Traffic signsCzechia

51. International border

An international border is the legal boundary between two countries. A border sign may identify the country being entered and remind drivers that different traffic laws, speed limits, road signs, vehicle requirements and document rules may apply.

The border sign itself does not normally require drivers to stop. Passport, immigration or customs controls may take place at a checkpoint, but some international borders can be crossed without routine controls under regional agreements.

52. Pedestrian underpass

A pedestrian underpass is a passage that allows pedestrians to travel beneath a road, railway or other obstacle without crossing the traffic route at the same level. It is a form of grade-separated pedestrian crossing.

Pedestrian underpasses may be reached by stairs, ramps or lifts and can form part of a wider footpath or pedestrian network. Cyclists and other users may use the underpass only when the design, signs and local regulations permit them to do so.

53. Cycling route

A cycling route is a planned or signposted route intended to guide cyclists between places or through a particular area. It may follow cycle paths, quiet streets, shared roads, greenways or other routes considered suitable for cycling.

A cycling route does not necessarily give cyclists exclusive use of the road or path and should not be confused with a cycle path or cycle lane. The traffic rules, priority rules and permitted road users depend on the individual roads and paths that form the route and on the local signs and regulations.

54. Parking

Parking means leaving a vehicle stationary at a place for a period of time rather than stopping only briefly because of traffic conditions or another immediate necessity. Many countries distinguish parking from a short stop made to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods, although the exact legal definition varies.

Parking may be permitted, restricted, reserved, time-limited or prohibited by traffic signs, road markings, parking zones and local regulations. Drivers must park without creating a danger or unnecessary obstruction and must comply with any conditions concerning payment, permits, vehicle categories or maximum parking duration.

55. No parking

No parking indicates that vehicles may not be left parked at the location or along the section of road covered by the restriction. Depending on local law, a driver may still be allowed to stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods, provided stopping itself is not prohibited.

A no-parking restriction may apply continuously or only during specified times, days, vehicle categories or sections of road. Its exact extent and exceptions are determined by the traffic sign, supplementary panels, road markings and local traffic regulations.

56. No stopping

No stopping means that vehicles are not permitted to stop voluntarily at the indicated location, even briefly for picking up or dropping off passengers or loading or unloading goods. It is a stricter restriction than a no-parking rule.

A no-stopping restriction may be indicated by a traffic sign, road marking or local traffic regulation. Drivers should continue to a place where stopping is permitted unless they are forced to stop by traffic conditions, an emergency or another legal requirement.

57. Park and ride

Park and ride is a parking facility where drivers leave their vehicle and continue their journey using public transport, a bicycle or another mode of transport. These facilities are commonly located near the edge of a city or close to major transport routes.

Park-and-ride facilities can reduce traffic and parking demand in busy urban areas by encouraging drivers to complete part of their journey without a car. Parking charges, maximum stay and public transport connections vary between locations.

58. Kiss and ride

A Kiss and Ride area is a designated place where drivers may stop briefly to drop off or pick up passengers. These areas are commonly provided near schools, railway stations, airports and other busy destinations to allow passengers to enter or leave a vehicle without occupying ordinary parking spaces.

A Kiss and Ride area is intended for very short stops rather than waiting or parking. Drivers should remain only as long as necessary for passengers to get in or out and must follow any traffic signs, time limits, road markings or local regulations applying to the area.

59. Disabled parking

Disabled parking refers to parking spaces and parking privileges reserved for people with disabilities who meet the applicable eligibility requirements. Reserved spaces are normally identified by the international wheelchair symbol and are positioned to provide easier access to nearby facilities.

Use of a disabled parking space generally requires a valid disabled parking permit or card. The permit normally belongs to the eligible person rather than to a particular vehicle and may only be used when that person is driving or travelling in the vehicle.

60. Traffic management

Traffic management is the organised control, regulation and guidance of road users to improve safety, traffic flow and the efficient use of roads. It can include traffic lights, road signs, road markings, lane controls, variable speed limits, diversions and directions given by authorised persons.

Traffic management may be permanent or temporary. Temporary measures are commonly introduced during roadworks, congestion, collisions, public events or other incidents. Drivers and other road users must follow the signs, signals and instructions applying at the location, even when they differ from the normal traffic arrangement.

61. Reversing

Reversing means driving a vehicle backwards. It is commonly used when parking, leaving a confined space or repositioning a vehicle where forward movement is not practical.

Before reversing, the driver should check mirrors and blind spots, look carefully around the vehicle and make sure the area behind is clear. Reversing should be performed slowly and only for as long as necessary because visibility behind the vehicle is often limited.

62. Road surface

A road surface warning indicates that the road ahead may be uneven, damaged or in poor condition and could affect the stability, steering or braking of a vehicle. The hazard may include bumps, depressions, potholes, broken pavement or other irregularities in the road surface.

Drivers should reduce speed where necessary, maintain a safe distance and avoid sudden steering or braking when passing over an irregular surface. The exact meaning and appearance of the warning sign vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

63. Provisional licence

A provisional licence allows a learner driver to practise driving on public roads before obtaining a full driving licence. The conditions vary between countries and may determine whether the learner must be accompanied by an approved supervisor, which vehicles may be driven, where and when driving is permitted and how long the licence remains valid. A provisional licence is normally subject to stricter rules than a full licence and is intended specifically for learning and gaining practical driving experience.

64. Hazardous cargo

Hazardous cargo, also called dangerous goods, consists of substances or articles that can create a significant risk to people, property or the environment during transport. Examples include explosives, flammable liquids and gases, toxic substances, corrosive materials and radioactive substances.

Transporting hazardous cargo can require special packaging, labels, vehicle markings, documentation, equipment and driver training. Additional route or tunnel restrictions may also apply depending on the type and quantity of dangerous goods being carried.

65. Runaway truck ramp

A runaway truck ramp, also called an emergency escape lane, is a specially constructed lane designed to stop a vehicle that has lost effective braking, particularly a heavy vehicle descending a steep hill. The ramp may use an uphill gradient, deep gravel or another energy-absorbing surface to slow and stop the vehicle.

A driver who has lost braking ability should enter the escape ramp as early and safely as possible rather than trying to continue down the hill. Escape ramps are emergency facilities and must not be used for ordinary stopping, parking or turning.

66. Tourist attraction

A tourist attraction is a place of interest that visitors may travel to for cultural, historical, recreational, natural or entertainment purposes. Examples include monuments, castles, museums, scenic sites, amusement parks and other notable destinations.

Tourist attractions may be indicated by tourist or direction signs that help travellers find the destination. The colours, symbols and types of attractions shown vary between countries.

67. Axle weight limit

An axle weight limit is the maximum permitted weight or load carried by a single axle of a vehicle. It limits how much force an axle and its wheels may transmit to the road, independently of the vehicle's total weight.

Axle weight limits help protect bridges and road surfaces from excessive loads and contribute to safe vehicle operation. A vehicle can comply with an overall weight limit while still exceeding an axle limit if its load is distributed incorrectly.

68. Licence plate

A licence plate, also called a registration plate or number plate, is a plate displaying a unique registration identifier assigned to a vehicle by the competent registration authority. It allows the vehicle to be identified for purposes such as registration, traffic enforcement, taxation, insurance and parking control.

The appearance, format, placement and number of plates required vary between countries and vehicle categories. Drivers must ensure that required licence plates are correctly fitted, clearly visible and legible and must follow the local rules when a plate is lost, stolen, damaged or replaced.

69. Charging station

A charging station is a location equipped with one or more charging points where the battery of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle can be connected to an electricity supply and recharged. Charging stations may be located along public roads, in car parks, at service areas or on private property.

Charging spaces may be reserved for vehicles that are charging and can be subject to parking restrictions, time limits, payment requirements or other conditions. Drivers must follow the traffic signs, parking regulations and charging instructions applying at the location.

70. Dangers

A general danger warning sign warns road users of a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign. The particular danger may be explained by a supplementary panel, text, symbol or other indication placed with the warning sign.

Drivers should increase their attention, observe the road ahead and adapt their speed to the nature of the hazard and surrounding conditions. The exact appearance of the sign and the way the danger is identified vary between countries, so road users must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

71. Cyclist

A cyclist is a person who rides and controls a bicycle. Cyclists are road users and, in many countries, bicycles are legally treated as vehicles, meaning cyclists must follow many of the same traffic rules that apply to other drivers together with rules specifically intended for cycling.

Cyclists should use designated cycling facilities where required, obey traffic signs and signals and ride in a predictable and safe manner. The exact rules governing road position, priority, equipment and permitted cycling areas vary between countries.

72. Bus

A bus is a motor vehicle designed to transport multiple passengers, usually along roads as part of public transport, school transport, private transport or another passenger service. Buses generally have more passenger capacity than cars and may be designed to carry seated passengers, standing passengers or both.

Special rules may apply to buses concerning the driving licence, passenger capacity, speed limits, seat belts, bus lanes, stops and passenger boarding. The legal classification of buses and coaches and the rules applying to them vary between countries, so drivers and passengers must follow the local traffic regulations.

73. Police

Police are public authorities responsible for enforcing laws, maintaining public safety and managing situations that may affect road traffic. In traffic, police officers may control vehicles, enforce traffic rules, investigate collisions, direct traffic and respond to emergencies.

Road users must follow lawful instructions given by police officers or other authorised traffic-control personnel. Police directions may temporarily override traffic lights, road signs or normal traffic arrangements, depending on local law.

74. Ambulance

An ambulance is a vehicle equipped and used to provide emergency medical assistance or transport patients to or between healthcare facilities. Ambulances may carry medical equipment and trained personnel who can provide treatment during transport.

During an emergency response, an ambulance may use warning lights and a siren and may receive special priority or exemptions from certain traffic rules. Other road users must follow the local rules for emergency vehicles, make sufficient space and avoid obstructing their passage.

75. Taxi

A taxi is a vehicle used to transport passengers for payment, usually providing individual or small-group journeys between locations chosen by the passenger. Taxi services may operate from designated taxi stands, accept street hails or be booked by telephone or digital platform.

Taxis are commonly identified by special markings, roof signs, licence plates or local taxi permits. The licensing, fare and operating rules vary between countries and cities.