Turn Rules in Germany
Rechts vor Links (Right Before Left)
The fundamental rule at unmarked intersections:
- Yield to vehicles approaching from the right
- Only applies when no signs or signals present
- Does NOT apply when entering from parking lots or driveways
Making Turns
Right Turns
- Stay close to the right edge
- Signal (blinker) before turning
- Yield to pedestrians and cyclists
- Check for cyclists in bike lane
Left Turns
- Move to the center of the road
- Yield to ALL oncoming traffic
- Yield to pedestrians crossing
- In Germany, left-turners often wait in intersection
Green Arrow (Grünpfeil)
Germany has a unique "green arrow" sign:
- Allows right turn on red
- Must come to complete stop first
- Yield to all other traffic and pedestrians
- Not the same as North American "right on red"
Priority Rules
| Situation | Priority |
|---|---|
| Traffic light | Light color rules |
| Priority road sign | Vehicles on priority road |
| Yield sign | Give way to others |
| Stop sign | Full stop, yield to all |
| Unmarked intersection | Rechts vor Links |
| Entering from driveway | Yield to all road traffic |
Special Situations
At Traffic Lights
- Green: Proceed (but yield when turning)
- Yellow: Stop if safe (not "speed up"!)
- Red: Full stop
- Red + Yellow: Prepare to go
Pedestrian Priority
- Always yield to pedestrians at marked crossings
- When turning, yield to pedestrians crossing the road you're entering
- Cyclists in bike lanes have priority