The Priority Blog

A simple rule
When you think priority is the priority right that comes to mind. The rule, known to all road users, is bone simple: when two drivers come to an intersection by different routes, one that comes from the left to pass the other.
 
A rule generally indicated by a sign … but not always!
This rule, which prevails when the two routes are subject to public traffic, is usually indicated by a triangular panel that displays a cross.
But the presence of this panel is not systematic and, in the absence of any signal, the priority right must be respected. Do not bend it exposes you to a fine of the fourth class (135 €), with a withdrawal of 4 points and a license suspension of up to three years.
 
Case studies
The importance of a channel does affect the priority right?
Do not you base the importance of a way to see if it entitles you to priority right.
In the absence of the panel telling you that you are on a priority road – which implies the presence of a stop or a tag priority over other channels cut your way … is the priority rule that applies to the right, even if it is an alley leading to an avenue of two or three tracks.
Attention, a road, prevailing over tens of kilometers in open country may lose its priority when crossing a city.
An alley-cons is it a priority?
Against a service road is not separate from the main road that runs alongside.Out not only gives you right to the priority right. Ditto for cycling (unless special signaling), which also are considered ways depending on the main floor.
The highway is it still a priority?
Highways, such as busy roads (outside settlements) are always a priority. On motorways, the ramps of the ring roads, such as service areas, are never a priority.
Attention, the panel “give way” does not mean stop marking time before entering the highway. On the contrary, we have to go fast enough not to impede traffic, after making sure of course that you will not lead to “under the nose” of another user.
Priority to “incoming” on the ring roads and the Paris ring road
Many urban ring roads are considered highways. Unless otherwise signage, vehicles that enter are priority. Ditto on the Paris ring road. Mistrust still, as it is used by many foreign vehicles (mostly trucks!) Whose drivers know they must yield to vehicles entering it.

The priority in roundabouts
 
A sign alerts you to give way …

Roundabouts are designed to improve traffic flow at intersections and make them less dangerous. In most cases, a panel inverted triangle tells you that you must yield to all vehicles that are already involved in the crossroads.
 
Except in circles “Priority Right”!
Although they are increasingly rare, roundabouts priority right may still be encountered in certain cities.
In this case, there are no signs “give way” to the inputs of the roundabout and vehicles already have to give way to those who want to enter.
 
The stop
Do not mess with the “stop”!

The signal “stop” cancels any priority right. It requires not only stop at the intersection but also to score, ostensibly, a pause at the edge of the road approached, marked by a white band.

Beware of the cover beyond!
At the stop at the stopping time which must be respected, the hood of your car must not exceed the white line. The police may consider that you are about to “burn” the stop and you fined fourth class (135 €), accompanied by a withdrawal of 4 points and a license suspension of three years maximum.
 
Good to know the priorities
 
Never force the passage
At the stop sign, you must pass all the vehicles on the main road. And in case of heavy traffic, this can be time consuming. No question of trying to infiltrate into the small space left vacant by two vehicles following each other. At the stop sign, patience is a must!
 
Priority does not give you any rights
The fact that the priority does not exempt you to exercise caution. Moreover, in case of a collision, the driver of a vehicle receiving priority may be considered partially or totally responsible if he has “forced the priority.”
 
How to approach an intersection or a roundabout
An intersection must always be approached with caution, even more so when you’re riding a motorcycle. Scooter or motorcycle, whether you are a priority or not, the consequences of a fall are the same!
Even “priority” does not an intersection at an excessive speed. If hanging, judges are more lenient with the “non-priority” with you. You may even be regarded as fully responsible and lose any possibility of compensation from your insurer.
 
Can we lose the priority?
If it is necessary to slow down when approaching an intersection, stop completely makes you lose your priority and you must let the non-priority vehicles already committed.
 
Who is responsible in case of shock in the middle of an intersection?
In general, insurance companies blame all the wrongs to the non-priority. If this is your case, you can challenge the decision and state case law that may bring harm to the vehicle load based on the priority level of commitment of non-priority vehicle in the intersection.
Thus, you will be declared fully responsible if the emergency vehicle hits you up to your front wheel or front door to your right. Responsibilities will be shared if the emergency vehicle touches you at the back door and the emergency vehicle will be considered fully responsible if your car runs in the last quarter of its length.