Traffic signsThailand

A pedelec is an electrically assisted bicycle whose motor provides assistance while the rider pedals.

Pedal assistance means that the electric motor provides additional power when the rider uses the pedals. The assistance stops according to the speed and operating limits applying to the bicycle.

A pedelec is a type of electric bicycle. The term specifically emphasises that the motor assists the rider while pedalling rather than functioning primarily as an independent means of propulsion.

No. A speed pedelec can provide assistance at considerably higher speeds and is commonly subject to additional requirements concerning helmets, licences, registration or road use.

Yes. With an ordinary pedelec, the motor is intended to assist the rider's pedalling rather than propel the bicycle independently during normal riding.

Yes, by your own effort where otherwise permitted. The assistance limit determines when the motor stops helping; it does not normally prevent the bicycle itself from travelling faster through pedalling or downhill.

Ordinary low-power pedelecs are generally treated as bicycles in jurisdictions that recognise the category and therefore commonly require no driving licence. Local rules should always be checked.

Ordinary pedelecs commonly require no registration plate when they remain legally classified as bicycles. Faster electric cycles may have different requirements.

When legally classified as a bicycle, a pedelec normally follows the same cycle-path rules as conventional bicycles.

This depends on local bicycle law. Some countries require helmets for particular riders or circumstances, while others recommend them without making them compulsory.

Yes, where the bicycle is designed and legally equipped to carry them. Appropriate seating, foot protection or child-restraint requirements may apply.

It may be classified as a motorised cycle, speed pedelec, moped or another vehicle category, resulting in different technical and traffic requirements.

A quadricycle is a four-wheeled motor vehicle belonging to a specialised vehicle category distinct from an ordinary passenger car.

A light quadricycle is a relatively low-powered four-wheel motor vehicle with a restricted maximum design speed. In European vehicle classification, light quadricycles belong to category L6e.

A heavier or more powerful quadricycle that does not qualify as a light quadricycle can fall within category L7e under European vehicle-classification rules.

No. Although some enclosed quadricycles resemble very small cars, they belong to a different technical and legal vehicle category and can have different licence, power, mass and road-access rules.

Not necessarily. The quadricycle category includes several types of four-wheel motor vehicles. Some are open recreational quads, while others are enclosed road-going microcars designed for passengers or goods.

Yes. Quadricycles can use electric motors, combustion engines or other approved propulsion systems.

Usually yes, but the required licence depends on whether the vehicle is classified as a light or heavier quadricycle and on the country's licensing system.

Road-going quadricycles commonly require registration and a registration plate. Exact requirements vary between countries.

This depends on the vehicle design and local law. Open quadricycles may require helmets, while enclosed vehicles with a passenger compartment and restraint systems can be subject to seat-belt rules instead.

Yes, when it is designed and approved to do so. The number of passengers may not exceed the vehicle's approved seating capacity.

This depends on its vehicle category, construction speed and local motorway-access rules. Low-speed light quadricycles are normally unsuitable for motorway traffic.

This depends on its legal classification. Some light quadricycles are treated similarly to mopeds, while heavier quadricycles may follow many of the ordinary rules applying to cars.

A microcar is a very small enclosed motor vehicle generally intended for short journeys and urban transport.

Not necessarily. Many microcars are legally classified as light or heavy quadricycles rather than passenger cars and can therefore have different licence, speed and road-access rules.

Many microcars are light quadricycles, but the terms are not identical. Microcar describes the general vehicle design, while light quadricycle is a specific legal vehicle category.

Yes. Microcars may use electric motors, combustion engines or other approved propulsion systems.

This depends on its legal category and construction. Light quadricycles commonly have a substantially lower maximum design speed than ordinary passenger cars.

Usually yes. The required licence depends on whether the vehicle is classified as a light quadricycle, heavier quadricycle or ordinary passenger car.

Some countries allow light quadricycles to be driven at a younger age than ordinary cars, subject to the appropriate licence. Minimum ages vary between countries.

Road-going microcars generally require registration and a registration plate according to their vehicle category.

Normally yes. Motor vehicles used on public roads are generally subject to the motor-liability insurance requirements of the country in which they are registered or used.

This depends on the vehicle construction and local law. Enclosed quadricycles equipped with seat belts may be treated differently from open quadricycles, where helmet requirements are more common.

Low-speed microcars classified as light quadricycles are commonly prohibited from motorways. Faster vehicles may have different access rights according to their classification and construction speed.

A microcar belongs to a different vehicle category and may be subject to different construction and type-approval requirements from an ordinary passenger car. Drivers should not assume that the two vehicle types provide identical levels of crash protection.

An all-terrain vehicle is a motor vehicle designed to travel over rough or uneven terrain, commonly using four wheels and wide tyres.

It depends on the country and vehicle. An ATV may need to meet specific registration, equipment, insurance and licensing requirements before it can legally use public roads.

Not necessarily. The term can cover different types of off-road vehicles, although four-wheeled quads are among the most common forms.

A van is an enclosed motor vehicle commonly designed to transport goods, equipment or passengers.

No. Many vans are designed primarily for goods transport, while others are configured mainly or partly for carrying passengers.

Not necessarily. Rules can depend on the van's maximum authorised mass, vehicle category, use and number of passenger seats.

A recreational vehicle is a vehicle designed or adapted for travelling and temporary living accommodation.

The term commonly includes motorhomes and campervans and may also be used more broadly for caravans and camping trailers.

Not always. The applicable rules can depend on the vehicle's classification, weight, dimensions and whether it is self-propelled or towed.

A scooter is a two-wheeled motor vehicle with a characteristic step-through design that may be powered by a combustion engine or electric motor.

It can be either. The legal classification depends on characteristics such as the scooter's maximum design speed, power and engine capacity.

No. Different rules may apply according to whether the scooter is legally classified as a moped, motorcycle or another vehicle category.

A Trikke is a three-wheeled standing personal-mobility vehicle that is steered with handlebars and by leaning or shifting the rider's body.

Yes. Trikke-type vehicles can be human-powered or electrically powered, depending on the model.

The applicable rules depend on the vehicle's propulsion, maximum design speed and legal classification. A human-powered and an electric Trikke may therefore be treated differently.

A personal transporter is a compact device designed to transport an individual, commonly over relatively short distances.

Examples can include electric scooters, kick scooters, skateboards, self-balancing devices, monowheels and certain mobility devices.

Yes, commonly. Electric scooters are one of the most widespread forms of motorised personal transporter, although their precise legal classification varies between countries.

No. A bicycle is primarily propelled through pedals or hand cranks. Personal transporters can use other methods of propulsion and may belong to a separate legal category.

Not necessarily. Low-speed personal mobility devices are often classified separately from mopeds. Devices exceeding specified speed or construction limits may fall into another vehicle category.

This depends on the country and type of device. Motorised personal transporters are often permitted or required to use cycle infrastructure where available.

This depends on local law. Motorised devices may be prohibited from ordinary pavements, while people using non-motorised devices at walking speed may sometimes be treated as pedestrians.

Some countries impose a minimum riding age for electric scooters and similar motorised devices. The applicable age and exceptions vary between jurisdictions.

Only when the device is specifically designed and legally permitted to carry passengers. Most ordinary electric scooters are designed for one person only.

Motorised devices may be subject to requirements concerning lights, reflectors, brakes and audible warning devices. The required equipment depends on local traffic and technical regulations.

This varies between countries and device categories. Even where a helmet is not legally compulsory, wearing an appropriate helmet can provide additional protection in a fall or collision.

A modification that increases the vehicle beyond the legal speed or technical limits may change its classification or make it illegal for use on public roads.

A skateboard is a board fitted with wheels that is ridden while standing and normally propelled by pushing against the ground or by gravity.

Yes. In addition to recreational and sporting use, skateboards can be used for short-distance personal travel where local traffic rules permit.

This depends on the country and the user's speed. Skateboard users may be treated similarly to pedestrians or cyclists under some traffic-law systems.

A Segway is a self-balancing electric personal transporter designed to carry a standing rider.

A Segway uses an electronic self-balancing system that continuously responds to the rider's movements and helps keep the vehicle upright.

This depends on local traffic laws. Segways may be classified as personal mobility devices, bicycles or another vehicle category, which determines whether they may use cycle paths, roads or other areas.

A kick scooter is a personal mobility device with a standing platform, wheels and a handlebar, normally propelled by pushing against the ground with one foot.

Yes. Electric kick scooters use a motor for propulsion and may be subject to different traffic rules from non-motorised kick scooters.

This depends on the country's traffic rules and whether the scooter is motorised. Users may be treated as pedestrians, cyclists or another category of road user.

Roller skates are footwear equipped with wheels that allow the user to move by skating.

Traditional roller skates normally have two pairs of wheels, while inline skates have several wheels arranged in a single line.

This depends on local traffic rules. Roller skaters may be required to follow pedestrian or cyclist rules depending on the country, location and speed at which they are travelling.

A mailman, also called a postal worker or mail carrier, is a person who collects or delivers letters, parcels and other postal items.

Depending on the delivery route, postal workers may travel on foot, by bicycle, motorcycle, van or another delivery vehicle.

Not automatically. Postal workers normally follow the traffic rules applicable to them as pedestrians, cyclists or drivers unless a country's laws provide a specific exemption.

A hitchhiker is a person who asks passing drivers for a ride, usually without using a formal public-transport or taxi service.

A hitchhiker should wait in a safe and legally permitted location away from moving traffic, where a driver can stop without creating a danger or obstruction.

Generally, no. Pedestrians are prohibited from motorways in many countries, so hitchhikers should use suitable locations outside the motorway itself, subject to local rules.

A toddler should travel in an appropriate child restraint system that is suitable for the child's size and correctly installed in the vehicle.

Toddlers are particularly vulnerable and may not understand traffic hazards, so they require close adult supervision and suitable protection when travelling in vehicles.

No. A rear-facing child restraint should not be placed in front of an active frontal airbag because the airbag can create a serious danger to the child.

Children may have more difficulty judging vehicle speed, distance and traffic situations and are less visible to drivers because of their smaller size.

Drivers should reduce speed when necessary, remain especially alert and be prepared to stop if a child enters or approaches the roadway.

Children should use an appropriate child restraint or seat belt according to their size, age and the applicable national rules.

No. A person with a disability may participate in traffic as a pedestrian, driver, cyclist, passenger or another type of road user and generally follows the rules applying to that role.

Accessible infrastructure such as step-free routes, suitable crossings, clear signals and reserved parking can make it easier and safer for people with different mobility or sensory needs to travel independently.

Drivers should remain patient, leave sufficient space and allow enough time for people to move or cross safely, particularly where their mobility or perception may be affected.

Motorail is a train service that transports passengers and their vehicle together, with the vehicle carried on specialised railway wagons.

Depending on the operator and route, Motorail services may carry cars, motorcycles or other eligible road vehicles. Size and weight restrictions may apply.

No. Passengers normally leave their vehicle after loading and travel separately in the passenger accommodation provided by the train.

km/h is the abbreviation for kilometres per hour, a unit used to measure speed.

A speed of 50 km/h means that, if the speed remained constant, the vehicle would travel 50 kilometres in one hour.

No. km/h measures speed in kilometres per hour, while mph measures speed in miles per hour. The two units therefore represent different numerical speeds.

mph is the abbreviation for miles per hour, a unit used to measure speed.

A speed of 50 mph means that, if the speed remained constant, the vehicle would travel 50 miles in one hour.

No. mph measures speed in miles per hour, while km/h measures speed in kilometres per hour. 1 mph is approximately 1.61 km/h.

A speedometer is an instrument that displays the current speed of a vehicle.

It is normally located on the vehicle's instrument panel or digital driver display, where it can be seen easily while driving.

A speedometer may display speed in kilometres per hour (km/h), miles per hour (mph) or both, depending on the vehicle and market.

Ride height describes how high a vehicle's body or chassis sits above the road surface.

Ride height can be affected by the suspension, wheel and tyre dimensions, vehicle load and suspension modifications.

Yes. Suspension modifications can lower or raise a vehicle, but such modifications may be subject to technical approval, inspection and safety requirements.

A dirt road is an unpaved road surfaced mainly with natural soil or compacted earth.

A dirt road mainly uses the natural earth or soil as its driving surface, while a gravel road normally has a deliberately added layer of gravel or crushed stone.

Use a suitable speed, increase following distance when necessary and accelerate, brake and steer smoothly. Extra care may be required when the surface is dusty, muddy, rutted or uneven.

Driving is the act of controlling and operating a vehicle while travelling in traffic.

Safe driving requires proper vehicle control, attention to the road, compliance with traffic rules and appropriate reactions to other road users and changing conditions.

The requirements vary by country and vehicle type. Drivers may need to meet minimum-age, driving-licence, medical-fitness and vehicle-category requirements.