Traffic signsFrance

Parallel parking means positioning a vehicle parallel to the edge of the road, typically between vehicles already parked along the kerb or roadside.

Check mirrors and blind spots, signal when required and make sure there is enough space to complete the manoeuvre without endangering pedestrians, cyclists or other traffic.

The vehicle should be completely within the permitted parking area, reasonably close to the road edge and positioned so that it does not unnecessarily obstruct traffic or access to other vehicles.

Alternate-side parking requires vehicles to park on one side of a street during a specified period and on the opposite side during another period. The applicable side is normally determined by traffic signs or local regulations.

It can help maintain sufficient road width, distribute parked vehicles between both sides of a street and provide access for street cleaning, maintenance, snow removal or emergency vehicles.

The changeover time depends on the local rules. Drivers should check the signs carefully because some systems require vehicles to change sides at a particular time or on specific dates.

A parking meter is a device used to regulate parking and, in many cases, collect payment for the time a vehicle occupies a parking space or parking area.

The driver normally selects or pays for a permitted parking period according to the instructions on the machine. Depending on the system, the driver may receive a ticket, enter the vehicle registration number or activate parking electronically.

No. Some systems issue a ticket that must be displayed visibly inside the vehicle, while others record the vehicle registration number electronically and require no paper ticket.

Check the parking signs, parking meter and local instructions. They normally indicate the hours and days during which payment is required, as well as the applicable tariff and maximum parking duration.

Often yes, but this depends on the local parking regulations. The meter or nearby signs should indicate when payment is required and whether other restrictions continue to apply outside those hours.

Yes. Paid parking areas may have a maximum parking duration. Paying additional money does not necessarily allow you to remain beyond the maximum period specified by the parking rules.

Follow the local instructions for defective machines. You may be required to use another meter, a parking disc, a mobile payment service or another permitted method. The procedure varies between countries and municipalities.

Many parking authorities allow payment through an approved mobile application, text-message service or other electronic system. Only use payment methods officially indicated for the parking area.

In systems linked to a vehicle registration number, entering the wrong registration may mean that the vehicle has no valid parking session. Check the information carefully before confirming payment.

No. Payment does not override general traffic rules or parking prohibitions. The vehicle must still be parked legally and must not obstruct crossings, intersections, driveways, reserved spaces or other protected locations.

A parking disc shows when a vehicle arrived at a time-limited parking space. It allows parking enforcement officers to determine whether the permitted parking period has been exceeded.

It should normally be placed clearly visible behind the windscreen or in another position specified by local traffic rules so that the indicated time can be read from outside the vehicle.

Generally no where the applicable rules prohibit extending the parking period in this way. The vehicle normally has to leave the parking space before a new parking period can begin.

Disabled parking spaces are intended for eligible people who hold a valid disabled parking permit or card. The exact eligibility requirements and permit system depend on the country.

Generally no. Disabled parking permits are normally personal and may only be used when the permit holder is driving or travelling in the vehicle.

No. A permit may provide access to reserved spaces or exemptions from certain parking restrictions, but rules concerning parking charges and time limits vary between countries and local authorities.

Traffic management is the organised control and guidance of traffic using signs, signals, road markings, lane controls, speed restrictions, diversions and other measures.

Traffic management is used to improve safety, control traffic flow and reduce disruption. It can also protect road workers, pedestrians, cyclists and emergency services.

Common methods include traffic lights, road signs, road markings, variable-message signs, lane-control signals, temporary barriers, speed restrictions and diversions. Authorised persons may also direct traffic.

Yes. Temporary or variable speed-limit signs may impose a different maximum speed because of congestion, roadworks, weather, incidents or other conditions. Drivers must follow the limit currently displayed.

Yes. Lane-control signals, temporary signs or road markings may close lanes, move traffic into different lanes or require drivers to change lane. Follow the current signs and markings rather than the normal road layout.

Move into an open lane safely and in good time, following any arrows, signs and local merging rules. Never continue along a lane that is clearly indicated as closed.

Yes. Properly authorised temporary signs used for roadworks, incidents or other traffic-management measures must be obeyed in the same way as other official traffic signs.

Follow the directions of the authorised person. In many countries, these directions take precedence over traffic lights, road signs or the normal traffic rules.

Roadworks may use temporary speed limits, lane closures, barriers, temporary markings, traffic lights and diversions. Road users should reduce speed where necessary and carefully follow the temporary route.

Yes. Temporary or permanent traffic arrangements should account for pedestrians and cyclists as well as motor vehicles. They may be provided with separate routes, crossings, signals or diversions where necessary.

Merging means joining another stream or lane of traffic, usually where an entry lane, acceleration lane or another traffic lane connects with the continuing roadway.

This depends on the road layout and national traffic rules. In many situations, the driver changing lanes must give way to vehicles already travelling in the lane being entered, unless signs or specific merging rules provide otherwise.

Zipper merging is a system used where a lane ends during congested traffic. Drivers use both lanes up to the merging point and then enter the continuing lane alternately, one vehicle from each traffic stream.

Check behind and around the vehicle for pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles and obstacles. Use mirrors and cameras where available, but also look directly because monitoring systems can have blind spots.

In many countries, reversing is treated as a manoeuvre and the reversing driver must give way to other road users. The exact legal requirements depend on national traffic rules.

No. Reversing should normally be limited to the distance necessary to complete the manoeuvre safely. Driving forward generally provides better visibility and vehicle control.

A U-turn is a manoeuvre used to reverse a vehicle's direction so that it continues along the road in the opposite direction.

Check traffic in all relevant directions, mirrors and blind spots, and look for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. Make sure there is sufficient visibility and space and that the manoeuvre is permitted.

No. U-turns may be prohibited by traffic signs or road rules and should never be attempted where visibility, road layout or traffic conditions make the manoeuvre unsafe.

Carpooling means two or more people sharing the same car for a journey instead of travelling separately in different vehicles.

A carpool parking area is a designated place where travellers can meet, park one or more vehicles and continue their journey together in a shared car.

No. Carpooling means several people travelling together in the same vehicle, while carsharing means different users having access to the same shared vehicle at different times.

An uncontrolled crossroad is an intersection where priority is not specifically assigned by traffic lights, an authorised person or priority signs. Drivers must use the default priority rules of the country.

This depends on the local traffic law. Some countries use priority from the right, while others use different rules. Drivers should know the default intersection rule of the country in which they are driving.

Not necessarily. The width, surface or amount of traffic on a road does not by itself determine priority unless local law specifically provides otherwise.

Yes. Approach at a speed that allows you to observe approaching traffic, determine who has priority and stop safely if necessary.

Yes. Cyclists generally follow the applicable intersection priority rules unless a specific cycle facility, sign or local rule provides otherwise.

No. Continuing straight ahead does not automatically give priority over traffic approaching on another road. The applicable priority rules must still be followed.

Turning may create additional obligations, particularly towards pedestrians, cyclists or opposing traffic. Drivers must follow both the intersection priority rule and the rules governing the intended turn.

Apply the country's default priority rule. Do not rely simply on which vehicle appears to have arrived first unless local law specifically uses that rule.

The intersection is not necessarily completely uncontrolled. Priority signs, road markings and default priority rules may still determine who must give way. Drivers should approach with particular caution.

Reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Never force your way through an intersection simply because the priority situation is unclear.

A road surface warning indicates that the surface ahead may be uneven, damaged or otherwise capable of affecting the safe movement of vehicles.

Depending on the country, it may warn of bumps, depressions, potholes, broken pavement, uneven repairs or other surface irregularities.

Reduce speed where necessary, increase your awareness of the road ahead and be prepared for changes in the vehicle's stability or direction.

Not normally. A warning sign alerts drivers to a hazard rather than establishing a numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign may be used where a particular maximum speed is required.

Where slowing is necessary, it is generally safer to reduce speed before reaching the irregular surface rather than braking sharply while travelling over it.

A severe surface irregularity can affect tyre contact, steering, braking and vehicle stability. It can also damage tyres, wheels or suspension components.

Yes. Two-wheeled vehicles can be particularly sensitive to potholes, ridges and other irregularities because these hazards may disturb their balance or alter their direction suddenly.

No. An uneven-road warning concerns the physical condition or shape of the road surface. A slippery-road warning concerns reduced tyre grip caused by the surface or conditions such as water, ice, mud or other substances.

Yes. A supplementary sign may indicate the distance to the hazard or the length of the affected section, depending on the country's traffic-sign system.

Yes, when conditions require it. Additional distance provides more time to react if the vehicle ahead slows suddenly to avoid a pothole or other surface defect.

A ring road is a road or connected route that runs around or partly around an urban area and helps distribute traffic between different destinations without requiring all traffic to pass through the centre.

Ring roads are commonly used to divert through traffic, connect major roads and provide access to different parts of a city. They can reduce the amount of traffic travelling through central streets.

No. A ring road may completely surround a city, form only part of a loop or consist of several connected roads that together perform a ring-road function.

No. Some ring roads are motorways, while others consist of expressways, ordinary roads or a mixture of road types. Motorway rules apply only where the road is legally designated as a motorway.

There is no universal ring-road speed limit. The applicable speed depends on the country, road classification, location and posted traffic signs.

Ring roads are usually indicated by route numbers, directional signs or the name of the ring. The signs may also show destinations that can be reached by travelling clockwise or anticlockwise around the urban area.

Yes. Ordinary ring roads may contain intersections, roundabouts and traffic lights. Fully controlled-access ring roads or motorway sections generally use grade-separated junctions instead.

This depends on the road type and local access rules. They may use some ordinary-road sections but are normally prohibited from motorway sections and other roads where signs restrict access.

Follow the country's normal lane-use rules and any lane-direction signs. On multi-lane sections, choose the appropriate lane in good time when approaching an interchange or exit.

Continue safely to the next suitable junction or exit. Never reverse, make an unsafe U-turn or cross restricted areas in an attempt to return to a missed exit.

An exit is a designated route or point that allows traffic to leave a road, motorway or expressway and continue toward another road or destination.

Check the direction signs, select the correct lane in good time, signal when required and avoid sudden lane changes when approaching the exit.

Continue safely along the road and use a later exit or another permitted route. Do not stop, reverse or make a dangerous sudden manoeuvre simply to reach an exit you have missed.

An information point is a place where travellers can obtain information about local destinations, attractions, services, routes or other useful facilities.

Depending on the location, an information point may provide maps, tourist information, directions, information about attractions and details about nearby services.

Many countries use a service or information sign to direct road users toward an information point. The exact symbol and sign design vary between countries.

Equestrian refers to horse riding and, in a traffic context, particularly to people travelling on horseback or using designated horse-riding routes.

Depending on local rules, riders may use roads, bridleways, paths or routes specifically designated for horse riding.

Drivers should slow down, leave plenty of space and pass calmly, avoiding sudden acceleration, horn use or other actions that could frighten the horse.

Hazardous cargo includes substances and articles classified as dangerous for transport, such as explosives, gases, flammable materials, toxic or infectious substances, radioactive materials and corrosive substances.

Yes, when the applicable dangerous-goods rules require them. Packages and vehicles can require hazard labels, placards, identification numbers or other markings that identify the nature of the danger.

Yes. Dangerous-goods vehicles can be subject to route and tunnel restrictions according to the type and quantity of goods being transported and the classification of the road or tunnel.

An emergency exit is a designated escape route that allows people to leave the traffic area of a tunnel and reach a safer location during an emergency.

Use an emergency exit when evacuation is necessary because of fire, smoke or another serious danger, or when instructed to evacuate by tunnel personnel or emergency services.

No. Tunnel emergency exits are intended for people evacuating on foot. Leave the vehicle when necessary and follow the marked escape route towards safety.

It provides an emergency stopping area for a vehicle that can no longer slow down adequately with its normal brakes. It is particularly intended for heavy vehicles on long or steep descents.

Depending on its design, the ramp may rise uphill or contain deep gravel, sand or another arresting material that creates resistance and rapidly reduces the vehicle's speed.

No. An escape ramp is an emergency safety facility and should be kept clear for vehicles that have lost effective braking or control.

A traffic radio service broadcasts information for road users, such as congestion, collisions, roadworks, closures or other conditions that may affect traffic.

It indicates a radio station or frequency on which drivers can receive traffic information relevant to the road or surrounding area.

No. Radio information can help drivers anticipate conditions and choose a route, but drivers must continue to obey traffic signs, signals, road rules and instructions from authorised persons.

An oversize load is a load that makes a vehicle or vehicle combination exceed one or more of the normal legal dimensions for road use, such as its permitted width, height or length.

Often yes. Depending on the country, dimensions and route, a permit may be required and can specify where and when the vehicle may travel and what additional safety measures must be used.

Escort vehicles can warn other road users, help manage difficult road sections and assist the exceptional vehicle when its size creates additional traffic risks. The number and type of escorts required depend on national rules and the dimensions of the transport.

A traffic lane is a longitudinal part of a roadway intended for a line of moving vehicles.

No. A roadway is the larger area intended for vehicle traffic and may contain one or several individual lanes.

Lanes are commonly separated by continuous or broken longitudinal road markings. Their appearance and legal meaning depend on the local traffic-sign system.

Normally yes, when permitted and safe, for example when changing lane or overtaking. Drivers must still check surrounding traffic and follow local rules.

Normally no, except where local law provides a specific exception. A continuous line generally indicates that crossing the marking is prohibited.

Yes. Drivers should indicate their intention in sufficient time and change lane only after making sure the movement can be completed safely.

A driver changing lane generally must give way to traffic already travelling in the lane being entered, although specific merging rules may apply in some situations.

Yes. Particular lanes may be reserved for buses, bicycles, high-occupancy vehicles or other specified traffic according to local signs and regulations.

Yes. Lane-control signals, temporary signs, barriers or roadworks markings may close a lane or direct traffic into another lane.

Follow the merging rules and road markings, observe surrounding traffic and move into the continuing lane safely. Special zipper-merging rules may apply during congestion.

Arrows painted in a lane can indicate the direction or directions that traffic using that lane must follow, particularly when approaching an intersection.

Yes. Avoid unnecessary lane changes. Choose an appropriate lane and change only when needed for overtaking, turning, merging or following the required route.

An air pressure station is a facility where drivers can measure and adjust the air pressure in their vehicle's tyres.

Air pressure equipment is commonly available at filling stations, service areas, garages and other vehicle-service facilities.

Use the tyre pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The required pressure can vary according to the vehicle, tyres and load.