Traffic signsWorldwide

Material damage is damage to vehicles, road infrastructure, buildings or other property without bodily injury.

Make the scene safe, exchange the required details, record the damage and circumstances and follow the applicable insurance and reporting rules.

Yes. Photos of the vehicles, damage, road position, signs and surrounding area can help document what happened and support an insurance claim.

Only if the vehicle remains safe and roadworthy. Do not continue driving if the damage affects steering, brakes, tyres, lights, visibility or another safety-critical component.

Usually, yes. Insurance policies commonly require an accident or claim to be reported as soon as possible. The exact procedure and deadline depend on the country and policy.

You should follow local rules for identifying yourself and reporting the damage. Leaving without providing the required information can lead to legal consequences.

If possible, move the vehicle to a safe place away from moving traffic, switch on the hazard warning lights and warn approaching road users.

This depends on the location and danger. On high-speed roads, it is often safer to leave the vehicle carefully and wait behind a safety barrier or another protected place when this can be done safely.

Many countries require or recommend a warning triangle when a broken-down vehicle creates a danger or obstruction. The required distance and conditions vary by country.

In many countries, a high-visibility or reflective vest is required or recommended when leaving a broken-down vehicle near traffic. Check the local rules.

Only when it can be done safely. Do not attempt repairs if they expose you to moving traffic or another serious hazard. Roadside assistance is often the safer option.

Contact roadside assistance when the vehicle cannot continue safely. Call the emergency services when there is immediate danger, injury, fire or another emergency.

A total loss means that a damaged vehicle is considered unsuitable or uneconomical to repair because of the extent of the damage, repair cost or applicable technical requirements.

An economic total loss occurs when repairing the vehicle is no longer financially reasonable compared with its value and, where applicable, its remaining salvage value.

A technical total loss occurs when the vehicle has suffered such serious structural or other damage that it cannot normally be returned to road use without meeting special technical or legal requirements.

The assessment is commonly made by an automotive expert or insurance company based on the vehicle's condition, value, repair costs and applicable regulations.

This depends on the type of total loss and local rules. An economically written-off vehicle may sometimes still be repaired, while a technical total loss may face stricter restrictions or a special approval procedure.

The amount depends on the vehicle's value before the damage, salvage value, insurance cover, liability and policy conditions. Different insurance contracts may use different valuation methods.

A multiple-vehicle collision is a traffic accident involving three or more vehicles.

A chain collision occurs when an initial crash leads to additional vehicles colliding one after another. It is a common type of multiple-vehicle collision.

Common factors include tailgating, sudden braking, poor visibility, slippery roads, high speed and heavy traffic.

Protect yourself and others from further danger, check for injuries, contact emergency services when necessary and document the accident. Follow local rules on moving vehicles and reporting the crash.

Yes, when it is safe. Photos of the vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, signs and surrounding area can help establish what happened.

Responsibility depends on the circumstances. More than one driver may be partly responsible, and insurers, police or courts may need to reconstruct the sequence of impacts.

A warning triangle is a portable reflective device placed on the road to warn approaching traffic about a stopped vehicle, accident or other hazard.

It is generally used when a vehicle is broken down, involved in an accident or creating an obstruction. The exact legal requirements vary between countries.

The required distance depends on the country and type of road. Higher-speed roads usually require the triangle to be placed farther away so approaching drivers have more time to react.

Place it where it is clearly visible to approaching traffic and where doing so does not put you in unnecessary danger.

Often, yes. Hazard warning lights and a warning triangle can work together to make a stopped vehicle more visible. The legal requirements vary by country.

Yes. It is useful to keep it accessible without having to unload large amounts of luggage, especially because it may be needed quickly in a dangerous roadside situation.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a standardised document that translates information from a national driving licence for use in other countries.

No. An IDP does not replace a valid national driving licence. It is normally valid only when carried together with the licence on which it is based.

This depends on where your driving licence was issued and the country where you want to drive. Some countries recognise foreign national licences directly, while others require or recommend an IDP.

Generally, no. You should carry your valid national driving licence together with the IDP.

No. Recognition depends on international conventions and national law. Drivers should check the requirements of every country they plan to visit.

An IDP must be obtained from an authorised organisation or authority in the appropriate country. It should not be confused with unofficial documents sold online as international driving licences.

Traffic rules are laws and regulations that determine how drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users must behave on the road.

Traffic rules help organise traffic, prevent conflicts and reduce the risk of accidents by making the behaviour of road users more predictable.

No. Traffic rules vary between countries and can differ in areas such as speed limits, priority, parking, overtaking and permitted road use.

Traffic rules are the laws governing road use, while traffic signs communicate specific warnings, restrictions, obligations or information to road users.

No. Traffic rules can apply to drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and other road users, depending on the rule and type of road.

Temporary signs and authorised traffic directions can change how traffic must behave at a particular location. Road users must follow the applicable signs, signals and authorised instructions according to local law.

A driving school provides professional instruction to help learner drivers prepare for their theory and practical driving examinations.

Training can include traffic rules, road signs, vehicle control, observation, manoeuvres, hazard awareness and driving safely in normal traffic.

This depends on the country, licence category and chosen training route. Some learners may practise privately, while others must complete a minimum number of professional lessons.

No. A driving school provides training, while an exam centre officially assesses whether the candidate meets the requirements for a driving licence.

Often, yes. When a candidate takes the practical exam through a driving school, the school may book the appointment and provide the examination vehicle, depending on local rules.

Choose an authorised or recognised driving school where required, and compare factors such as instructor qualifications, training options, availability and cost.