Traffic Rules and Right-of-Way
The core principle
Right-of-way is not about who is "right" - it is about who yields to avoid a collision. Bhutan drives on the left, so overtaking happens on the right, and at uncontrolled junctions you yield to traffic approaching from your right unless signs or markings say otherwise.
Junctions and priority
At a T-junction the through road generally has priority. At roundabouts, traffic already circulating has right-of-way; you give way to the right as you enter. Where a stop or give-way line exists, that road yields regardless of the general rule. Pedestrians at a marked crossing, and often pedestrians already crossing at a junction, have priority.
Overtaking, following and speed
Overtake only when you have clear visibility, a broken line, and no sign prohibiting it. Never overtake on blind bends, crests, narrow bridges or where the road narrows - these are frequent in Bhutan. Keep a safe following distance: at least a two-second gap in good conditions, more when wet or gravelly. Adjust speed to the conditions, not just the posted limit; the limit is a maximum, not a target.
Emergency vehicles and special situations
Give way to ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles using sirens or lights. At narrow mountain sections, the descending vehicle often has priority on single-lane stretches, though local practice and signage govern.
Traps in exam questions
- "Right of way" answers that ignore a stop or give-way line are wrong.
- A green light does not entitle you to enter a junction you cannot clear.
- Overtaking on a blind crest is prohibited even if the line is broken.
- Following distance is measured in time, not metres.
Rule of thumb
When unsure, yield and observe. A few seconds lost costs nothing; a wrong assumption on a mountain bend can be fatal.