Right-of-way, intersections and priority rules
This domain tests who goes first when rules collide: unsigned junctions, stop and give-way signs, roundabouts, turning across traffic, pedestrians and emergency vehicles. The default in Mali, as in France, is priority to the right unless a sign or marking says otherwise.
Default and signed priority
- At an unmarked crossroads, yield to any vehicle approaching from your right (priorité à droite).
- A STOP sign requires a complete stop at the line, then yield to all traffic.
- A give-way (cédez le passage) sign requires you to yield; stop only if necessary.
- Turning left: yield to oncoming traffic.
- Entering a public road from a driveway, track or private area: yield to all road users.
- At a roundabout, yield to traffic already circulating unless signs say otherwise.
Special cases
Pedestrians on a zebra crossing have priority; emergency vehicles with sirens and lights must be given a clear path; a bus leaving a stop may need courtesy but does not automatically have priority. Never wave another driver through if it creates confusion.
Worked example
You arrive at an unsigned crossroads at the same time as a car from your right. Reasoning: no sign changes the default, so the car on your right has priority. You slow, check your left is clear, and only proceed after the car has passed or clearly yielded.
Traps
Assuming the wider road has priority; rolling through a STOP; entering a roundabout without looking left; forgetting that pedestrians still have priority after you turn.