Priority intersection
Right of way
Written by Chris Prosman Reviewed by Dirk van Zuijlen
Updated
- Sign code
- B3
- Category
- Right of way
- Traffic signs
- Priority intersection.
B3 announces a junction with priority. The cross inside the triangle shows that priority is arranged for your direction at the junction ahead. It concerns that junction; it does not make every subsequent junction a priority junction.
What to do at this sign
Even with priority, continue looking for traffic from both side roads. Visibility may be poor or another driver may notice their sign late. Proceed only when safe. Additional rules can apply when turning or crossing a pedestrian route.
Example on the road
On an ordinary road outside a built-up area, B3 appears before a crossroads. The ordinary equal-priority junction rule is not the basis for crossing traffic here, but you still check that other drivers actually let you pass.
Other conditions to check
Traffic lights take precedence over signs regulating priority. A signal or an authorised traffic controller may therefore determine what you must do. When the lights are off, assess the remaining signs and other applicable rules.
How to recognise the sign
A triangular warning or priority sign with a red border; its symbol identifies the situation.
Difference from J8 — Dangerous intersection
B3 regulates priority at the junction ahead. J8 only warns of a dangerous junction and does not itself assign priority.
J8 — Dangerous intersectionLegal basis
Frequently asked questions
- Does B3 apply to every following junction?
- No. Unlike priority-road status, this sign concerns the junction announced.
- What if traffic lights are operating?
- Traffic lights take precedence over signs regulating priority.
Explained in the course
Practise this sign for your theory exam
Priority intersection belongs to the Right of way category. In the CBR theory exam a traffic sign is almost never asked on its own: you are shown a situation and have to know what you may or must do in it. In the free sign trainer you practise the signs by category, with the explanation shown right after every answer.
Practise traffic signs for free Practise car theory: free mock exam
