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BridgeUnited States

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of United States. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
United States

10. Bridge

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

Warning for a drawbridge. (Portland, Oregon, United States)
Wikimedia.org • Steve_Morgan • CC BY-SA
What should I check before crossing a bridge in the United States?

Check the applicable weight, axle-load, width and height restrictions before committing to the crossing. Include the load, trailer and roof equipment when relevant. A bridge warning and a vehicle restriction serve different purposes; comply with both.

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition Revision1 — relevant traffic controls

Who goes first on a narrow bridge in the United States?

Follow any traffic lights, give-way controls or signs allocating priority over oncoming traffic. Do not force your way onto a bridge that cannot accommodate both directions safely. A bridge warning alone does not give your direction priority.

🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • FHWA MUTCD11th Edition Revision1 — relevant traffic controls

May I stop or park on a bridge in the United States?

In California, the Driver Handbook prohibits parking on a bridge or in a highway tunnel unless signs permit it. Check the relevant state’s rules elsewhere; this example is not a nationwide parking rule.

🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, parking and illegal parking

1 United States 2 Freeway 3 Expressway 4 Speed limit 5 Minimum speed 6 Advisory speed 7 Bike path 8 Pedestrian warning 9 Tunnel 10 Bridge 11 Speed bump 12 Toll road 13 One-way traffic 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Yield 20 Roundabout 21 Road narrowing 22 Crosswalk 23 Railroad crossing 24 Mandatory direction 25 Turn prohibition 26 School area 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Aircraft 31 Curve 32 Chevron 33 Wrong-way driving 34 Road work 35 Height limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Traffic signals 40 Traffic signals ahead 41 Pedestrian signals 42 Pavement markings 43 Bike box 44 Speed feedback 45 Driver's license 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Bicycle route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Parallel parking 53 Park and ride 54 Kiss and ride 55 Disabled parking 56 Traffic management 57 Backing up 58 U-turn 59 Carpool 60 Detour 61 Uncontrolled intersection 62 Ramp 63 Exit 64 Horseback riding 65 Emergency exit 66 Runaway truck ramp 67 Oversize load 68 City limit 69 Tourist attraction 70 Horn 71 Axle weight limit 72 License plate 73 Charging station 74 Flooding 75 Dip 76 Horse 77 Local traffic 78 Pedestrian 79 Bicyclist 80 Motorcycle 81 Truck 82 Bus 83 Police 84 Ambulance 85 Police signals 86 Gravel road 87 Pothole 88 Median 89 Public property 90 Path 91 Particulates 92 Air pollution 93 Interchange 94 Rush hour 95 Gas station 96 Road code 97 Two-way traffic 98 Passing lane 99 Street gutter 100 Road debris ...