Book

This informative book is designed for students who want to pass the quiz with confidence. Packed with clear explanations and visual examples, it keeps you engaged while helping you learn faster and succeed.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

1 National speed 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Minimum speed 9 Footpath 10 Bike path 11 Shared-use path 12 Pedestrian zone 13 Customs 14 One-way traffic 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Road narrowing 24 Priority over oncoming traffic 25 Give way to oncoming traffic 26 Pedestrian crossing 27 Railroad crossing 28 Mandatory direction 29 Turn prohibition 30 School-area 31 Overtaking 32 Crossing animals 33 Slippery road 34 Loose chippings 35 Rockfall 36 Aircraft 37 Curve 38 Double curve 39 Chevron 40 Wrong-way driving 41 Roadworks 42 Crosswind 43 Height limit 44 Width limit 45 Length limit 46 Weight limit 47 Crossroad 48 Main road 49 Traffic lights 50 Traffic lights warning 51 Pedestrian lights 52 Roadmarks 53 Crossroad shape 54 Driving license 55 Location marker 56 Countdown markers 57 Traffic mirror 58 Emergency telephone 59 International border 60 Pedestrian underpass 61 Cycling route 62 De-restriction 63 Parking 64 No parking 65 No stopping 66 No vehicles 67 Parking disc 68 U-turn 69 Traffic jam 70 Uncontrolled crossroad 71 Road surface 72 Equestrian 73 Provisional license 74 Emergency exit 75 Runaway truck ramp 76 Radio service 77 Oversize load 78 Parking garage 79 Passing place 80 Pedestrian overpass 81 Axle weight limit 82 License plate 83 Charging station 84 Dangers 85 Weather 86 Turn on red 87 Pedestrian 88 Cyclist 89 Moped 90 Motorcycle 91 Car 92 Bus 93 Police 94 Ambulance 95 Fire truck 96 Tailgating 97 European emission standard 98 Public transport 99 Track 100 Motorcycle equipment ...

1. National speed

National speed limits are the default maximum speeds set by law for different types of roads when no specific speed limit signs are present. They vary depending on the road type, vehicle category, and country, and drivers must know and apply them automatically.

Speed must always be adapted to conditions (weather, traffic, visibility).
Lower limits may apply for specific vehicles (e.g. trucks).

A sign indicating the general speed limits of Switzerland. (Bardonnex, Switzerland) © Wikimedia.org/Marc Mongenet, CC BY

2. Motorway

A motorway is a high-speed road designed for long-distance travel, with controlled access and no intersections or pedestrian traffic.

High speed limits (often 100–130 km/h or 60–80 mph).
Multiple lanes in each direction.
No traffic lights or stop signs.
No pedestrians, bicycles, or slow vehicles allowed.
Entry and exit only through on-ramps and off-ramps.
Often separated by a barrier or median.
Different Names in Different Places:
- Motorway – UK, Ireland, parts of Europe.
- Freeway – USA (West Coast), Australia.
- Expressway – Canada, some parts of Asia.
- Interstate – USA (Interstate Highway System).
- Autobahn – Germany (some sections have no speed limit).

3. Expressway

An expressway is a high-speed road specifically engineered to handle large volumes of traffic safely and efficiently over longer distances, with controlled access that limits where vehicles can enter or leave the road. Unlike regular roads, an expressway has no direct intersections, traffic lights, or pedestrian crossings, allowing traffic to flow continuously without interruption. It typically features multiple lanes in each direction, separated by a median or physical barrier to prevent head-on collisions.

4. Residential area

A residential area is a part of a town or city where people live. It’s mostly made up of homes, apartments, and housing complexes, rather than businesses or factories. These areas are designed for safety and quiet living. Speeding or reckless driving here is especially dangerous and often carries higher penalties.

Lower speed limits (often 20–40 km/h or 15–25 mph).
Be alert for:
- Kids running into the street.
- People crossing the road.
- Parked cars reducing visibility.

5. Built-up area

A built-up area is a place where there are lots of buildings, people, and activity — basically, any area that looks and feels like a town or city.

Lower speed limits usually apply (e.g. 30–50 km/h or 20–30 mph).
You’ll see more pedestrians, cyclists, and parked cars.
Need to be extra careful at crossings, junctions, and near schools.

Begin of a built-up area. (Zernez, Switzerland) © Wikimedia.org/Marc Mongenet, CC BY-SA

6. Zone

A zone refers to an area on the road where certain traffic laws or restrictions apply. Ignoring zone rules can lead to fines, points, or even accidents

Speed Zone – has a specific speed limit.
School Zone – reduced speed when near a school.
Parking Zone – controls where and how long you can park.
Residential Zone – lower speed, watch for children.
Low Emission Zone – limits access for polluting vehicles.

7. Speed limit

A speed limit is the maximum speed you are legally allowed to drive on a road. It helps keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe by reducing the risk of accidents. Always adjust your speed for weather, traffic, and road conditions — even if you're below the speed limit!

Helps prevent accidents.
Gives drivers more time to react.
Keeps traffic flowing smoothly.
Protects people in areas like school zones or construction sites.

8. Minimum speed

A minimum speed is the slowest speed you're legally allowed to drive on certain roads — especially highways or expressways. Driving Below the Minimum Speed Can be dangerous, especially if cars behind you are moving much faster. It may result in a ticket or fine unless you have a valid reason (like bad weather or mechanical issues).

Keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Prevent slow drivers from causing traffic jams or accidents.
Make sure vehicles don’t block faster-moving traffic.
Not all roads have minimum speed limits.
In poor conditions (rain, fog, snow), you should always slow down—even below the minimum—if it's safer to do so.

Begin of a tunnel over 250 meter. Pedestrians and cyclists prohibited. Minimum speed of 50 km/h. (Monthey, Switzerland) © Wikimedia.org/Marc Mongenet, CC BY-SA

9. Footpath

A footpath (or sidewalk) is a designated path for pedestrians, usually alongside a road. Traffic rules for footpaths ensure the safety of pedestrians and maintain order in urban areas.

No driving or parking on footpaths – Vehicles are not allowed to obstruct pedestrian paths.
No riding bicycles or motorcycles (unless marked as a shared path).
Give way to pedestrians at crossings – Always stop or slow down near footpath exits.
Use the footpath only for walking – Do not walk on the road unless necessary.
Keep to the left/right (depending on local rules) to allow smooth pedestrian flow.
Do not block the path – Avoid standing in groups that obstruct others.

10. Bike path

A bike path (also called a cycling path or bike lane) is a designated pathway for bicycles, separate from motor vehicle traffic. It provides a safe and dedicated space for cyclists, reducing the risk of accidents with cars and pedestrians. Bike paths promote safe, eco-friendly transport and reduce traffic congestion!

Rules for cyclists:
- Ride in the correct direction (following traffic flow).
- Yield to pedestrians on shared paths.
- Follow traffic signals and signs.
- No reckless riding (e.g., speeding, sudden turns).
Rules for pedestrians:
- Stay off dedicated bike lanes unless marked as a shared path.
- Cross bike lanes carefully at intersections.
Rules for motorists:
- Do not park or drive in bike lanes.
- Yield to cyclists at crossings.

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