Traffic signsWorldwide

Carsharing is a system in which several people use one or more shared cars at different times rather than each user owning the vehicle.

Users normally reserve a shared vehicle for a particular journey or period through a carsharing organisation or platform and return or leave it according to the rules of that service.

Yes. Some countries and municipalities provide parking spaces specifically reserved for authorised shared vehicles. The signs, permits and conditions vary by location.

A chairlift is an aerial transport system that carries passengers in seats suspended from a moving cable.

Chairlifts are commonly found at ski resorts, mountain recreation areas and other locations where passengers need to travel up steep slopes.

Yes. Tourist or direction signs may guide travellers toward chairlifts or ski-lift facilities, although the signs and symbols used vary between countries.

A city limit marks the boundary of a city, town, village, locality or municipality. On roads, it is often indicated by a place-name or boundary sign.

No. A city-limit or locality sign may simply identify a place or administrative boundary. A legally defined built-up area can use a different sign or definition.

No. In some countries a locality or boundary sign has consequences for traffic rules, while in others it mainly identifies the place. Drivers must follow the traffic signs and rules that apply in that country.

Not always. Some signs indicate an administrative municipal boundary, while others identify a city, town, village or locality without exactly following the municipality's legal boundary.

A city limit identifies the boundary of a named place or administrative area. A built-up area is a traffic-law concept that may affect rules such as default speed limits. The two boundaries can coincide, but they do not have to.

A cyclist crossing is a designated location where cyclists can cross a road or carriageway.

No. Priority rules vary between countries and crossings. Cyclists must follow the applicable traffic signs, signals and priority rules.

They may be indicated by special road markings, traffic signs or traffic lights. Their appearance varies between countries.

A tram crossing is a place where a road, cycle path or pedestrian route crosses one or more tram tracks.

A tram crossing may be indicated by warning signs, traffic lights, road markings or other traffic-control devices. The exact system varies between countries.

Approach carefully, look and listen for trams and follow the applicable priority rules and traffic signals. Never enter the crossing if you cannot clear the tracks safely.

A gantry is an overhead structure spanning a road that supports traffic signs, signals or other traffic-management equipment.

Gantries allow signs and signals to be placed directly above traffic lanes, making lane-specific directions, restrictions and traffic information easier to see.

Yes. Where signs or lane-control signals are positioned above individual lanes, each indication may apply only to the lane directly below it.

A distance board is a sign that tells road users how far they are from one or more destinations or facilities.

It may show destination names, distances, route numbers and directional information, depending on the country's road-sign system.

They are commonly used on motorways, major roads and other important routes to help drivers judge the remaining distance to destinations along their journey.

A truck ecotax is a road charge for certain heavy goods vehicles that may take account of factors such as distance travelled, vehicle weight and emissions.

Depending on the country, the charge may depend on distance, vehicle weight, emission class, road type or location.

Many systems use an electronic onboard unit or tolling device that records the vehicle's use of roads subject to the charge.

A breakdown bay is a designated area where a vehicle can leave the normal traffic lanes and stop because of a breakdown or other emergency.

They are commonly provided on motorways, major roads and in tunnels, particularly where there is no continuous emergency lane.

Normally, no. Breakdown bays are intended for emergencies and disabled vehicles rather than routine parking or rest stops.

A hiking route is a designated route intended for recreational walking or hiking, often through natural, rural or tourist areas.

They may be marked using colours, arrows, symbols, route numbers or numbered junctions. The marking system varies between countries and individual trail networks.

Not necessarily. Hiking-route markers are often recreational or tourist wayfinding signs and do not normally impose traffic rules unless an official traffic sign is also present.

A hospital is a healthcare facility where patients can receive medical treatment, emergency care, surgery and other specialised health services.

Yes. Many countries use hospital or medical symbols on information and direction signs to guide drivers toward healthcare facilities.

Drivers should watch carefully for ambulances, pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles entering or leaving hospital grounds and follow any local traffic restrictions or signs.

A hostel is an accommodation establishment that usually provides affordable overnight stays, often with shared rooms or communal facilities.

A hostel generally offers simpler and more communal accommodation, while hotels more commonly provide private rooms and a broader range of services.

Yes. Some countries use tourist or accommodation signs to direct travellers toward hostels or youth hostels.

A hotel is an establishment that provides paid overnight accommodation for travellers and other guests.

Depending on the establishment, a hotel may provide rooms, meals, parking, reception services and other facilities for travellers.

Yes. Many countries use service or direction signs to guide travellers toward hotels and other accommodation facilities.

A greenway is a route intended primarily for non-motorised users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Greenways may follow former railway lines, canal towpaths, river corridors, forest paths or other routes separated from busy motor traffic.

Usually not as ordinary through traffic. However, local rules may allow certain vehicles, such as maintenance, emergency, agricultural or access vehicles.

A parking garage is a building or covered structure where motor vehicles can be parked, often on several levels.

Yes. Parking garages may be above ground, underground or incorporated into another building.

Check the entrance signs, vehicle-height restrictions, opening conditions, parking rules and payment requirements before entering.

Pavement parking means parking a vehicle fully or partly on a sidewalk or footway intended primarily for pedestrians.

It depends on the country. Many countries prohibit pavement parking unless traffic signs, markings or local regulations specifically permit it.

It can obstruct pedestrians and reduce accessibility, potentially forcing people with wheelchairs, pushchairs or other mobility needs into the roadway.

A parking zone is a defined area in which a particular parking rule applies throughout the zone rather than only beside an individual sign.

A parking zone may regulate parking duration, payment, permits, vehicle categories or whether parking is permitted.

The zone normally remains in effect until an end-of-zone sign or another applicable traffic regulation indicates that the zone has ended.

A passing place is a widened area on a narrow road where vehicles can move aside to allow opposing traffic to pass.

They are commonly found on single-track roads, narrow rural roads and mountain roads where the normal road width is insufficient for two vehicles to pass comfortably.

The applicable rule depends on the country and road layout. Drivers should slow down, cooperate with approaching traffic and use the passing place safely rather than assuming automatic priority.

A pedestrian overpass is an elevated walkway or bridge that allows pedestrians to cross above a road, railway or other transport route.

They help separate pedestrians from moving traffic, particularly where traffic speeds or volumes make an at-grade crossing less suitable.

Depending on the design, access may be provided by stairs, ramps, lifts or a combination of these.

A picnic site is a designated outdoor place where travellers and visitors can stop, rest and eat.

A picnic site may provide tables, benches, parking, litter bins, toilets, shelters or other recreational facilities, depending on the location.

Yes. Service, recreational or tourist signs may direct travellers toward picnic sites, although the symbols and sign systems vary between countries.

A playground is an area designed for children's play, often containing play equipment or other recreational facilities.

Yes. Some countries use warning or tourist signs where children are frequently present or to indicate recreational facilities such as playgrounds.

Drivers should reduce speed when necessary, watch carefully for children and be prepared to stop if a child enters or approaches the roadway.

A restaurant is an establishment where customers can order and consume prepared meals and drinks.

Yes. Many countries use service or direction signs to guide travellers toward restaurants or food facilities.

They may be located at motorway service areas, filling stations, rest areas, towns and tourist destinations.

A road church is a church or chapel situated near a major road or motorway that is easily accessible to travellers.

Road churches provide travellers with a place for prayer, quiet reflection or a short break from their journey.

No. Road churches are particularly associated with certain European countries, and their availability, designation and signage vary considerably.

Road closed means that access to a road or section of road is prohibited or unavailable to the traffic covered by the closure.

Roads may be closed because of roadworks, accidents, flooding, dangerous conditions, public events or other temporary or permanent restrictions.

Normally, no. You must obey the closure unless an exception specifically applies to you, such as authorised access or local traffic where indicated.

Road open means that traffic is permitted to use a road or section of road that is not currently closed.

Closure signs, barriers or temporary restrictions are normally removed, covered or replaced with signs showing the new traffic arrangement. Drivers should follow the current signs rather than relying on previous conditions.

No. Other restrictions may still apply to particular vehicles, directions, speeds or road users even though the road itself is open to traffic.