Do You Know This Road Sign?

Within the catalogue of road signs there are some that seem more obvious than others, thanks in part to pictograms, but then there are others which need a lot of explaining, especially if we don’t come across them on a regular basis, or, sometimes, at all.

One such sign in the latter group is the R-3, a yellow square on its side with a think white border. Have you seen this sign in Spain? Do you know what it means?

In the General Traffic Regulations, within chapter IV, which deals with the application of signs, article 151 refers to priority signs, which are intended to inform road users of the special priority rules at junctions or areas such as lanes where the road narrows.

Specifically, the R-3 sign indicates to the drivers of vehicles traveling on one road their priority at junctions over vehicles traveling on another road. Therefore, those who want to access a road other than the one they are traveling on must give way and warn of their intention with their indicators.

When the lane with priority ends on the road, the R-4 sign will appear, the same sign but with a thick diagonal black stripe through it, which indicates the end of priority, that is, the proximity of the place where the lane being driven on loses its priority with respect to another lane.

Failing to comply with the R-3 priority lane sign implies a serious penalty that entails a fine of 200 euro and the withdrawal of 4 points from your driving licence.