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
Washington is now ground zero for an advocacy battle over how to write the rules of the road for a nascent technology that promises to reshape everything from education and health care to war-fighting.
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Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
In an Instagram video explaining the encounter, Fetzer says that there were two cars harassing him and his friend, despite their position in the bike lane and following the rules of the road.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Parents can teach children the rules of the road while driving.
—Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 20 Mar. 2026
That's a sharp break from the rules of the road around profits from more traditional markets.
—Luke Garrett, NPR, 14 Mar. 2026
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Bloomberg, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026
In an Instagram video explaining the encounter, Fetzer says that there were two cars harassing him and his friend, despite their position in the bike lane and following the rules of the road.
—Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Parents can teach children the rules of the road while driving.
—Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 20 Mar. 2026
That's a sharp break from the rules of the road around profits from more traditional markets.
—Luke Garrett, NPR, 14 Mar. 2026
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 7 Apr. 2026.
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