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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 company says its taxis are designed to respect the rules of the road and that they can be held accountable for mishaps through citations and suspensions. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 28 Nov. 2025 Drivers may wonder if there are any exceptions to the rules of the road. Sacbee.com, 12 Nov. 2025 As for the police department — which has noted an increase in crashes, despite not having hard numbers — a public education campaign was launched to remind people of the rules of the road, as well as common courtesy — which maybe isn’t all that common. Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 7 Nov. 2025 Education and outreach Circulate San Diego sees following the rules of the road and driving responsibly as fundamental guidelines for users of all bicycles. Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 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 30 Nov. 2025.

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