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

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

When people are repeatedly choosing to violate clear and simple rules of the road, there must be consequence. —The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 2 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

The City of Manteca is writing new rules of the road to try to put the brakes on dangerous bike riding. —Steve Large, CBS News, 16 Feb. 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