BridgeWorldwide

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


16. 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.

Warning for a movable bridge. Warning for a priority junction. (Mung, France)
Wikimedia.org • KiwiNeko14 • 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 Worldwide 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Minimum speed 9 Advisory speed 10 Footpath 11 Bike path 12 Shared-use path 13 Separated path 14 Pedestrian warning 15 Tunnel 16 Bridge 17 Cycling street 18 Pedestrian zone 19 Speed bump 20 Toll road 21 Customs 22 One-way traffic 23 Quay 24 Slope 25 Bus lane 26 Bus stop 27 Dead end 28 Stop sign 29 Give way 30 Roundabout 31 Priority road 32 Road narrowing 33 Priority over oncoming traffic 34 Give way to oncoming traffic 35 Pedestrian crossing 36 Railway crossing 37 Mandatory direction 38 Turn prohibition 39 School area 40 Overtaking 41 Crossing animals 42 Slippery road 43 Rockfall 44 Aircraft 45 Curve 46 Chevron 47 Wrong-way driving 48 Roadworks 49 Crosswind 50 Height limit 51 Width limit 52 Length limit 53 Weight limit 54 Radar speed sign 55 Selective barriers 56 Low-emission zone 57 Intersection direction sign 58 Priority at the next junction 59 Traffic lights 60 Traffic lights warning 61 Pedestrian lights 62 Road markings 63 All-way stop 64 Junction layout 65 Climbing lane 66 Bike box 67 Left-hand traffic 68 Speed feedback 69 Driving licence 70 Location marker 71 Road number 72 Countdown markers 73 Public toilet 74 Rest area 75 Traffic mirror 76 Emergency telephone 77 International border 78 Pedestrian underpass 79 Cycling route 80 End of restriction 81 Parking 82 No parking 83 No stopping 84 Parallel parking 85 Park and ride 86 Kiss and ride 87 Alternate-side parking 88 Parking meter 89 Parking disc 90 Disabled parking 91 Traffic management 92 Merging 93 Reversing 94 U-turn 95 Carpool 96 Traffic jam 97 Detour 98 Uncontrolled crossroad 99 Road surface 100 Advisory cycle lane ...