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.
The Genius Act, which passed in the Senate last month with broad bipartisan support, would create rules of the road for the $250 billion market for stablecoin, a type of cryptocurrency. Alain Sherter, CBS News, 15 July 2025 Still, even after convictions, some drivers continue breaking the rules of the road — in ways both brazen, like driving without a license, and mundane, like rolling through a stop. Calmatters, Mercury News, 9 July 2025 Trump and his family’s growing crypto portfolio has faced scrutiny, as his administration pushes for new rules of the road for the industry. Julia Shapero, The Hill, 5 May 2025 Traffic officers also watch for drivers who are speeding, running red lights or breaking other rules of the road. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 2 July 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 22 Jul. 2025.

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