Where should you stop at a give-way sign?

At a give-way sign, slow down and let traffic with priority pass. If you need to stop, stop before the stop line; if there is none, stop before entering the junction, at a point with a useful view.

The stopping point depends on the road markings

A give-way sign requires you to slow down and give way to vehicles on the road you are about to cross or join. If there is a transverse stop line, position your vehicle before it when traffic requires you to stop. Do not cross it to improve your view: a vehicle projecting into the junction may obstruct traffic with priority or put pedestrians and cyclists at risk.

If there is no line, stop before entering the other road’s carriageway, in a position that does not enter its path and gives you enough visibility. Vegetation, parked vehicles or walls may restrict your view at some junctions. Proceed very slowly and, if necessary, move forward in stages only after checking that doing so will not interfere with priority traffic.

Unlike a STOP sign, a give-way sign does not require a complete stop in every case. If the junction is clear and visibility is good, you may continue at a moderate speed; if traffic is approaching, wait and let it pass. Read the line and sign together: a solid or broken white transverse line may indicate where to stop in relation to the instruction.

• With a stop line: stop before it when you need to give way.
• Without a line: wait before entering the junction and do not project into another road user’s path.
• You do not have to stop if the road is clear and visibility is sufficient.
• Move forward in stages only to improve your view, and only after checking that it is safe.

Pedestrians, cyclists and turning

Once you have let traffic on the main road pass, also check for road users crossing the road you intend to enter. If you are turning, giving priority to vehicles is not the only check: pedestrians on crossings and cyclists may be in your path. Entering the junction and then stopping inside it causes an obstruction and may block traffic, so wait before the line until you can complete the manoeuvre without getting in the way.

If a police officer or traffic light controls the junction, follow their directions according to their priority over vertical signs.

Quiz Patente Ufficiale helps you study priority rules and road signs with topic-based lessons, timed test-style quizzes and review of incorrect answers.