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.
Over the last few months, crypto trade groups and companies have published key principles to help inform the rules of the road. Cleve Mesidor, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 The ticket is a reminder that bicyclists must obey the rules of the road. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2025 Currently, most regulation of self-driving is done by the states, which licence cars and control rules of the road. Brad Templeton, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 Daniel Force, Fort Lauderdale The rules of the road The writer of the letter who received a ticket for running a red light on his bicycle in the town of Gulf Stream should thank the officer. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 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 29 Apr. 2025.

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