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
Parents can teach children the rules of the road while driving.
—
Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 20 Mar. 2026
That's a sharp break from the rules of the road around profits from more traditional markets.
—Luke Garrett, NPR, 14 Mar. 2026
Surely no one should be allowed to drive heavy machinery unless that person is a citizen or permanent resident who can read and speak English and knows the rules of the road.
—Simon Hankinson, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
Riders are asked to wear a helmet, have bike lights, call out cars to fellow riders, stay in one lane and obey the rules of the road.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
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Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 20 Mar. 2026
That's a sharp break from the rules of the road around profits from more traditional markets.
—Luke Garrett, NPR, 14 Mar. 2026
Surely no one should be allowed to drive heavy machinery unless that person is a citizen or permanent resident who can read and speak English and knows the rules of the road.
—Simon Hankinson, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2026
Riders are asked to wear a helmet, have bike lights, call out cars to fellow riders, stay in one lane and obey the rules of the road.
—Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for rule of the road
Cite this Entry
“Rule of the road.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rule%20of%20the%20road. Accessed 23 Mar. 2026.
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