Traffic signsHungary
Traffic rules
Hungary
26. Wrong-way driving
Wrong-way driving occurs when a driver travels against the legally permitted direction of traffic. It may happen on a one-way road, divided road, motorway entrance or exit, or another road section reserved for traffic travelling in one direction.
Wrong-way driving creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision. Drivers must follow direction signs, no-entry signs, lane arrows and road markings. Anyone who accidentally enters a road in the wrong direction should slow down, warn other traffic, stop in the safest available place and contact the emergency services.
Wikimedia.org • Robot8A • CC BY-SA
How can you avoid driving the wrong way in Hungary?
Traffic normally keeps right here. Keep to the correct side of the road and use no-entry and one-way signs to identify prohibited approaches; do not enter an exit ramp against its permitted direction.
What signs can prevent wrong-way driving in Hungary?
Read no-entry signs, one-way signs, lane arrows and temporary directions together; a wide road is not automatically two-way. Before entering a motorway, expressway, one-way street or slip road, check the permitted direction rather than relying only on a navigation app.
What should you do if you enter a road against traffic in Hungary?
Stop as soon as you can safely do so, without continuing towards oncoming traffic. Warn other road users if safe and contact the police for instructions. Do not attempt a U-turn, reverse along a motorway or cross moving traffic to correct the mistake. Keep yourself and passengers clear of moving traffic whenever you can reach protection safely.
27. Roadworks
Roadworks are construction, maintenance, repair or inspection activities carried out on or beside a road. They may temporarily change the road layout, lane widths, speed limits, priority, permitted directions and facilities for pedestrians or cyclists.
Drivers must follow the temporary signs, traffic lights, barriers, road markings and instructions from authorised personnel. They should reduce speed, increase their following distance and remain prepared for narrow lanes, stopped traffic, workers, machinery and sudden changes in the route.
Wikimedia.org • Solymári • CC BY-SA
What should you watch for when approaching roadworks in Hungary?
Look for temporary warnings, cones, barriers, narrow lanes and construction vehicles. Road layouts can change temporarily, including lane shifts, traffic-light control and short one-way sections. Expect workers and slow or stationary traffic near the worksite.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 3,6-9,14(1)(d),16(1)(m),20,26
Is a temporary speed limit at roadworks binding in Hungary?
Where an authorised temporary regulatory speed limit is in force, you must obey it. A roadworks warning alone should not be mistaken for a new numerical limit, but conditions may require driving more slowly.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 3,6-9,14(1)(d),16(1)(m),20,26
What if only one lane remains open through roadworks in Hungary?
Follow the temporary signals, stop/go instructions, lane arrows and priority signs. Do not enter an opposing traffic lane until permitted, and give vulnerable road users and road workers extra room.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 3,6-9,14(1)(d),16(1)(m),20,26
Warning for roadworks.
English • Traffic sign figure 80 • Roadworks. Road repairs, maintenance or similar work are taking place on the carriageway or immediately beside it.
Magyar • 80. ábra • Úton folyó munkák. Az úttesten vagy annak közvetlen közelében útjavítási, karbantartási vagy egyéb hasonló munkálat folyik.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Njt.jog.gov.hu • 1/1975. (II. 5.) KPM–BM együttes rendelet (KRESZ) • 16(1)m • 80. ábra
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Rl91 • Public domain • Source revision 2012-07-17. Wikimedia original unmodified.
28. Height limit
A height limit prohibits vehicles whose total height exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel, gateway or other structure. The vehicle’s height includes its load and any equipment attached above it.
Drivers of high vehicles must know their exact height, observe advance warnings and use an alternative route when necessary. They should never rely only on visual judgement or attempt to pass beneath a structure when safe clearance is uncertain.
Wikimedia.org • Pan Peter12 • CC BY-SA
How should you read a low-bridge height restriction in Hungary?
The maximum-height sign prohibits vehicles higher than the stated limit. Check the complete travelling height, including the load and roof-mounted equipment, before entering a low bridge, tunnel or other restricted passage. Read any advance indication and use a permitted alternative when necessary.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 3,14(1)(j),26(4)
Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.
English • Traffic sign figure 36 • Height limit. Vehicles higher than the value shown, including their load, may not use the road.
Magyar • 36. ábra • Magasságkorlátozás. Az úton a táblán megjelöltnél – rakományával együtt – magasabb járművel közlekedni tilos.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Njt.jog.gov.hu • 1/1975. (II. 5.) KPM–BM együttes rendelet (KRESZ) • 14(1)j • 36. ábra
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Gigillo83 • Public domain • Source revision 2014-03-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Does a roof load count when checking vehicle height in Hungary?
Yes. Check the highest point of the complete travelling vehicle, including a roof box, roof rack, bicycle or other load and fitted equipment. Do not rely on the registered height of an unloaded vehicle. Compare the actual travelling height with the signed restriction and the available clearance.
What should you do if your vehicle is too high for a bridge or tunnel in Hungary?
Do not try to squeeze under the structure. Use the signed alternative route and, if you are already close to the obstruction, stop where safe and seek traffic-control assistance rather than reversing unpredictably into moving traffic.
29. Weight limit
A weight limit prohibits vehicles or vehicle combinations whose mass exceeds the value shown from entering or passing a road section, bridge, tunnel or other structure. Depending on local law, the restriction may concern the vehicle’s actual loaded mass, maximum authorised mass or load on an individual axle.
Drivers must know which type of mass the sign refers to and must include the vehicle, passengers, cargo and any trailer where required. A vehicle that exceeds the limit must use another suitable route.
Wikimedia.org • Beroesz • CC BY-SA
Does every weight-limit sign measure the same kind of vehicle weight in Hungary?
No. The weight-restriction sign limits the actual combined mass of the vehicle or vehicle combination, including people and load. An axle-load restriction limits the load on any axle. A weight-qualified goods-vehicle entry prohibition can instead use maximum authorised mass, which remains relevant even when the vehicle is empty.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ section 14(1)(l)-(m),(r); Appendix 1 II(u)-(v)
Vehicles heavier than indicated prohibited.
English • Traffic sign figure 38 • Weight limit. Vehicles or vehicle combinations whose total mass exceeds the value shown may not use the road.
Magyar • 38. ábra • Súlykorlátozás. Az úton a táblán megjelöltnél nagyobb össztömegű járművel (járműszerelvénnyel) közlekedni tilos.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Njt.jog.gov.hu • 1/1975. (II. 5.) KPM–BM együttes rendelet (KRESZ) • 14(1)l • 38. ábra
Replacement SVG: Commons.wikimedia.org • Wikimedia Commons original • Rl91 • Public domain • Original revision 2014-08-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Rl91 • Public domain • Source revision 2014-08-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Do cargo and trailers matter for a posted weight restriction in Hungary?
Yes. For the ordinary weight-restriction sign, include occupants, cargo and other carried items in the actual mass of the vehicle or complete combination. Check any axle-load limit separately. Do not confuse actual loaded mass with the maximum authorised mass used by some vehicle-category prohibitions.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ section 14(1)(l)-(m),(r); Appendix 1 II(u)-(v)
What should you do if your vehicle exceeds a bridge weight limit in Hungary?
Do not drive onto the bridge. Follow the signed alternative route and check the vehicle’s gross and axle loads as applicable. A general heavy-vehicle permit does not automatically authorise crossing every restricted bridge.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ section 14(1)(l)-(m),(r); Appendix 1 II(u)-(v)
30. Radar speed sign
A radar speed sign warns drivers that vehicle speeds may be monitored by a fixed camera, mobile radar, lidar or average-speed enforcement system. It reminds drivers to check and respect the applicable speed limit.
The sign does not normally establish the speed limit itself. Drivers must follow the general, posted or variable speed limit applying to the road and must not brake suddenly merely because speed enforcement is indicated.
Wikimedia.org • Rovas Alapitvany • CC BY-SA
What should a driver understand from a radar or speed-camera warning in Hungary?
It is an indication that speed may be checked or monitored at a point or along a section. Speed monitoring may use different equipment and signs, and any legal obligation to warn drivers depends on the authority and applicable law. It is not, by itself, a new numerical speed limit.
Which speed limit applies when a radar warning is displayed in Hungary?
Follow the speed-limit sign, applicable speed zone or statutory road and vehicle limit. A camera symbol or enforcement notice must not be mistaken for a sign raising or ending that limit.
Should you brake abruptly when you notice a radar sign in Hungary?
No. Adjust to the lawful and safe speed smoothly, leaving adequate space behind and ahead. Enforcement information does not authorise sudden unsafe manoeuvres or stopping to inspect the camera.
31. Selective barriers
Selective barriers are physical access-control devices that allow certain road users or authorised vehicles to pass while restricting other traffic. They may include fixed, removable, folding or retractable bollards, gates, barriers and width-filtering installations.
The permitted users are determined by traffic signs, access conditions and local regulations, not by the barrier alone. Drivers should approach slowly, verify that they are authorised and wait until any moving barrier is fully open or retracted before continuing.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
What does a selective barrier control in Hungary?
A bollard, gate, bus filter or other physical access-control device can admit some users and exclude others. It is not a universal traffic-sign category. In Hungary, the relevant sign or local traffic order must be checked.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • KRESZ §§3(1),13–14 and 21(9)(c): controls, care and closed areas
May a cyclist or motorcycle rider use a gap beside a selective barrier in Hungary?
Only if the applicable access rule permits that road user and the opening is safe and intended for them. A gap designed for pedestrians or cyclists is not permission for an unauthorised motorcycle or car.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • KRESZ §§3(1),13–14 and 21(9)(c): controls, care and closed areas
Can you drive through a movable barrier while it is opening in Hungary?
As a safety precaution, wait until the barrier is fully open or lowered and check that your own access is permitted. Do not follow an authorised bus or emergency vehicle through a closing gate. Obey the actual signals and access conditions.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • KRESZ §§3(1),13–14 and 21(9)(c): controls, care and closed areas
32. Priority at the next junction
Priority at the next junction means that drivers travelling on a particular road have priority over traffic entering from intersecting roads at the next junction. The priority arrangement is normally indicated by signs facing both the priority traffic and the traffic that must give way.
Unlike a continuing priority road, this priority applies only at the indicated intersection. Drivers must still approach cautiously and obey traffic lights, authorised officers, crossings, turning rules and other applicable signs.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
How is priority at the next junction determined in Hungary?
The warning for a junction with a subordinate road identifies a junction where you have priority over the road joining or crossing yours. Read any diagram showing the priority route. This differs from the main-road sign, which establishes continuing priority-road status.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 11,16(1)(u),28,43
Does priority at one junction automatically continue along the entire road in Hungary?
No. One-junction priority and continuing priority-road status are distinct concepts. Check the local signs at each following junction, including any end-of-priority marker, traffic signal or new Give Way or Stop sign.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 11,16(1)(u),28,43
May a driver with priority ignore pedestrians or another safety obligation at the next junction in Hungary?
No. Junction priority does not cancel duties towards pedestrians, traffic signals, emergency vehicles or other road users where the law gives them precedence. Approach at a speed allowing you to stop safely.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ sections 11,16(1)(u),28,43
33. Traffic lights
Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.
A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
What must a driver do at red, amber and green signals in Hungary?
Red means stop. Red-and-amber still means stop. Steady amber also requires stopping unless you are too close to stop safely. Green permits movement only in a lawful direction, with due care for other road users. Follow the applicable stop line, directional signals and junction-clearance rules.
May you turn at a red traffic light in Hungary?
A plain red signal does not permit a turn. An illuminated supplementary green arrow permits movement in its indicated direction even while the main signal shows another colour. The movement must still comply with the applicable turning and pedestrian-priority rules.
Can a green light remove the need to give way to pedestrians in Hungary?
No. Turning drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing on a permissive signal and obey the general pedestrian-priority rules. Green also does not permit entering a junction that you cannot clear during its green phase.
34. Traffic lights warning
A traffic lights warning is a warning sign that alerts drivers that traffic signals are located ahead. It is commonly used where the signals may be unexpected, difficult to see from a distance or located on a road where drivers need additional time to prepare to stop.
Drivers approaching a traffic lights warning should reduce speed when necessary, watch for the signals ahead and be prepared to stop if the traffic light changes or traffic is waiting at the intersection.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
How are traffic lights ahead warned of in Hungary?
The traffic-lights warning sign warns that vehicle traffic is controlled by signals ahead. Obey the actual lights; the warning sign does not itself indicate that the signal is red.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary, KRESZ section 16(1)(s), figure 87
Does a traffic-lights-ahead warning require an immediate stop in Hungary?
No. A warning sign is not an automatic STOP instruction and does not create a new numerical speed limit. Reduce speed when necessary, look for a queue or a concealed signal, and obey the traffic lights and any separate speed or stop signs.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary, KRESZ sections 3, 9-10, 16 and26
What should you check if the next traffic lights are difficult to see in Hungary?
Allow enough distance to stop before the marked line, watch for vehicles braking suddenly and be ready for a pedestrian or cyclist crossing. If the signals are out of order or flashing, follow the applicable local failure and priority rules rather than guessing from the warning sign.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary, KRESZ sections 3, 9-10, 16 and26
35. Road markings
Road markings are lines, symbols, arrows, words or other markings applied to the road surface to regulate, guide or inform road users. They can separate traffic lanes and opposing directions, indicate where vehicles must stop or give way, mark pedestrian and cyclist crossings and identify areas reserved for particular road users.
Road users should observe the meaning of each road marking and combine it with the applicable traffic signs, signals and traffic rules. Colours, patterns and legal meanings can differ between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
Which road markings are important to recognise in Hungary?
Recognise stop and give-way lines, lane-divider markings, continuous lines, directional arrows and pedestrian-crossing markings. Their colour, shape and exact legal effect come from the local traffic rules; do not assume an overseas convention applies unchanged.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ section 18; sections 6,9,28-29
May drivers cross a solid road line in Hungary?
Do not cross or touch a continuous separation line. If a broken line runs immediately beside it, you may cross from the broken-line side while complying with the overtaking and turning rules. Distinguish a separation line from a line marking the carriageway edge.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ section 18; sections 6,9,28-29
Can painted arrows or stop lines be ignored when signs are not obvious in Hungary?
No. Lane arrows, stop lines and give-way markings can direct where to wait or which movement a lane permits. Read them together with traffic lights, vertical signs and directions from authorised traffic controllers; temporary changes may also apply.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary: KRESZ section 18; sections 6,9,28-29
36. Countdown markers
Countdown markers are a sequence of roadside signs that indicate that a particular point, such as a motorway exit, junction or railway crossing, is getting closer. They commonly use a decreasing number of bars or other symbols so drivers can judge their progress toward the upcoming location.
The markers are normally positioned at successively shorter distances from the point ahead. Their design, spacing and meaning vary between countries, so drivers should not assume that each bar always represents the same distance.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
Does each countdown bar always represent the same distance in Hungary?
No fixed distance per bar can be assumed everywhere. For Hungarian railway approaches, the three-, two- and one-bar boards divide the distance between the warning sign and the crossing into three equal parts. This rule does not assign one universal number of metres to each bar.
What should you do if you are too late to take a motorway exit in Hungary?
Continue safely to the next lawful exit or junction. Do not stop, reverse, make a U-turn or cross the median to reach a missed exit. Plan lane changes early and follow any lane-control signals.
37. Traffic mirror
A traffic mirror is a convex mirror installed near an intersection, driveway, bend or other location with restricted visibility. Its curved surface provides a wider view of approaching road users than an ordinary flat mirror.
A traffic mirror is only a visibility aid. It may distort distance, speed and direction and may be affected by darkness, weather, dirt or damage. Drivers must continue to observe the road directly, obey all priority rules and proceed only when it is safe.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
What is a traffic mirror?
A traffic mirror is a roadside visibility aid that can help users see around a blind corner or obstruction. It gives an indirect view, which may be restricted or distorted; it does not replace checking whether it is safe to proceed.
🔗 monmouthshire.gov.uk • Monmouthshire Council, roadside visibility mirrors
🔗 devon.gov.uk • Devon County Council, mirrors on the highway
Does a traffic mirror show an exact image?
No. The reflected image can be distorted, and glare, bad weather or dirt can restrict the view. Judging an approaching vehicle’s speed from a mirror can be difficult. Do not rely on the mirror alone.
🔗 monmouthshire.gov.uk • Monmouthshire Council, roadside visibility mirrors
🔗 devon.gov.uk • Devon County Council, mirrors on the highway
Does seeing an empty mirror mean the road is clear?
No. Another road user may be outside the reflected area, hidden by glare or too small to notice. Always check the road directly before proceeding.
🔗 monmouthshire.gov.uk • Monmouthshire Council, roadside visibility mirrors
🔗 devon.gov.uk • Devon County Council, mirrors on the highway
38. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Beroesz • CC BY-SA
How can you recognise a cycling route?
Cycling routes are commonly indicated by direction signs, bicycle symbols, route numbers, colours or destination markers. The design of the signs and route-numbering system varies between countries and regions.
Do cyclists have priority on a cycling route?
Not automatically. Being on a designated cycling route does not normally change the priority rules. Cyclists must continue to obey traffic lights, give-way and stop signs, crossing rules and other applicable traffic regulations.
What should you do when a cycling-route sign conflicts with a traffic sign?
Always follow the official traffic signs, signals and road markings. A route marker provides navigation and does not override a prohibition, mandatory direction, road closure or other traffic regulation.
39. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Dacrhu • CC0
How should you normally position a parked car in Hungary?
Parallel to the right edge, in one row, unless signs or a statutory exception provide otherwise.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary, Road Traffic Regulations, sections 40–41
Can you use the left side of a Hungarian one-way road?
Only if permitted and at least 5.5 metres remain to the road’s right edge.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary, Road Traffic Regulations, sections 40–41
40. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
May you block a legally parked vehicle in Hungary?
No. Do not prevent access to it or its departure.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary, Road Traffic Regulations, sections 40–41
41. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
Can you stop where your car hides a Hungarian traffic sign?
No. Stopping must not conceal signs or traffic signals.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary, Road Traffic Regulations, sections 40–41
Parking and stopping prohibited.
English • Traffic sign figure 60 • No stopping. Stopping and parking are prohibited except where stopping is necessary for traffic or technical reasons.
Magyar • 60. ábra • Megállni tilos. – a forgalmi vagy műszaki okból szükséges megállást kivéve – megállni, valamint várakozni tilos.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Njt.jog.gov.hu • 1/1975. (II. 5.) KPM–BM együttes rendelet (KRESZ) • 15(1)a • 60. ábra
SVG source: Gigillo83 • Public domain • Original revision 2018-02-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.
What is Hungary’s usual clearance at a bus-stop sign?
Keep 15 metres before and 5 metres after clear, unless road markings specify otherwise.
🔗 njt.jog.gov.hu • Hungary, Road Traffic Regulations, sections 40–41
42. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Sir_Morosus • CC BY-SA
Must a disability parking card remain displayed in Hungary?
Yes. Display is compulsory when using the card’s parking entitlements.
Does Hungary’s disability parking card give the same concession in every car park?
No. Car-park conditions vary. Check the notices or ask the attendant before relying on free or unlimited parking.
Can a disability parking card provide free on-street parking in Hungary?
Yes. The EU country guidance permits free parking on roads where payment is required. Keep the card displayed.
43. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Kārlis Dambrāns • CC BY
When may Hungarian drivers normally reverse?
Only without obstructing other vehicles or pedestrians travelling on the carriageway.
Can reversing into Hungarian parking briefly delay vehicles?
Yes, when necessary for parking, provided traffic is not endangered.
Can you reverse on Hungarian motorways?
No. The prohibition also applies on autóút roads.
Can you reverse on a Hungarian one-way road?
Only for the parking manoeuvre exception; ordinary reversing is prohibited.
44. U-turn
A U-turn is a driving manoeuvre in which a vehicle turns around to travel in the opposite direction. It normally involves crossing part of the roadway and re-entering traffic facing the direction from which the vehicle came.
Before making a U-turn, the driver should check surrounding traffic, pedestrians and cyclists, signal when required and make sure there is enough visibility and space to complete the manoeuvre safely. U-turns may be prohibited by traffic signs or on particular types of roads.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
Can you U-turn in a Hungarian roundabout?
No. Turning around in a roundabout is prohibited.
45. Uncontrolled crossroad
An uncontrolled crossroad is an intersection where traffic priority is not specifically regulated by traffic lights, an authorised person or signs assigning priority to particular approaches. Drivers must therefore determine who has priority using the default traffic rules that apply in that country.
The applicable rule varies between countries and may include priority from the right, priority from the left or another default right-of-way rule. Drivers should approach an uncontrolled crossroad carefully, observe traffic from every direction and never assume that a wider or busier road automatically has priority.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
What is an uncontrolled crossroad?
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.
Who has priority at an uncontrolled crossroad?
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.
What should you do if you are unsure who has priority?
Reduce speed and be prepared to stop. Never force your way through an intersection simply because the priority situation is unclear.
46. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
Warning for a bad road surface.
What does a road surface warning mean?
A road surface warning indicates that the surface ahead may be uneven, damaged or otherwise capable of affecting the safe movement of vehicles.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example
Warning for a bad road surface.
What should you do when you see a road surface warning?
Reduce speed where necessary, increase your awareness of the road ahead and be prepared for changes in the vehicle's stability or direction.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example
Does a road surface warning impose a specific speed limit?
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.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example
47. City limit
A city limit is a boundary or roadside indication showing that a driver is entering or leaving a named city, town, village, locality or municipality. It is commonly marked by a place-name or boundary sign.
The meaning of these signs varies between countries. A city-limit or locality sign may identify an administrative boundary, a named settlement or a traffic-related boundary. It does not necessarily mark the beginning or end of a legally defined built-up area, and passing the sign does not always change the applicable speed limit or other traffic rules.
Wikimedia.org • Györkő Zsombor • CC BY-SA
What is a city limit?
A city limit identifies the boundary of a named city, town or municipality. A roadside place-name or boundary sign may identify that boundary, a locality or a legally defined built-up area; its exact meaning depends on the sign system.
🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, boundary signs
City limit.
End of city limit.
Does a city-limit sign always mark a built-up area?
No. A city-limit or locality sign may simply identify a place or administrative boundary. A legally defined built-up area can use a different sign or definition.
🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, boundary signs
What is the difference between a city limit and a built-up area?
A city limit identifies the boundary of a named place or administrative area. A built-up area is a traffic-law concept that may affect rules such as default speed limits. The two boundaries can coincide, but they do not have to.
🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, boundary signs
48. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Matej Grochal • CC BY-SA
What is a licence plate?
A licence plate is a plate displaying the registration identifier assigned to a vehicle. It allows authorities and other authorised systems to identify the vehicle's registration.
Is a licence plate the same as a registration plate?
Yes. Licence plate, registration plate and number plate are different terms commonly used for the plate displaying a vehicle's official registration number.
What should you do if a licence plate is lost or stolen?
Follow the local reporting and replacement procedure. For example, UK guidance says stolen plates should be reported to the police and DVLA, and replacement plates are needed before driving. Check the registration authority’s procedure for a lost plate; it may differ from the theft process.
49. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
What is a charging station?
A charging station is a location where electric vehicles can be connected to an electricity supply to recharge their batteries. A station may contain one or several individual charging points.
🔗 tfl.gov.uk • Transport for London, electric vehicles and charging points; London example
Who can use an electric-vehicle charging station?
Charging stations are intended for vehicles that can be externally charged, such as battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The exact vehicle categories permitted may be indicated by local signs or operator conditions.
🔗 tfl.gov.uk • Transport for London, electric vehicles and charging points; London example
Can a charging station have a maximum parking time?
Yes. Traffic signs, parking regulations or charging conditions may establish a maximum duration to encourage drivers to move their vehicles and make the charger available to others.
🔗 tfl.gov.uk • Transport for London, electric vehicles and charging points; London example
50. 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.
Wikimedia.org • Globetrotter19 • CC BY-SA
What does a general danger warning sign mean?
A general danger warning sign indicates that there is a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign in the local traffic-sign system.
Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign.
What should you do when you see a general danger warning sign?
Increase your attention, observe the road and surroundings carefully and adapt your speed where necessary so that you can respond safely to the hazard.
Does the sign impose a specific speed limit?
Not normally. A warning sign alerts road users to danger rather than establishing a numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign may be provided where a specific maximum speed is required.