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Junctions

Junctions are where two or more roads meet. Crashes often happen here because drivers fail to give way, misjudge another vehicle’s speed, or block the intersection.

Approach every junction with extra caution: slow down, position your vehicle correctly, and signal early so others know what you intend to do.

➡ Offences at junctions — such as failing to stop, blocking, or careless entry — can lead to fines or demerit points. See Penalties & Offences for details.

These are rules you must follow under the law:

  • STOP signs: You must come to a complete stop at a STOP sign and only proceed when the way is clear. Rolling through is illegal [1] .
  • YIELD (Give Way) signs: You must slow and give way to traffic on the major road. Proceed only when it is safe [1] .
  • Uncontrolled junctions: If there are no signs or signals, give way to traffic approaching from your right [1] .
  • Priority roads: Where markings or signs give another road priority, you must follow them.
  • Do not block a junction: Enter only if your exit is clear — even if the light is green [2] .

Breaking these rules may be prosecuted as careless or dangerous driving [3] .

Safe Approach to Junctions

These are steps you should take at every junction:

  • Slow down and prepare to stop.
  • Check mirrors and watch for cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
  • Lane discipline: At many junctions, markings or arrows show which lane to use. Get into the correct lane in good time and do not change lanes without reason.
  • Signal clearly well before you turn.
  • Position your vehicle correctly:
    • Turning left: keep left.
    • Turning right: position close to the centre line.
  • Look both ways before moving out, even if you have priority.
  • Queues: If traffic is stopped ahead, join the back of the queue. Do not try to cut in or push past other vehicles.

Turning at Junctions

  • Turning left: Signal left early, keep to the left side, and watch for pedestrians crossing.
  • Turning right: Signal right, position near the centre line, and give way to oncoming traffic before turning.
  • Crossing traffic: If you must cross the path of other vehicles, do so quickly and safely without forcing others to slow down.

Special Considerations

  • T-junctions: Traffic on the continuing road has priority.
  • Pedestrians: Always give way to pedestrians crossing at or near a junction.
  • Large vehicles: Be aware that buses and trucks may need extra room to turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always have to stop at a STOP sign in The Bahamas?
Yes. You must come to a complete stop at every STOP sign, even if the road looks clear. Rolling through is an offence. [1]
Who has right of way at a T-junction?
Traffic on the continuing road has priority. Vehicles entering from the side road must give way.
What should I do at an uncontrolled junction?
You must slow down, approach with caution, and give way to traffic from the right. [1]
Can I enter a junction if the light is green but traffic ahead has stopped?
No. Do not enter a junction unless your exit is clear. Blocking a junction is an offence. [2]
Do pedestrians have priority at junctions?
Yes. You must give way to pedestrians crossing at or near a junction.
  1. Bahamas Highway Code, Section 8 — Drivers must stop at STOP signs, give way at YIELD signs, and proceed with caution at uncontrolled junctions. ↩
  2. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 46 — Careless driving or driving without reasonable consideration for others. ↩
  3. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 44 — Dangerous driving includes entering a junction without due care. ↩
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