rule of the road

noun phrase

: a customary practice (such as driving always on a particular side of the road or yielding the right of way) developed in the interest of safety and often subsequently reinforced by law

especially : any of the rules making up a code governing ships in matters relating to mutual safety

Examples of rule of the road in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Taking the exam in one’s native language permits the driver to be knowledgeable about the rules of the road while mastering English proficiency, as many immigrants do. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026

The county argued it was allowed to use tax dollars for things that enforce the rules of the road, like the sheriff, state's attorney and Circuit Court clerk. —Cbs Chicago Team, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026

The safety course requires students to watch a video and complete a test that emphasizes the importance of proper equipment and care, rules of the road and best practices. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026

Despite the combat situation, the drone followed the rules of the road for flying in an integrated airspace. —New Atlas, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rule of the road

• abode
• anode
• barcode
• bestowed
• boatload
• borrowed
• carload
• caseload
• cathode
• commode
• corrode
• crossroad