Traffic signsAustria

151. High beam

High beam, also called main beam, is the headlight setting designed to illuminate the road a long distance ahead. It provides stronger and farther-reaching illumination than dipped beam but can dazzle other road users if used incorrectly.

High beam is mainly useful on dark roads where there is no nearby traffic that could be dazzled. Drivers must switch to dipped beam whenever required by traffic conditions or national rules.

152. Fog lights

Fog lights are vehicle lights designed for use in conditions where visibility is seriously reduced by fog, snow or other severe weather. Front fog lights illuminate the road ahead at a low level, while rear fog lights make the vehicle more visible to road users approaching from behind.

Fog lights should only be used in the conditions permitted by local traffic rules. Rear fog lights are particularly bright and can dazzle or distract following drivers when visibility is good.

153. Front fog lights

Front fog lights are low-mounted vehicle lights designed to improve illumination of the road immediately ahead when visibility is reduced by fog, snow or heavy rain. Their beam is generally wide and directed low towards the road surface.

Front fog lights should only be used in the weather conditions permitted by local traffic rules. They are supplementary lights and should not be used unnecessarily in normal visibility.

154. Rear fog lights

Rear fog lights are bright red lights at the rear of a vehicle that make it easier for following road users to see the vehicle when visibility is severely reduced. They are much brighter than normal rear position lights.

Because rear fog lights can dazzle or distract drivers behind, they should only be used in the weather conditions permitted by local traffic rules and should be switched off when visibility improves.

155. Side lights

Side lights, also called position lights, are low-intensity vehicle lights used to make a vehicle visible and indicate its presence and approximate width. Unlike dipped-beam or high-beam headlights, they are not designed to illuminate the road far enough for normal driving at night.

Side lights are commonly used together with other vehicle lighting and may also be used to make a stationary or parked vehicle visible in darkness. Their required use depends on national traffic rules.

156. Turn signals

Turn signals, also called direction indicators, are flashing lights used to communicate a driver's intention to turn or move laterally, such as when changing lanes. They normally flash on the side towards which the vehicle intends to move.

Turn signals should be activated early enough to give other road users useful warning and should be cancelled once the intended movement has been completed. Signalling does not itself give the driver priority or make an unsafe manoeuvre permissible.

157. Hazard lights

Hazard lights, also called hazard warning lights, make all of a vehicle's direction indicators flash simultaneously. They are used to warn other road users that the vehicle or traffic situation presents an unusual or immediate danger.

Hazard lights may be appropriate after a breakdown, collision or when warning following traffic of a sudden hazard. They should not normally be used as a substitute for proper parking, signalling or vehicle lighting.

158. Dashboard lights

Dashboard lights are illuminated symbols and indicators on a vehicle's instrument panel that provide information about the vehicle's operation, systems and possible faults. They can show functions such as headlights, turn signals, fuel level, engine condition, tyre pressure, braking systems and safety equipment.

Dashboard lights commonly use different colours to indicate importance. Green or blue usually shows that a system is operating, amber or yellow generally indicates that attention may be required, and red often warns of a serious condition requiring prompt action.

159. Bicycle lighting

Bicycle lighting refers to lights and reflectors fitted to a bicycle to help the rider see and be seen, especially in darkness or reduced visibility. Required equipment and the circumstances in which bicycle lights must be used vary by country, so riders should follow the applicable local rules.

160. Bicycle bell

A bicycle bell is a small audible warning device fitted to a bicycle, usually on the handlebars, and used to alert pedestrians, cyclists or other road users when necessary. Requirements to fit or use a bell vary by country and road environment. Riders should use it as a warning device without causing unnecessary disturbance.

161. Headlight flashing

Headlight flashing means briefly flashing a vehicle's headlights to attract another road user's attention. Its permitted use and meaning vary by country and situation, so drivers should not assume that a flash grants priority or authorises a manoeuvre. Headlights should not be flashed in a way that dazzles or distracts other road users.

162. Seat belt

A seat belt is a restraint system designed to hold a vehicle occupant securely in their seat during sudden braking or a collision. It helps reduce the risk of the occupant striking the vehicle interior or being thrown from the vehicle.

A seat belt should fit firmly across the body, with the lap section positioned low across the hips and the shoulder section across the chest. It should not be twisted, placed behind the back or used in a way that reduces its protective effect.

163. Child restraints

Child restraints are safety systems designed to protect children travelling in vehicles. They include rear-facing and forward-facing child seats and booster seats that position and restrain a child according to their size and the restraint system's specifications.

A child restraint should be suitable for the child and vehicle, installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and secured correctly on every journey. Rear-facing restraints must never be placed in front of an active frontal airbag.

164. Head restraints

Head restraints, also called headrests, are vehicle safety devices designed to limit the rearward movement of an occupant's head relative to the body during a collision. They help reduce the risk of injuries to the neck and cervical spine, particularly in rear impacts.

An adjustable head restraint should be positioned so that it supports the back of the head rather than the neck and is as close to the head as practical. Drivers and passengers should adjust the restraint to their body size before travelling.

165. Airbag

An airbag is a vehicle safety device that rapidly inflates during certain collisions to help reduce the risk of an occupant striking the steering wheel, dashboard, doors or other parts of the vehicle interior. Vehicles may have frontal, side, curtain or other types of airbags.

Airbags form part of a supplemental restraint system (SRS) and are designed to work together with seat belts rather than replace them. Occupants should sit correctly, wear their seat belts and follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions concerning airbags and child-restraint systems.

166. ABS

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is an active safety system that helps prevent a vehicle's wheels from locking during hard braking. It automatically adjusts braking pressure at individual wheels so that they continue to rotate sufficiently to maintain directional control.

When ABS operates, the driver may feel rapid pulsing or vibration through the brake pedal. The driver should normally maintain firm braking pressure and continue steering towards a safe path rather than repeatedly releasing and reapplying the brake.

167. Esp

ESP (Electronic Stability Program), also known as Electronic Stability Control (ESC), is an active safety system designed to help prevent a vehicle from skidding or losing directional control. It compares the driver's intended direction with the vehicle's actual movement and can intervene when instability is detected.

ESP can automatically brake individual wheels and, depending on the vehicle, reduce engine power to help bring the vehicle back towards the intended path. The system operates within the limits of tyre grip and cannot overcome excessive speed or very slippery conditions.

168. Traction control system

Traction Control System (TCS) is an active safety system that helps prevent the driven wheels from spinning excessively during acceleration. When the system detects loss of traction, it can reduce engine power, apply braking to one or more wheels or use a combination of both.

Traction control is particularly useful when accelerating on wet, icy, snowy or loose surfaces. It helps the vehicle use the available tyre grip more effectively but cannot create grip where little or none is available.

169. Helmet

A helmet is protective headgear designed to reduce the risk and severity of head injuries during a collision or fall. Different types of helmets are designed for motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles and other activities and may be subject to specific safety standards.

Whether wearing a helmet is compulsory depends on the country, vehicle category, rider and sometimes age. A helmet should be suitable for its intended use, correctly fitted and securely worn so that it can provide the protection for which it was designed.

170. Bicycle helmet

Abicycle helmet is protective headgear designed to reduce the risk and severity of head injuries if a cyclist falls or is involved in a collision. It normally consists of an impact-absorbing liner, an outer shell and a retention strap that keeps the helmet securely on the head.

A bicycle helmet should fit correctly, sit level on the head and be securely fastened. A damaged helmet should be replaced because its protective performance may have been reduced even when the damage is not immediately visible.

171. Hands-free

Hands-free refers to using a telephone or communication system without holding the device in the hand. Hands-free operation can use the vehicle's built-in system, a headset, earphones, voice control or a phone secured in an appropriate holder.

Hands-free operation reduces the need to physically handle a device, but a conversation or interaction can still distract the driver. Drivers should therefore minimise device use and keep their attention on the road.

172. Smartphone

A smartphone is a mobile electronic device that combines telephone, messaging, internet, navigation, camera and application functions. When used in traffic, a smartphone can provide useful functions such as navigation or hands-free communication but can also create significant visual, manual and mental distraction.

Drivers should avoid handling or looking at a smartphone while driving. Where its use is permitted, the device should be positioned and operated in accordance with local traffic rules and without interfering with safe control of the vehicle.

173. GPS

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based positioning and navigation system that allows a compatible device to determine its location. In vehicles, GPS navigation can combine positioning information with digital maps to calculate routes and provide visual or spoken directions.

Drivers should preferably set their destination before starting the journey and avoid unnecessary interaction with the navigation system while driving. GPS directions are advisory and should never be followed when they conflict with traffic signs, road rules or actual road conditions.

174. Brake

A brake is a vehicle system used to reduce speed, bring the vehicle to a stop or keep it stationary. Most road vehicles use friction brakes at the wheels, while electric and hybrid vehicles may also use regenerative braking to recover energy while slowing down.

The braking system must remain in good working condition. Worn brake components, overheating, mechanical faults or reduced tyre grip can increase braking distance and reduce the driver's ability to control the vehicle safely.

175. Handbrake

A handbrake, commonly called the parking brake, is a braking system used to keep a stationary vehicle from moving after it has been parked. Traditional systems use a hand-operated lever, while modern vehicles may use a foot-operated or electronic parking brake.

The parking brake should be applied securely whenever the vehicle is parked, particularly on a slope. It operates separately from the normal service brake so that the vehicle can remain stationary even when the driver is absent.