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ZoneAustria

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Austria

5. Zone

A traffic zone is an area in which a traffic rule applies throughout all included roads or road sections. The rule normally begins at a zone-entry sign and remains applicable until the corresponding end-of-zone sign is passed.

Zones may regulate speed, parking, access, vehicle categories, emissions or other traffic behaviour. The signs used, the roads covered and the effect of intersections or local exceptions depend on local traffic law.

Zone
30 km/h zone sign. (Bad Vigaun, Austria)
Wikimedia.org • Eweht • CC BY-SA
What is a traffic zone?

A traffic zone is a defined area in which a particular restriction, prohibition or obligation applies throughout the included roads rather than only at one location.

How can you recognise a traffic zone?

A traffic zone normally begins with a zone-entry sign showing the applicable rule. A corresponding end-of-zone sign indicates where that rule stops applying.

What is the difference between a zone sign and an ordinary traffic sign?

An ordinary sign usually applies to a particular road, direction, lane or section. A zone sign applies throughout a designated area, which may contain several roads and intersections.

Does a zone normally continue after an intersection?

Usually, yes. A zonal rule commonly continues through intersections until an end-of-zone sign is reached. The exact effect of intersections depends on local law.

How does a traffic zone end?

A traffic zone normally ends when you pass the corresponding end-of-zone sign. The normal road rules or another signed regulation then apply.

Can more than one rule apply inside a zone?

Yes. A zone may contain several regulations, such as a speed limit together with parking or access restrictions. Drivers must observe every applicable sign.

Can another traffic sign apply inside a zone?

Yes. A local sign may introduce a different or more restrictive rule on a particular road or section. Whether the original zonal rule resumes afterwards depends on local law and the type of regulation.

What types of traffic zones exist?

Common examples include speed zones, parking zones, low-emission zones, pedestrian zones, cycling zones, school zones and zones restricting particular vehicle categories.

Is a traffic zone the same as a built-up area?

No. A built-up area is a broader legally defined urban area. A traffic zone imposes a specific signed rule and may be located inside or outside a built-up area.

Is a traffic zone the same as a residential area?

No. A residential area describes an area mainly used for housing. It may contain one or more traffic zones, but the terms do not automatically have the same legal meaning.

Does a zonal rule apply to every road user?

Not necessarily. The sign, symbol or additional panel may limit the rule to particular vehicles, road users, times or circumstances.

What should you do when entering a traffic zone?

Observe the entrance sign carefully, identify every displayed rule and remember that the regulation may continue across several roads and intersections until the zone ends.

1 Austria 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Cycling street 12 Pedestrian zone 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Give way to oncoming traffic 24 Railway crossing 25 Mandatory direction 26 Turn prohibition 27 School area 28 Overtaking 29 Crossing animals 30 Wrong-way driving 31 Roadworks 32 Height limit 33 Width limit 34 Weight limit 35 Priority at the next junction 36 Traffic lights 37 Pedestrian lights 38 Speed feedback 39 Driving licence 40 Location marker 41 Traffic mirror 42 Emergency telephone 43 International border 44 Cycling route 45 Parking 46 No parking 47 No stopping 48 Disabled parking 49 Reversing 50 Uncontrolled crossroad 51 Road surface 52 Provisional licence 53 Runaway truck ramp 54 City limit 55 Cyclist crossing 56 Horn 57 Licence plate 58 Charging station 59 Dangers 60 Cyclist 61 Bus 62 Police 63 Ambulance 64 Police signals 65 European emission standard 66 Pothole 67 Private property 68 Path 69 Particulates 70 Air pollution 71 Rush hour 72 Road code 73 Street gutter 74 Cargo bike 75 Forestry vehicle 76 Construction vehicle 77 Semi-trailer truck 78 Trolleybus 79 Speed pedelec 80 Delivery vehicle 81 Idling 82 Tow truck 83 Four-wheel drive 84 No vehicles 85 Bicycle 86 Motorcycle equipment 87 Tram 88 Rail track 89 Caravan 90 Trailer 91 Tow hitch 92 Fire truck 93 Siren 94 Convoy 95 Emergency vehicle lighting 96 Agricultural machinery 97 Electric bicycle 98 Electric vehicle 99 Pedelec 100 Quadricycle ...