Rules of the Road and Right of Way
The backbone rules
Lesotho drives on the left. That single fact shapes overtaking, turning and roundabout behaviour. Keep left unless overtaking, and overtake on the right of the vehicle ahead.
Right of way
- At an uncontrolled junction, give way to traffic approaching from your right.
- At a stop sign or line you must stop completely, then give way.
- At a yield sign, slow down and give way; stop only if needed.
- At a roundabout, traffic already circulating has priority - give way to the right as you enter.
- Pedestrians on a zebra crossing have priority; approach ready to stop.
- Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights have priority - pull left and stop if safe.
Overtaking and following
Never overtake on a blind rise, a bend, a solid line, a pedestrian crossing, or where a sign prohibits it. Keep a following gap of at least two seconds in good conditions and double it in rain or darkness.
Traps in questions
- Questions about who goes first at a four-way stop: the vehicle that stopped first proceeds first; if simultaneous, give way to the right.
- Turning across oncoming traffic: you cross their path, so you wait.
- Reversing: you must give way to everyone.
Rule of thumb
"Right before left at junctions; circulating before entering at roundabouts; pedestrians before vehicles at crossings."
Worked example: You reach a T-junction with no signs. A car approaches from your right. You must yield and let it pass before proceeding, even though you are on the through road.