Road Traffic Rules and Right-of-Way
Core concepts
Right-of-way is a set of rules, not a courtesy contest. In Eritrea, as in most right-hand-traffic systems, vehicles keep to the right and overtake on the left. The default rule at an unsigned, uncontrolled intersection is to yield to traffic approaching from your right, but this default is overridden by signs, signals, road markings, and by the special status of certain road users.
Understand these groups clearly: pedestrians at marked crossings and pedestrians already on the roadway; vehicles already circulating on a roundabout; traffic on a main road when you emerge from a minor road or dirt track; and emergency vehicles using sirens and flashing lights, which you must give way to by pulling over safely.
Traps in questions
- The "right-hand rule" trap: it applies only when no sign, signal, or marking says otherwise. A STOP sign or a give-way line always beats it.
- Roundabout trap: entering traffic yields to traffic already on the circle. Do not signal left on entry; signal right (or as locally required) when leaving.
- Turning trap: a driver turning across oncoming traffic must yield; a left-turning vehicle yields to oncoming vehicles going straight or turning right.
- Distance trap: following distance and safe speed are judged by conditions, not by the posted limit alone.
Worked example
You arrive at a four-way intersection with no signs. A car is approaching from your right and a motorcycle from your left. You yield to the car on your right, then proceed when clear; the motorcycle on your left yields to you. If instead a STOP sign faced you, you would stop completely and yield to all traffic before moving, regardless of direction.
Rule of thumb: signs and signals first, then markings, then the right-hand default, then courtesy.