Rules of the Road and Right of Way
Keep left
Guyana drives on the left. Keep well to the left of the road except when overtaking, turning right, or passing a stationary obstruction. On a multi-lane road, stay in the left-hand lane unless a sign or marking directs otherwise. Overtake on the right, and only when you can see far enough ahead to finish the manoeuvre safely and no solid line forbids it.
Right of way is given, not taken
- At a junction, traffic on the main road has priority over traffic emerging from a side road or driveway.
- At an unmarked crossroads where two vehicles arrive together, give way to the vehicle on your right.
- At a roundabout, give way to traffic already circulating - which, driving on the left, comes from your right.
- At a STOP sign you must come to a complete stop and then give way. At a GIVE WAY line you need not stop, but you must not emerge until it is clear.
- Pedestrians on a marked crossing have priority. Approach ready to stop.
- Emergency vehicles using sirens or flashing lights must be given a clear path - pull to the left and stop if necessary.
Following distance
Stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead in good, dry conditions, and double it in rain or at night.
Traps
The commonest trap is assuming the biggest vehicle goes first, or that a vehicle with its indicator on has priority. A signal shows intention, not entitlement.
Worked example
You are on the stem of a T-junction. Traffic on the through road goes first, in both directions, before you may emerge. Rule of thumb: main road first, give way to the right at unmarked crossroads.