Rules of the Road and Right-of-Way
Core rules
Drive on the left in Zimbabwe. Overtake on the right except where the law allows otherwise (for example, when the vehicle ahead is signalling a right turn). Keep a safe following distance. At junctions, yield according to the rules: at a T-junction the road ending yields; at a four-way stop, first to arrive proceeds first; if simultaneous, yield to the vehicle on your right. At roundabouts, give way to traffic already on the roundabout (approaching from your right).
Right-of-way priorities
- Give way to emergency vehicles using sirens/lights.
- Pedestrians on zebra crossings have priority; at other crossings yield to pedestrians already crossing.
- When turning across oncoming traffic, yield to oncoming vehicles going straight.
- When entering a main road from a minor road, side road, or driveway, yield.
Traps in questions
Questions often reverse a familiar scenario: who goes first at an unmarked junction, or whether a vehicle turning left must yield to one turning right. Remember that a vehicle going straight generally has priority over one turning across its path. Another trap is assuming a right turn at a roundabout gives priority; you must still give way to traffic on the roundabout.
Rule of thumb
"Straight before turning; right before left at equal junctions; roundabout traffic first."
Worked example
You arrive at a four-way stop at the same moment as a vehicle on your right. Both of you intend to go straight. The vehicle on your right proceeds first, then you. If you had arrived clearly first, you would go first.