Two-way traffic and meeting driving

Two-way traffic means that vehicles drive in both directions on the same road. Meeting traffic requires good judgment of distance, speed, and who should yield.

Basic rules for meeting traffic

• Keep well to the right so that oncoming traffic can pass safely
• Reduce speed when the road is narrow or unclear
• Use low beams to make yourself visible without dazzling the oncoming driver

Meeting traffic on a narrow road

When the road is too narrow for two cars to pass simultaneously, special rules apply:

Yielding when there is an obstruction

If there is an obstruction on your side of the road, you must yield to oncoming traffic. You cannot expect the oncoming vehicle to give you space. Adjust your speed so that you can stop if necessary. Read more about yielding in yielding and intersections .

Overtaking in two-way traffic

Overtaking in the oncoming lane is among the most dangerous maneuvers in traffic. You should only overtake when:

• You have clear visibility far enough to complete the overtaking safely
• There is no solid line or overtaking prohibition
• You are not approaching an intersection, hilltop, or curve
• You have enough time to return to your own lane

Signs warning of two-way traffic

The sign “Oncoming traffic” (sign 150) warns that the road changes from one-way to two-way traffic. Be prepared for oncoming vehicles after this sign.

Meeting traffic in the dark

At night it is more difficult to judge the distance to oncoming vehicles. Glare from oncoming lights significantly reduces visibility. Look toward the right edge of the road to avoid being dazzled, and slow down.

Further reading

• Yielding and intersections
• Use of turn signals
• Driving in built-up areas
• Prohibition signs overview