The rules of priority at an intersection with a muddy road

Giving and receiving priority can be quite confusing, especially at intersections without traffic signs or road markings where special priority rules apply. Let’s dive into the rules for priority on unpaved and paved roads.

What is a paved and unpaved road?

To start, let’s clarify the difference between a dirt road and a paved road. A paved road is typically made of materials such as asphalt, concrete, or brick, while dirt roads are made of sand or gravel. Take a look below:

What are the priority rules on an unpaved and paved road?

Imagine: You are driving on a dirt road and approaching an intersection where a paved road intersects. What should you do? Simple: Drivers on the dirt road must always yield to all drivers on the intersecting paved road.

Example CBR exam question paved/unpaved road:

Explanation: We come here from a dirt road (unpaved), then we must give priority to all drivers on the intersecting (paved) road. So the rider goes first and then us. Note: a rider is always a driver!

Mnemonic for a dirt road:

A handy trick to remember the right of way rules on a dirt road: when you come from a dirt road, treat it like “shark’s teeth.” As you probably know, this means that you must only give way to all drivers on the intersecting road.

Explanation: Shark’s teeth are inverted triangular give way signs, requiring drivers approaching them to yield to all other drivers on the intersecting road.

A common mistake during the theory test is that people think that drivers on unpaved roads have to give way to all traffic. That is not correct!

In short:

At an intersection between a dirt road and a paved road, the driver on the dirt road must always yield to crossing drivers on the paved road. And remember that you can simply think of a dirt road as shark teeth.

Don’t feel like learning further? Register for a theory course and pass your theory exam in one go 😉