Why Right of Way Is So Difficult
Right-of-way rules in Denmark follow the continental European system, which is fundamentally different from Anglo-Saxon countries (UK, US, Australia). Even drivers from other European countries get caught by Danish-specific variations.
The theory test deliberately includes complex right-of-way scenarios with multiple vehicles, cyclists, and sign combinations. Getting these right requires solid understanding, not guesswork.
Rule 1: The Right-Hand Rule (Højre Vigepligt)
This is the default rule at any intersection without signs, signals, or road markings:
The rule: Give way to traffic approaching from your right.
In practice:
- You're approaching an unmarked intersection
- A car is approaching from your right
- You must stop and let them pass
- If a car is approaching from your left, you have priority
This sounds simple, but it gets complex when:
- Multiple vehicles arrive simultaneously from different directions
- You're turning at the intersection — turning creates new right-of-way dynamics
- T-junctions — the right-hand rule applies, meaning traffic on the through-road from the right has priority
Rule 2: Yield Sign (Vigepligtstavle B11)
The inverted triangle (point down) yield sign means:
- Give way to ALL traffic on the road you're entering — from both left and right
- You do not need to stop if the road is clear — but you must slow down enough to give way if needed
- Often paired with shark-teeth road markings (triangular markings painted on the road)
Rule 3: Stop Sign (B13)
The octagonal red stop sign requires:
- A complete stop — your vehicle must come to a full standstill
- Then give way to all traffic on the road you're entering
- You must stop even if the road appears clear
- Stop at the stop line if there is one; otherwise at the sign
Rule 4: Priority Roads (B15/B16)
The yellow diamond sign (B15) indicates a priority road:
- You have right of way at upcoming intersections
- Traffic on side roads must yield to you
- The priority remains until you see the end-of-priority sign (B16 — diamond with line through it)
The tricky part: A priority road can change direction at an intersection. When you see a supplementary sign with an arrow diagram below the B15 sign, the thick line shows the priority road's path. Even if the priority road turns, traffic on it still has right of way. This is one of the most commonly failed questions.
Rule 5: Roundabouts
Roundabout rules in Denmark:
- Yield when entering — traffic already in the roundabout has priority
- Drive counter-clockwise (to the right)
- Signal right when exiting — indicate your intention to leave the roundabout
- Choose the correct lane — right lane for first exit, left lane for later exits (in multi-lane roundabouts)
Multi-Lane Roundabouts
For roundabouts with multiple lanes:
- Taking the first exit (turning right): Stay in the right/outer lane
- Going straight (second exit): Either lane is usually acceptable — exit from the right lane
- Turning left or U-turn (third+ exit): Enter in the left/inner lane, change to the right lane before your exit, signal right
Rule 6: Cyclists
This catches more expats than anything else. In Denmark:
- When turning right, yield to cyclists going straight in the bike lane on your right
- Always check your right mirror and blind spot before turning right
- Cyclists on bike paths have right of way when you cross a bike path
- When exiting a roundabout, yield to cyclists in the bike lane you must cross
This is not optional. Failing to yield to a cyclist is a serious offence in Denmark and appears in many theory test scenarios. If the image shows a cyclist anywhere near your path, consider whether you need to yield.
Rule 7: Turning Rules
- Turning left: Give way to oncoming traffic going straight or turning right
- Turning right: Give way to cyclists and pedestrians
- Always signal your intention to turn — 30 metres before the turn in urban areas
Rule 8: Pedestrians
- Pedestrian crossings (zebra crossings): Pedestrians have right of way
- Turning at intersections: Give way to pedestrians crossing the road you're turning into
- Near schools and playgrounds: Be especially cautious — children may cross unexpectedly
How to Study Right of Way
- Learn the hierarchy: Traffic lights > signs > road markings > right-hand rule
- Practice with scenarios: Reading rules isn't enough — you need to apply them to realistic images
- Focus on complex intersections: 3-way and 4-way with multiple vehicles
- Always look for cyclists: Make it a habit to check for cyclists in every scenario
- Understand supplementary signs: They change the meaning of priority signs
KørApp tracks your vigepligt performance separately, so you can see exactly how well you handle right-of-way scenarios.
