Merlion BTT· 3 min read
Traffic Operations and Right of Way
Rules for correct road usage: Right of way, bus lanes, U-turns, and roundabouts.
4. Traffic Operations and Right of Way
This section covers the dynamic rules of the road—the protocols that govern how vehicles interact at junctions, roundabouts, and special lanes.
4.1 The “Give Way” Regime
The “Give Way” rule is the cornerstone of junction safety in the absence of traffic lights.
- Uncontrolled Junctions: At a junction without signs or lights, the driver must give way to traffic approaching from the right.
- Major vs. Minor Roads: Traffic on a minor road (usually ending in a T-junction) must always yield to traffic on the major road.
- Turning Rule: A vehicle proceeding straight has the right of way over a vehicle turning right.
- Assessment Scenario: “You are at a junction intending to turn right. An oncoming vehicle is proceeding straight. Who has the right of way?” Answer: “The oncoming vehicle.”.7
4.2 Bus Priority Systems
Singapore’s transport policy heavily favors public transit reliability. This is enforced through the “Give Way to Buses” scheme and dedicated lanes.
Mandatory Give-Way to Buses
- Visual Indicator: A triangular “Give Way” marking painted on the road at a bus bay, accompanied by a yellow box.
- Rule: When a bus is waiting to exit the bay and signals its intention, motorists must slow down and stop before the give way line to let the bus exit.
- Penalty: Failure to yield attracts a composition fine.
- Assessment Scenario: Question: “When you see the triangular ‘Give Way to Bus’ marking, what must you do?” Answer: “Slow down and stop if a bus is waiting to exit the bay.”.15
Bus Lanes: Types and Timings Bus lanes are demarcated by continuous yellow lines. The BTT tests knowledge of their operational windows.
| Lane Type | Marking | Operational Hours | Permitted Vehicles (Non-Bus) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Bus Lane | Continuous Yellow Line | Mon-Fri: 7:30am–9:30am & 5:00pm–8:00pm | Emergency vehicles, Cyclists |
| Full-Day Bus Lane | Continuous Yellow + Red Line | Mon-Sat: 7:30am–11:00pm | Emergency vehicles, Cyclists |
Note: Sundays and Public Holidays are generally exempt for both lane types, allowing normal car usage.17
Assessment Scenario: Question: “Can you drive in a full-day bus lane on a Saturday at 2:00 pm?” Answer: “No.”
4.3 U-Turns and Roundabouts
U-Turns Unlike some jurisdictions where U-turns are permitted unless prohibited, the prevailing wisdom in Singapore (and the safest answer for the BTT) is to make U-turns only where a sign explicitly permits them.
- Traffic Light U-Turn: If a U-turn sign exists at a traffic light, the driver can turn on the Green light but must yield to oncoming traffic unless there is a specific Green Arrow indicating a protected U-turn.
- Assessment Scenario: Question: “At a traffic light with a U-turn sign, when can you make the turn?” Answer: “When the light is green and it is safe to do so, giving way to oncoming traffic.”.9
Roundabouts
- Circulation: Traffic flows clockwise.
- Right of Way: Drivers entering the roundabout must give way to traffic coming from their right (i.e., traffic already in the roundabout).
- Assessment Scenario: Question: “When entering a roundabout, to whom must you give way?” Answer: “Traffic approaching from your right.”.12