What does the term “right of way” refer to in traffic regulations?

The term "right of way" in traffic regulations refers to the legal right of one vehicle to proceed first in traffic. This concept is essential for maintaining order on the roadways and preventing collisions by providing guidelines for which road users have priority at intersections, crosswalks, and in other driving situations.

When a vehicle has the right of way, other drivers and pedestrians are required to yield to that vehicle, allowing it to continue its movement safely. Understanding the right of way helps all road users navigate complex traffic scenarios more effectively, promoting safety and efficiency in transportation.

While yielding to pedestrians is indeed a responsibility of drivers and is an important aspect of traffic safety, it does not encompass the full definition of right of way, which primarily focuses on the priority order among vehicles in traffic. The options suggesting that right of way allows for faster driving or that traffic lights have priority over all signs are also inaccurate interpretations of what right of way means in traffic law.