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
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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
At stake are not only bragging rights, some fear, but also the ability to set the rules of the road for the future on the moon, on Mars and in the rest of the solar system.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025
No reasonable person believes the rules of the road can continue to be optional.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rule of the road
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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
At stake are not only bragging rights, some fear, but also the ability to set the rules of the road for the future on the moon, on Mars and in the rest of the solar system.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025
No reasonable person believes the rules of the road can continue to be optional.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025
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 10 Nov. 2025.
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