Right of Way: The Priority Pyramid

This is the hierarchy of rules at any German intersection. The rule at the top always beats the ones below it. $Rechts vor Links$ is the last resort.

🥇 1. Police Officer (`Polizeibeamter`)

• Their hand signals override ALL other rules. What they say, goes.

🥈 2. Traffic Lights (`Ampeln`)

• A working traffic light overrides all signs.
• Green Light: You have priority to proceed in the direction shown.
• Flashing Yellow Light: The light is not in service. Look down to Level 3 (Signs).

🥉 3. Traffic Signs (`Verkehrszeichen`)

• If there are no lights or police, signs dictate priority.
• You HAVE Priority: When you see the yellow diamond sign (`Vorfahrtsstraße`).
• You MUST YIELD Priority: When you see the Yield sign or a STOP sign.

4. Special Situations ("Entering" Traffic)

• The vehicle “entering” the road must yield to everyone. This rule beats $Rechts vor Links$.
• This applies when exiting from:
  • A lowered curb (`abgesenkter Bordstein`)
  • A private property or driveway
  • A parking lot
  • A traffic-calmed area (`verkehrsberuhigter Bereich`)
  • A field or forest path

5. Default Rule (`Grundregel`)

• If NONE of the above apply (no police, lights, signs, or special situations), then and only then does $Rechts vor Links$ (Right before Left) rule the intersection.