Yield to Oncoming Traffic
The sign indicates that you must give way to oncoming traffic.
When You See This Sign
When you see the sign you should immediately prepare to give way to oncoming traffic: reduce speed, keep to the right and be ready to stop. Do not enter the narrow section unless there is enough space for oncoming vehicles to pass without having to brake hard.
Rules & Regulations
- The sign means you must always give way to all oncoming traffic (cars, motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles) on the relevant stretch of road.
- You must not drive forward so that oncoming vehicles are forced to stop or swerve to make room — if your passage would force oncoming traffic to brake, you must stop.
- Applies from the location of the sign until the conflict is over (for example after a narrow bridge, a meeting place or other narrowing), even if there is no specific end sign.
- Traffic signals, instructions from a police officer, or roadwork traffic control always take precedence over road signs; follow those directions if they are present instead of the sign.
Tips for Drivers
- Reduce speed in good time and scan the road ahead to spot oncoming vehicles and any meeting places where they can pass.
- Keep to the right and stop if necessary — use lay-bys or pull-outs if needed to let oncoming traffic pass safely.
- Avoid overtaking or entering the narrowing unless you are sure oncoming traffic can pass in time; wait for a clear gap.
- Use flashing high beams or hand signals sparingly to communicate with other drivers, but let safety and giving way govern — you must give way even if the other party does not.
Common Mistakes
- Believing the sign only applies to passenger cars and not to bicycles or mopeds.
- Confusing the sign with having priority yourself — B6 means you must give way to oncoming traffic.
- Waiting to slow down until you are inside the narrow passage instead of preparing early, which can force oncoming drivers to brake suddenly.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Yield to Oncoming Traffic
How should you act when you see this sign at a narrow passage?
- A You must give way to oncoming traffic — let them pass first.
- B Oncoming traffic must give way to you.
- C Both road users must stop before the passage.
- D The sign indicates the place is one-way — no oncoming traffic is expected.
Exam Tip
Theory test questions may try to lure you with statements like 'I have priority because I come from the right' or 'The sign only applies to cars' — the correct answer is that you must always give way to all oncoming traffic regardless of the right-hand rule or vehicle type.
Did You Know?
The sign is often used at narrow bridges, single-track roads, and temporary diversions at roadworks. Its purpose is to clarify which direction of traffic must wait in situations where two vehicles cannot pass at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the sign also apply to cyclists and moped riders?
Yes. The sign applies to all oncoming road users regardless of vehicle type. You must give way to bicycles and mopeds approaching you.
What should I do if an oncoming driver does not give way?
You should avoid a collision by slowing down or stopping and, if possible, reversing to a safe lay-by. If the other party is breaking the rule you must not take greater risks to assert your right.
Can other instructions change what the sign means?
Yes. Traffic signals, a police officer's directions, or traffic control at roadworks take precedence over road signs. Always follow the current directions if they are present.
How long does the sign apply — when is the conflict over?
The sign applies until you have passed the part of the road where meeting is not possible without one party having to give way (for example after a narrow bridge or a meeting place). In some cases an end sign or a natural widening of the carriageway may mark the end.
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