rules of the road
Driving conduct codes
Rules of the road are the established conventions governing traffic—which side to drive on, who yields at intersections, what signals mean.
The phrase extends to any domain's unwritten protocols: Once you learn the rules of the road in academia, publishing gets easier.
The literal rules are codified in law; the figurative ones are learned through experience.
Rules for road users
- speed limitsMaximum allowed velocities
- right-of-wayLegal passage entitlement
- stop signRoadside traffic directive
- yieldProduce or relinquish
traffic signals · lane discipline · roundabouts · intersections · merge · crosswalk · one-way · u-turn
Vehicle passenger restraints
- helmetsProtective head coverings
- speed limitsMaximum allowed velocities
- crosswalksMarked street-crossing zones
- airbagsCrash-activated vehicle cushions
headlights · brake lights · reflectors · blind spot · defensive driving · hazard awareness · visibility · emergency braking
Respectful, considerate behavior
- yieldingBending under pressure
- signalingConveying information nonverbally
- mergingBlending into one
- patienceCalm during delays
consideration · respect · zipper merge · letting in · flashing lights · passing lane · tailgating · cyclists
Accepted social practices
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- social contractAgreement exchanging freedom for order
- established practiceAccepted routine method
- guidelinesSuggested rules for behavior
traffic laws
Rules for road users
- speed limitsMaximum allowed velocities
- right-of-wayLegal passage entitlement
- stop signRoadside traffic directive
yield · traffic signals · lane discipline · roundabouts · intersections · merge · crosswalk · one-way · u-turn · overtaking
seatbelts
Vehicle passenger restraints
- helmetsProtective head coverings
- speed limitsMaximum allowed velocities
- crosswalksMarked street-crossing zones
airbags · headlights · brake lights · reflectors · blind spot · defensive driving · hazard awareness · visibility · emergency braking · pedestrian crossing
courtesy
Respectful, considerate behavior
patience · consideration · respect · zipper merge · letting in · flashing lights · passing lane · tailgating · cyclists · pedestrians
conventions
Accepted social practices
- protocolPrescribed conduct rules
- social contractAgreement exchanging freedom for order
- established practiceAccepted routine method
- Driver's Licenselicense, permit, test, handbook, ID
- driving testsdriving test, permit test, parallel parking, three-point turn, knowledge test
- traffic lawstraffic laws, speed limit, speed limits, traffic law, stop sign
- seamanshipseamanship, steering, anchoring, navigation, chartwork
- nautical publicationsnautical almanac, nautical chart, nautical charts, tide table, tide tables
rules of the roadsuggestions
Proposed ideas or advice
guidelines · recommendations · best practices · free choice · etiquette
rules of the roadfree-for-all
Unregulated group conflict
chaos · anarchy · lawlessness · every man for himself · disorder
rule, rules, ruled, ruling, ruler, rulers, unruly, road, roads