A STANDOFF between two drivers has caused quite a debate on social media after a video of the incident went viral.

Footage showed a bus and a gold Volkswagen both stopped in the middle of the road with cars parked on either side.

Motorists could only watch on while the standoff blocked the road and went on for more than five minutes with neither driver wanting to move.

But who has right of way when there's cars parked on both sides of the road?

We've consulted the Highway Code, RAC, website Driving Test Tips and driving schools to see what drivers should do if they are ever in a similar situation.

WATCH > Motorists bring village to standstill by refusing to give way in road rage standoff

Who has the right of way?

Although passing parked cars rules can vary depending on the situation, generally who has the right of way is detailed by the diagrams below from the Driving Test Tips website. 

For the scenarios below, you are the driver of the red car.

Passing parked cars on the left

If you're passing the yellow parked cars on the left, the red car does not have the right of way as it has to cross onto the opposite side of the road in order to clear the parked cars.

The red car will need to wait behind the yellow cars to give way to oncoming vehicles.

Warrington Guardian:

Pic credit: Driving Test Tips website

Parked cars on the right

Passing the yellow parked cars on the right, the red car has right of way.

Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction will need to wait behind the yellow cars until it is clear for them to cross onto the opposite side of the road.

Warrington Guardian:

Pic credit: Driving Test Tips website

Cars parked on both sides of the road

In this picture vehicles are parked on both sides of the road, represented by the yellow cars, and means nobody has right of way.

Either driver of the red cars will need to find a suitable gap to pull into to allow the other vehicle to continue.

Warrington Guardian:

Pic credit: Driving Test Tips website

Giving way even if you have right of way

As the driver of the red car with the yellow parked cars on the opposite side of the road, you have right of way.

However, if an oncoming vehicle has already committed to the overtaking procedure whilst you are approaching, you should give way.

You should be looking well ahead before and while passing parked cars for this type of situation and be prepared to give way even if it’s your right of way.

The Driving Test Tips site adds: "The key is to observe the parked cars well before you reach them, gently slow the car and look well ahead for oncoming vehicles.

"Whilst passing the parked cars, look out for gaps that are large enough for an oncoming vehicle to pull into.

"If the road is narrow, be prepared to stop and wait for the oncoming car to pull into the gap and allow you to proceed."

Warrington Guardian:

Pic credits: Driving Test Tips website

Is it any different when there's a bus involved?

According to the RAC, the Highway Code tells us to give priority to buses, coaches and trams when you can do so safely.

This is particularly the case when they’re signalling to pull away from stops.

A spokesman added: "The truth is, it isn’t a legal requirement. Buses must indicate and wait for a gap in traffic like the rest of us.

"But not only is it courteous to safely slow down and leave a good distance as soon as you see a larger vehicle’s signal, it also avoids confusion and the possibility of a large bus pulling into your path."