BridgeIceland

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


4. Bridge

A bridge is a structure that carries a road, path or railway over an obstacle such as a river, valley, railway line or another road. A road bridge may carry one or more roadways together with pedestrian or cycling facilities.

Drivers should follow any speed, weight, height, width or vehicle-access restrictions applying to the bridge. Particular care may be necessary on narrow, exposed or movable bridges and when weather conditions such as wind, rain or ice affect the road surface.

Bridge
Warning for a narrow bridge. (Iceland)
Wikimedia.org • Dickelbers • CC BY-SA
What is a bridge?

A bridge is a structure that carries a road, path or railway over an obstacle such as a river, valley, railway or another road.

Can a bridge carry several traffic lanes?

Yes. Road bridges may carry one or several traffic lanes and can also contain pavements, cycle facilities or public-transport infrastructure.

Can a bridge have a weight limit?

Yes. A bridge may have restrictions on the maximum vehicle mass or axle load that it can safely accommodate. Drivers of heavy vehicles must obey the applicable signs.

Can a bridge have a width or height restriction?

Yes. Narrow bridges or structures forming part of a bridge can have width, height or other dimensional restrictions indicated by traffic signs.

What is a movable bridge?

A movable bridge is a bridge that can open, lift, swing or otherwise move to allow ships or other traffic to pass beneath or through it.

What should you do when a movable bridge is opening?

Stop when required by the traffic lights, barriers or other signals and remain behind the designated stopping point until the crossing is reopened.

Can bridges become slippery?

Yes. Bridge surfaces can become wet, icy or slippery and may sometimes cool differently from the surrounding road. Drivers should adapt their speed to the actual conditions.

Can strong winds be dangerous on a bridge?

Yes. Exposed bridges can be affected by crosswinds, particularly for motorcycles, bicycles, high-sided vehicles and vehicles towing trailers.

Can you stop or park on a bridge?

This depends on the local traffic rules, road layout and signs. Stopping or parking may be prohibited where it would create danger, obstruct traffic or reduce the available road width.

Can pedestrians and cyclists use a bridge?

Yes, where permitted. Bridges may provide pavements, cycle paths or shared facilities, while high-speed or restricted bridges may prohibit certain road users.

Can traffic be restricted to one direction on a narrow bridge?

Yes. Priority signs, traffic lights or other traffic-management measures may control which direction passes first where two-way traffic cannot safely meet.

Should you overtake on a narrow bridge?

Only when overtaking is legal and clearly safe. Limited width or visibility can make overtaking inappropriate even where no specific prohibition is shown.

1 Iceland 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Bridge 5 Give way 6 Priority road 7 Overtaking 8 Crossing animals 9 Curve 10 Traffic lights 11 Driving licence 12 Reversing 13 Licence plate 14 Dangers 15 Blind summit 16 Bus 17 Police 18 Ambulance 19 European emission standard 20 Pothole 21 Path 22 Particulates 23 Air pollution 24 Rush hour 25 Road code 26 Street gutter 27 Cargo bike 28 Forestry vehicle 29 Construction vehicle 30 Semi-trailer truck 31 Trolleybus 32 Speed pedelec 33 Delivery vehicle 34 Idling 35 Tow truck 36 Four-wheel drive 37 Bicycle 38 Motorcycle equipment 39 Rail track 40 Caravan 41 Trailer 42 Tow hitch 43 Fire truck 44 Siren 45 Convoy 46 Emergency vehicle lighting 47 Agricultural machinery 48 Electric bicycle 49 Electric vehicle 50 Pedelec 51 Quadricycle 52 Microcar 53 All-terrain vehicle 54 Van 55 Recreational vehicle 56 Scooter 57 Trikke 58 Personal mobility device 59 Skateboard 60 Segway 61 Kick scooter 62 Roller skates 63 Mailman 64 Hitchhiker 65 Toddler 66 Child 67 Disability 68 Motorail 69 km/h 70 mph 71 Speedometer 72 Ride height 73 Dirt road 74 Driving 75 Start-stop system 76 Manual transmission 77 Automatic transmission 78 Throttle 79 Tachometer 80 Steering wheel 81 Power steering 82 Visual scanning 83 Mirror 84 Fuel 85 Fuel gauge 86 Petrol 87 Diesel 88 Diesel exhaust fluid 89 Car insurance 90 First aid kit 91 Fire extinguisher 92 High-visibility clothing 93 First aid 94 Concrete step barrier 95 Barriers 96 Vehicle lights 97 Street lights 98 Dipped beam 99 High beam 100 Fog lights ...