Right of Way Rules
- 1/29When two vehicles approach an unregulated intersection from perpendicular roads
In Finland, priority is given to traffic approaching from the right at unregulated intersections.
At a four way stop where all vehicles arrive simultaneously
Right hand priority applies when no other signals or signs dictate the flow.
In a T-junction, the right of way goes to
The vehicle continuing on the through road has right of way
If exiting a parking lot onto a main road
Drivers must yield to all traffic when joining from non-road areas like parking lots.
When turning left at a signalized intersection
Left-turning vehicles must yield to oncoming straight or right-turning traffic.
In Finnish roundabouts, unless signs indicate otherwise
Vehicles inside the roundabout typically have the right of way.
If entering a roundabout
Entry is only allowed after ensuring roundabout traffic has cleared.
If multiple lanes exist within a roundabout
The right lane is designated for first-exit turns unless otherwise marked.
If a cyclist enters a roundabout from a parallel path
Motor vehicles must yield to cyclists on designated crossings.
If a roundabout is signalized and a green arrow points right
Green arrows override the normal yielding rule.
If you hear a siren from behind
Emergency vehicles always have priority road users must move aside.
If at a red light and an emergency vehicle signals to pass
You may break normal rules (e.g., crossing red) to let emergency vehicles pass safely.
If a fire engine and an ambulance approach from opposite directions at a crossroad
When two emergency vehicles approach simultaneously ambulance and fire truck, they often communicate priority. All other road users must stop or yield to allow both vehicles to proceed safely.
At a marked crosswalk without traffic lights, drivers must
At zebra crossings, vehicles must give way to pedestrians waiting or starting to cross. This rule applies even if there is no traffic light at the crossing.
If turning right while a cyclist continues straight
In Finland, when turning right, you must yield to cyclists proceeding straight on a cycle path or lane to your right.
If cyclists are on a continuing bike track across a junction
Cyclists on designated lanes or crossings (like bike boxes or bike lanes) have legal priority. Turning or crossing vehicles must yield to them at intersections
If entering a main road from a smaller or private road
When entering a main road from a smaller or private road (such as a driveway, parking lot, or side street), Finnish traffic rules require you to yield to all road users already on the main road.
On highways with merging lanes
When entering from an on-ramp or side road, drivers must match speed and yield to through traffic.Priority is not shared the through lane holds the right.
At a T-junction where signs are missing
Vehicles on a priority or main road are not required to stop for entering side traffic. Side road drivers must wait until the main road is clear.
A yellow diamond-shaped sign indicates
This sign indicates you are now on a road with right of way at all unsignaled junctions ahead. It stays in effect until a cancellation or end-of-priority sign appears.
A white inverted triangle with red border means
Drivers must slow down and give way to all traffic on the intersecting road. Unlike a stop sign, no full stop is required unless necessary.
A thick white line across a lane implies
The stop line marks where a vehicle must halt when facing a stop sign or red light. Crossing this line without stopping is a traffic violation.
If a tram and a car arrive at a crossing at the same time
Trams, due to fixed rails and limited maneuverability, are prioritized at most intersections. Drivers must yield unless traffic lights indicate otherwise.
If a car enters a roundabout with a priority-to-the-right sign
In certain Finnish roundabouts with no signs, traffic from the right has priority. This contradicts the usual yield-to-left rule at roundabouts.
When entering an intersection without signs or signals
At uncontrolled intersections in Finland, the priority to the right rule applies. This means that if there are no signs, signals, or markings, drivers must always yield to traffic coming from their right to prevent collisions and maintain orderly flow.
If making a left turn across oncoming traffic
In Finland, when making a left turn across oncoming traffic, you are required to yield to all vehicles and cyclists coming straight from the opposite direction.
If exiting a roundabout while a pedestrian is crossing
Drivers exiting parking lots, garages, or side streets must yield to pedestrians on crossings. This holds even when pedestrians approach from behind obstructions.
If reversing from a driveway onto a public street
Those exiting private property or driveways must wait for all traffic and pedestrians. They have no priority, regardless of road markings or gaps.
If a traffic officer gives a hand signal that contradicts a red light
If a police officer is directing traffic, their hand signals take full precedence. This applies even if it contradicts red lights or road signs.