Traffic Rules and Priority (Right of Way)
Angola drives on the right. The default priority rule at an unmarked intersection is give way to traffic approaching from the right. This default is overridden by signs, markings, or a traffic officer.
Key priority situations a candidate must know:
- Roundabouts: traffic already circulating has priority; entering vehicles give way.
- Turning: a vehicle turning left across oncoming traffic must give way to that traffic.
- Pedestrians: at a zebra crossing, pedestrians have priority once they show intent to cross.
- Emergency vehicles with sirens/lights have priority - but do not create danger to yield.
- Narrow roads/hills: the descending vehicle generally gives way to the ascending one, except where a sign says otherwise.
Overtaking rules: overtake on the left (the normal driving side); you may not overtake at pedestrian crossings, on blind bends, at intersections, or where a continuous line forbids it. Keep a safe following distance - the two-second rule in good conditions, more in rain or at night.
Traps:
- Assuming "right of way" means you may proceed blindly - priority must still be exercised safely.
- Forgetting that a vehicle already in a roundabout outranks an entering vehicle even if the entering vehicle is on the right.
- Confusing who goes first at a four-way stop - the vehicle that stopped first proceeds first.
Rule of thumb: when in doubt at an unmarked junction, yield to the right, but always confirm with a glance before moving.