Priority from the Right

The Basic Rule

At intersections without priority signs or markings, the vehicle coming from the right has priority – this is the most fundamental Swiss traffic rule (Art. 36 RTA).

At unsignalled junctions – that is crossroads, forks and side-road entries – the vehicle coming from the right has priority. This rule applies at all junctions without other regulation.

It applies on equivalent minor roads and likewise in 30 km/h zones. On main roads, by contrast, priority follows from the main-road signage: vehicles on the signposted main road have priority – even when coming from the left.

Priority from the right sits at the bottom of the hierarchy: police, traffic lights, signs and markings all take precedence over it.

Even when you cannot see clearly to your right, you must approach an unmarked intersection at a speed that lets you stop in time.

On minor roads without signs, priority from the right applies

When Priority from the Right Does NOT Apply

• On main roads (signed 3.03 / 3.04) – vehicles on the main road have priority

• At Stop or Give Way signs – you must yield even if a car comes from the left

• In roundabouts – vehicles inside the roundabout have priority

• When leaving a property, parking lot or field path – you yield to road traffic

Trams Always Have Priority

Trams have priority over all other vehicles – from the right and from the left – unless a sign or signal says otherwise.

Emergency vehicles with blue light and siren also have absolute priority – make way immediately.