---
title: "Traffic light broken: who has priority at the intersection and how to avoid an accident according to traffic rules"
description: "🚦 Traffic light broken? Who goes first — you or the neighbor on the right? We analyze the real rules of priority at non-working intersections according to traffic rules. ⚠️ Is the tram always right? Yellow light — stop or not? Read how to avoid an accident and not get a fine."
date: 2026-07-12T08:52:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/traffic-light-broken-who-has-priority-at-the-intersection
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Traffic light broken: who has priority at the intersection and how to avoid an accident according to traffic rules

![Driver in shock from broken traffic light at intersection, pondering right-of-way rules according to traffic laws](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/12/svetofor-slomalsya-kto-imeet-prioritet-na-perekrestke/svetofor-slomalsya-kto-imeet-prioritet-na-perekrestke-1.webp)

Anything can happen on the roads: traffic lights go out, road markings fade, and signs get hidden under snow or dirt. In such moments, many drivers get lost and start acting on intuition — which often leads to accidents. But the Rules of the Road give clear answers to the question: who should yield to whom if the traffic light is not working.

### Signs decide everything

The first thing to do when approaching a non-working traffic light is to look for priority signs. If there is a sign “Main road”, “Yield” or “STOP” before the intersection, it is these signs that determine the order of movement.

If you see a “Yield” or “STOP” sign — you must yield to all vehicles moving on the main road. This is directly stated in paragraph 16.11 of the Traffic Rules. There are no exceptions here: even if the traffic light is flashing or completely off, the signs remain in force.

### The “right-hand rule” for equal intersections

But what if there are no signs? Then the intersection is considered equal, and the “right-hand rule” comes into force (paragraph 16.12 of the Traffic Rules). In other words: if there is a vehicle to your right — it has priority. If the right is empty — you can go.

This rule works regardless of the direction of movement of other participants. The main thing is to pay attention to the side view and not rush.

### The tram is always right — almost always

A special case is the tram. At a non-working traffic light, it has priority over cars, regardless of which direction it is going. Exception — intersections with roundabouts, where their own rules apply.

### If nothing is visible — consider yourself secondary

Sometimes, due to weather, darkness or poor visibility, it is impossible to determine which road is the main one. In such a situation, paragraph 16.15 of the Traffic Rules recommends considering yourself to be on a secondary road. That is — yield to everyone. Safety is more important than speed.

### Yellow light — not always stop

Let's remember: the yellow signal of the traffic light does not always mean a mandatory stop. If you are already close to the stop line and cannot brake without emergency braking — the Traffic Rules allow you to continue moving. The main thing is not to create an emergency situation.

### Minibuses and stops: when to yield is mandatory

A separate issue is the departure of minibuses from parking lots. Here, too, there are nuances: you need to yield to them only in those cases where this is directly provided for by the rules or road conditions. Do not automatically yield the right of way — it is important to assess the situation.

Knowledge of these simple rules can save lives — yours and other road users. Do not rely on luck: study the Traffic Rules, especially the sections on intersections and priorities. The road does not forgive mistakes.