Traffic signsAustria
Traffic rules
Austria
101. Microcar
A microcar is a very small motor vehicle designed mainly for short-distance and urban travel. It usually has an enclosed passenger compartment, four wheels and seating for one or two people, although designs and legal classifications vary.
Many microcars are legally classified as light quadricycles rather than ordinary passenger cars. More powerful or faster models may fall into a heavier quadricycle or passenger-car category. The applicable driving licence, minimum age, registration, insurance, maximum speed and road access therefore depend on the vehicle's official legal classification.
Wikimedia.org • Patrik Tschudin • CC BY
What is a microcar?
A microcar is a very small motor vehicle, usually intended for short urban journeys. An enclosed urban vehicle such as the Citroën Ami is an example. The descriptive term does not by itself determine the vehicle’s legal class or the licence required.
🔗 citroen.co.uk • Citroën, Ami light-quadricycle and urban-vehicle description
Is a microcar the same as an ordinary car?
Microcar is a descriptive name, not one universal licence category. A small enclosed vehicle may be approved as a light or other quadricycle rather than as an ordinary passenger car. Check its official category before assuming which licence, speed or access rules apply.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 21a(2), helmets and seat-belt exception
Must you wear a helmet inside a microcar?
This depends on the vehicle construction and local law. Enclosed quadricycles equipped with seat belts may be treated differently from open quadricycles, where helmet requirements are more common.
🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • Germany, StVO section 21a(2), helmets and seat-belt exception
102. All-terrain vehicle
An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is a motor vehicle designed to travel over rough or uneven surfaces as well as, in some cases, ordinary roads. ATVs commonly have four wheels, wide tyres and a compact body and are used for recreation, agriculture, forestry or other off-road activities.
Whether an ATV may be used on public roads depends on its vehicle classification, registration, equipment and local traffic laws. Some ATVs are approved for road use, while others are intended exclusively for off-road use.
Wikimedia.org • ATVist • CC BY
Are all ATVs four-wheeled vehicles?
No. Three-wheeled ATVs have also existed: the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s ATV research describes both three- and four-wheeled vehicles. The term does not by itself establish a vehicle’s current road-use approval.
🔗 cpsc.gov • US CPSC, ATV exposure survey three/four-wheel definition
103. Van
A van is a motor vehicle with an enclosed body that is commonly used to transport goods, equipment or passengers. Vans range from small delivery vehicles to larger commercial vehicles and may be fitted with cargo space, passenger seats or a combination of both.
Because vans vary considerably in size, weight and purpose, different driving-licence, speed, parking or road-access rules may apply depending on how the vehicle is classified in each country.
Wikimedia.org • Jordy Schaap • CC BY-SA
Do all vans follow the same traffic rules?
Not necessarily. Rules can depend on the van's maximum authorised mass, vehicle category, use and number of passenger seats.
104. Recreational vehicle
A recreational vehicle (RV) is a vehicle designed or adapted for travel, recreation and temporary living accommodation. The term can include motorhomes, campervans and, in broader usage, towable caravans or camping trailers.
Recreational vehicles may contain sleeping, seating, cooking, storage and sanitary facilities. Their legal classification, driving-licence requirements, parking rules and permitted dimensions or weights vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • High Contrast • CC BY
Do recreational vehicles follow the same rules as passenger cars?
Not always. The applicable rules can depend on the vehicle's classification, weight, dimensions and whether it is self-propelled or towed.
105. Scooter
A scooter is a two-wheeled motor vehicle typically characterised by a step-through frame, a platform or footrests for the rider and relatively small wheels. Scooters may use petrol or electric propulsion and can range from low-speed mopeds to more powerful vehicles legally classified as motorcycles.
The traffic rules applying to a scooter depend mainly on its maximum speed, power, engine capacity and legal vehicle category. Helmet, driving-licence, registration and road-position requirements therefore vary between countries and between different types of scooter.
Wikimedia.org • Øyvind Holmstad • CC BY-SA
Do all scooters follow the same traffic rules?
No. Different rules may apply according to whether the scooter is legally classified as a moped, motorcycle or another vehicle category.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example
🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example
106. Trikke
A Trikke is a three-wheeled standing personal-mobility vehicle with one front wheel and two rear wheels. The rider stands on platforms between the wheels and steers with handlebars. Depending on the model, propulsion may come from the rider's body movement or from an electric motor.
Trikke vehicles use a distinctive leaning or cambering frame that allows the rider to turn and manoeuvre by shifting body weight. The traffic rules that apply depend on whether the vehicle is motorised and on its technical characteristics.
Wikimedia.org • FaceMePLS • CC BY
Which traffic rules apply to a Trikke?
The applicable rules depend on the vehicle's propulsion, maximum design speed and legal classification. A human-powered and an electric Trikke may therefore be treated differently.
🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, powered/unpowered personal devices; French example
107. Personal mobility device
A personal mobility device, also called a personal transporter, is a compact device designed to transport one person over relatively short distances. Examples can include kick scooters, electric scooters, skateboards, self-balancing devices and mobility devices.
Personal transporters may be powered by the user's own effort or by an electric motor. Their legal classification, maximum speed, minimum riding age and permitted place on the road vary between countries, so users must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • Maurizio Pesce • CC BY
What is a personal transporter?
A personal transporter is a compact device designed to transport an individual, commonly over relatively short distances.
🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, powered/unpowered personal devices; French example
Is there a minimum age for using an electric personal transporter?
Some countries impose a minimum riding age for electric scooters and similar motorised devices. The applicable age and exceptions vary between jurisdictions.
🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, powered/unpowered personal devices; French example
Is a helmet compulsory on a personal transporter?
This varies between countries and device categories. Even where a helmet is not legally compulsory, wearing an appropriate helmet can provide additional protection in a fall or collision.
🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, powered/unpowered personal devices; French example
108. Skateboard
A skateboard is a small board mounted on wheels that is ridden by standing on the deck and moving by pushing against the ground or using gravity. Skateboards are commonly used for recreation, sport and short-distance personal transport.
Skateboard users should maintain control, watch carefully for pedestrians and traffic and adapt their speed to the surrounding environment. Where skateboards may be used and which traffic rules apply vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • David Martín • CC BY-SA
Where can skateboard users ride?
This depends on the country and the user's speed. Skateboard users may be treated similarly to pedestrians or cyclists under some traffic-law systems.
🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, powered/unpowered personal devices; French example
109. Segway
A Segway is a self-balancing electric personal transporter that allows a standing rider to move by shifting their body position while the vehicle's electronic balancing system maintains stability. The classic Segway Personal Transporter has two wheels and is controlled using a handlebar or steering mechanism.
Segways are used for personal transport, tourism, security and other short-distance travel. Their legal status and where they may be ridden depend on national traffic rules governing personal mobility devices.
Wikimedia.org • Chris Brown • CC BY
Where can you ride a Segway?
This depends on local traffic laws. Segways may be classified as personal mobility devices, bicycles or another vehicle category, which determines whether they may use cycle paths, roads or other areas.
🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, powered/unpowered personal devices; French example
110. Kick scooter
A kick scooter is a personal mobility device with a narrow platform, two or more wheels and a handlebar. A non-motorised kick scooter is propelled by pushing against the ground with one foot, while an electric kick scooter uses an electric motor for propulsion.
Kick scooters are commonly used for recreation and short-distance travel. Where they may be ridden and which traffic rules apply depend on whether the scooter is motorised and on its legal classification.
Wikimedia.org • Alex Genz • CC BY-SA
Where can you ride a kick scooter?
This depends on the country's traffic rules and whether the scooter is motorised. Users may be treated as pedestrians, cyclists or another category of road user.
🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, powered/unpowered personal devices; French example
111. Roller skates
Roller skates are footwear fitted with wheels that allow a person to move by skating over a smooth surface. Traditional roller skates usually have four wheels arranged in two pairs, while inline skates have their wheels arranged in a single line.
Roller skaters should maintain control, adapt their speed to the surroundings and watch carefully for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and uneven surfaces. Where roller skating is permitted and which traffic rules apply vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • gt8073a • CC BY
Where can roller skates be used?
This depends on local traffic rules. Roller skaters may be required to follow pedestrian or cyclist rules depending on the country, location and speed at which they are travelling.
🔗 service-public.gouv.fr • French Service Public, powered/unpowered personal devices; French example
112. Mailman
A mailman, or postal worker, is a person who collects, transports or delivers letters, parcels and other postal items. Postal workers may travel on foot or use bicycles, vans, motorcycles or other vehicles while completing their delivery routes.
When working near roads, postal workers must follow the traffic rules that apply to pedestrians, cyclists or drivers according to how they are travelling. Other road users should take care where postal workers may frequently stop, cross the road or enter and leave vehicles.
Wikimedia.org • Partij van de Arbeid • CC BY
Do postal workers have special traffic priority?
Not automatically. Postal workers normally follow the traffic rules applicable to them as pedestrians, cyclists or drivers unless a country's laws provide a specific exemption.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237, adverse weather; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 162–169, safe overtaking; national guidance example
113. Hitchhiker
A hitchhiker is a person who waits beside a road or at another suitable location and asks passing drivers for a free ride toward their destination. Hitchhiking is a form of informal transport and is permitted, restricted or prohibited in different locations depending on national and local traffic rules.
Hitchhikers should wait in a safe and legally permitted place away from moving traffic and should not stand where they obstruct traffic or encourage vehicles to stop in a dangerous location.
Wikimedia.org • rawpixel • CC0
Can you hitchhike on a motorway?
Generally, no. Pedestrians are prohibited from motorways in many countries, so hitchhikers should use suitable locations outside the motorway itself, subject to local rules.
114. Toddler
A toddler is a young child who has progressed beyond infancy but still requires close supervision and special protection around roads and vehicles. Toddlers may travel as passengers in cars, public transport, bicycles or other vehicles subject to the safety requirements that apply in each country.
When travelling by car, toddlers should use an appropriate child restraint system suited to their size. Adults should also supervise them carefully near roads, parking areas and moving vehicles.
Wikimedia.org • Hildewagelmans • CC0
How should a toddler travel in a car?
A toddler should travel in an appropriate child restraint system that is suitable for the child's size and correctly installed in the vehicle.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 99–102, child restraints; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 204–210, children; national guidance example
Can a rear-facing toddler seat be placed in front of an active airbag?
No. A rear-facing child restraint should not be placed in front of an active frontal airbag because the airbag can create a serious danger to the child.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 99–102, child restraints; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 204–210, children; national guidance example
115. Child
A child is a young person who requires particular care and protection in road traffic because of their smaller size, limited experience and developing ability to recognise traffic hazards. Children may participate in traffic as pedestrians, cyclists or passengers in vehicles.
Drivers should take extra care when children are present or may reasonably be expected, particularly near schools, playgrounds, residential areas and pedestrian crossings.
Wikimedia.org • Trailnet • CC BY-SA
Why are children particularly vulnerable in traffic?
Children may have more difficulty judging vehicle speed, distance and traffic situations and are less visible to drivers because of their smaller size.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 99–102, child restraints; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 204–210, children; national guidance example
How should children travel in a car?
Children should use an appropriate child restraint or seat belt according to their size, age and the applicable national rules.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 99–102, child restraints; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 204–210, children; national guidance example
116. Disability
Disability refers to a physical, sensory, intellectual or other long-term condition that, together with environmental or accessibility barriers, may affect how a person participates in everyday activities. In road traffic, people with disabilities may participate as pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, passengers or users of mobility devices.
Road systems should take account of accessibility, safe crossings, suitable parking and sufficient time and space for people with different mobility or sensory needs. Drivers should take particular care around road users who may require additional time or space to travel safely.
Wikimedia.org • MarkBuckawicki • CC0
Are people with disabilities separate road users?
A disability does not replace a person’s road-user role: they may be a pedestrian, driver, cyclist or passenger. Additional protections, adaptations or medical/licensing conditions can apply under local law.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 204–218, vulnerable people; national guidance example
How should drivers behave around people with disabilities?
Drivers should remain patient, leave sufficient space and allow enough time for people to move or cross safely, particularly where their mobility or perception may be affected.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 204–218, vulnerable people; national guidance example
117. Motorail
Motorail is a rail service that transports passengers together with their car, motorcycle or other eligible vehicle on the same journey. The passengers normally travel in passenger coaches or sleeping accommodation while their vehicle is carried on dedicated vehicle-transport wagons.
Motorail services are mainly intended for long-distance travel, allowing travellers to avoid driving the entire route while still having their own vehicle available at their destination. Vehicle dimensions, loading procedures and eligible routes depend on the operator.
Wikimedia.org • NAC • CC BY-SA
Which vehicles can be carried on a Motorail train?
Depending on the operator and route, Motorail services may carry cars, motorcycles or other eligible road vehicles. Size and weight restrictions may apply.
🔗 nightjet.com • ÖBB Nightjet, cars and motorcycles on the train; operator-specific conditions
Do passengers remain inside their car on a Motorail train?
On services such as ÖBB Nightjet, passengers must leave the vehicle after loading and use the passenger accommodation. Follow the operator’s instructions; do not assume that every train carrying road vehicles uses the same arrangements.
🔗 nightjet.com • ÖBB Nightjet, cars and motorcycles on the train; operator-specific conditions
118. km/h
km/h means kilometres per hour and is a unit used to measure speed. It expresses how many kilometres a vehicle or other moving object would travel in one hour if it maintained the same speed.
For example, a speed of 50 km/h means travelling at a rate of 50 kilometres per hour. Kilometres per hour are widely used for road speeds and speed limits in countries that use the metric system.
Wikimedia.org • Bluescan sv.wiki • CC0
What does km/h mean?
km/h is the abbreviation for kilometres per hour, a unit used to measure speed.
🔗 nist.gov • NIST, conversion factors for units, Speed conversion factors
Is km/h the same as mph?
No. km/h measures speed in kilometres per hour, while mph measures speed in miles per hour. The two units therefore represent different numerical speeds.
🔗 nist.gov • NIST, conversion factors for units, Speed conversion factors
119. mph
mph means miles per hour and is a unit used to measure speed. It expresses how many miles a vehicle or other moving object would travel in one hour if it maintained the same speed.
For example, a speed of 50 mph means travelling at a rate of 50 miles per hour. One mile per hour is approximately 1.61 km/h, so speeds expressed in mph and km/h have different numerical values.
Wikimedia.org • Greg Gjerdingen • CC BY
What does mph mean?
mph is the abbreviation for miles per hour, a unit used to measure speed.
🔗 nist.gov • NIST, conversion factors for units, Speed conversion factors
Is mph the same as km/h?
No. mph measures speed in miles per hour, while km/h measures speed in kilometres per hour. 1 mph is approximately 1.61 km/h.
🔗 nist.gov • NIST, conversion factors for units, Speed conversion factors
120. Speedometer
A speedometer is an instrument in a vehicle that shows the vehicle's current speed. It is normally displayed on the instrument panel and may use an analogue dial, a digital display or both.
Drivers should use the speedometer to monitor their speed and remain within the applicable speed limit. The displayed unit is usually kilometres per hour or miles per hour, depending on the country and vehicle.
Wikimedia.org • Andreas Schmidt • CC BY-SA
Which units can a speedometer use?
A speedometer may display speed in kilometres per hour (km/h), miles per hour (mph) or both, depending on the vehicle and market.
121. National speed
A national speed limit is a default maximum speed established by law for a particular type of road or vehicle when no lower or different local speed limit is indicated. National or general speed limits can differ according to whether the road is a motorway, rural road, built-up-area road or another road category.
Drivers should know the default speed limits that apply in the country or region where they are travelling and always obey any posted speed limit that overrides the general rule.
Wikimedia.org • Christian Gebhardt • CC BY-SA
Can a traffic sign override the national speed limit?
Yes. A posted regulatory speed limit may impose a lower or, where legally permitted, higher maximum speed than the general limit for that road.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example
122. Ride height
Ride height is the height at which a vehicle's body or chassis sits above the road surface. It is determined mainly by the suspension, wheels and tyres and can also change according to the vehicle's load.
Changing the ride height by lowering or raising the suspension can affect ground clearance, wheel alignment, handling and the space available between the vehicle and the road. Vehicle modifications must comply with the technical and approval rules that apply in the country.
Wikimedia.org • mark6mauno • CC BY
Can a vehicle's ride height be changed?
Yes, but suspension changes must remain safe and meet local requirements. Britain’s MOT manual, for example, treats a suspension modification that makes the system inoperative or likely to foul other components as a dangerous defect. Check the applicable modification and inspection rules before altering the vehicle.
🔗 gov.uk • DVSA, suspension inspection and unsafe modifications
🔗 gov.uk • DVLA, current structural vehicle modifications guidance
123. Dirt road
A dirt road is an unpaved road whose surface consists mainly of natural soil, earth or compacted ground rather than asphalt, concrete or an added gravel surface. Dirt roads are commonly found in rural, agricultural, forest and remote areas.
Drivers on dirt roads should adapt their speed to the surface conditions and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering. Dust, mud, ruts, potholes and reduced tyre grip can make driving more difficult, especially during or after bad weather.
Wikimedia.org • Игоревич • CC0
How should you drive on a dirt road?
Use a suitable speed, increase following distance when necessary and accelerate, brake and steer smoothly. Extra care may be required when the surface is dusty, muddy, rutted or uneven.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example
124. Driving
Driving is the act of controlling and operating a vehicle or other recognised means of transport in traffic. It involves steering, accelerating, braking, observing the road and interacting safely with other road users.
Safe driving requires the driver to remain in control, follow traffic rules and signals, observe surrounding traffic and adapt to road, weather and visibility conditions.
Wikimedia.org • BP63Vincent • CC BY-SA
Who can legally drive a motor vehicle?
The requirements vary by country and vehicle type. Drivers may need to meet minimum-age, driving-licence, medical-fitness and vehicle-category requirements.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example
125. Start-stop system
A start-stop system is a vehicle system that automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarts it when the driver is ready to move again. It is commonly used in vehicles with combustion engines to reduce unnecessary engine idling.
The system normally operates automatically when certain conditions are met, such as when the vehicle stops in traffic. Its operation does not replace the driver's responsibility to control the vehicle safely and follow the applicable traffic rules.
Wikimedia.org • Bindydad123 • CC BY-SA
Does the engine always switch off when the vehicle stops?
Not necessarily. The system may keep the engine running when operating conditions do not allow an automatic stop, depending on the vehicle and its systems.