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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In some corners of the globe, most importantly the U.S., the push to tweak the rules of the road has been met with soft denial. Justin Worland, Time, 5 Aug. 2025 This rule applies to law enforcement officers conducting typical traffic stops to maintain the rules of the road, including speed limits, signaling rules and vehicle registration regulations, according to the vehicle code. Sacbee.com, 30 July 2025 Florida should teach its drivers that the rules of the road are not mere suggestions but should be obeyed, to instill courteous and safe driving habits. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025 The risk-on action in the markets, which also saw stocks rally on the Mideast de-escalation, wasn’t the only source of momentum, as Republican senators unveiled a major bill to set the rules of the road for crypto. Mackenzie Sigalos,talia Kaplan,jordan Smith, CNBC, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for rule of the road

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rule of the road was in 1798

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Cite this Entry

“Rule of the road.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20the%20road. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

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