffic entering a roundabout MUST yield to traffic from the LEFT. A roundabout is always in a counter-clockwise direction (unless otherwise directed, for example due to construction). Turning Right - To turn right, get in the right lane (if present) and turn on your right signal on approaching.

How do you use a roundabout in Europe?

Remember to drive rightNegotiate roundabouts in an anti-clockwise direction. Oncoming traffic is seen coming from the left. Left-turning traffic crosses oncoming traffic. The far right-hand lane is the slow lane; the inner left-hand lane is the fast lane.




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Nataliya Vaitkevich, Nataliya Vaitkevich, Artem Podrez, Artem Podrez