Traffic signsWorldwide

A pedestrian is primarily a person travelling on foot. Local traffic laws may also treat people pushing bicycles, wheelchairs, prams or certain other devices as pedestrians.

Pedestrians should normally use pavements, sidewalks, footpaths or other areas provided for pedestrians. Where these are unavailable, local rules determine where pedestrians may walk on or beside the road.

This depends on the country's traffic rules. Many countries require or recommend pedestrians to face approaching traffic, but the exact rule varies.

Use a pedestrian crossing, traffic-light-controlled crossing or other designated crossing where required or reasonably available. Where crossing elsewhere is permitted, choose a location with good visibility and cross carefully.

The exact priority rule varies between countries. Drivers are commonly required to give way to pedestrians using or entering designated crossings, but pedestrians must still obey traffic lights and avoid entering the road dangerously.

Yes. Where pedestrian signals are provided, pedestrians must follow their indications and should not enter the roadway while the signal prohibits crossing.

In many traffic systems, a person who dismounts and walks beside a bicycle is treated as a pedestrian. The precise legal classification depends on local law.

This depends on the road layout and local rules. Pedestrians may sometimes use a cycle path when no suitable pedestrian facility is available, but they must not unnecessarily obstruct cyclists or other authorised users.

Yes. Drivers turning into another road must watch carefully for pedestrians crossing the road they are entering and give way where required by local traffic law.

Check carefully for approaching traffic from all relevant directions, make sure there is sufficient time and distance to cross safely, and continue to observe traffic while crossing.

A cyclist is a person who rides and controls a bicycle.

Yes. Cyclists are road users and must follow the traffic rules, signs and signals that apply to them.

This depends on local rules. Cyclists may be required to use a cycle path or designated cycling facility, while in other situations they may ride on the carriageway.

A moped is a lightweight motor vehicle whose engine power, capacity or maximum design speed is restricted by law. The precise technical definition differs between countries.

No. Mopeds normally have lower maximum speeds and power than motorcycles and are classified separately under traffic and licensing laws.

Yes, potentially. A vehicle can be legally classified as a moped whether its motor is electric or uses an internal-combustion engine. Classification depends on factors such as design speed and power.

This depends on the country and moped category. Some low-speed mopeds may be ridden without a licence, while faster mopeds commonly require a dedicated moped licence or another qualifying driving licence.

Helmet requirements vary between countries, but an approved protective helmet is compulsory for moped riders in many jurisdictions. Passengers may also be required to wear one.

This depends on the moped category, road speed limit and local signs. Some low-speed mopeds may be required to use cycle paths, while faster mopeds may be required or permitted to use the roadway.

Only where the vehicle is designed and legally approved to carry a passenger and the rider satisfies any minimum-age or licensing requirements.

Many countries require mopeds to be registered and display a registration plate. Requirements vary according to vehicle category and national law.

Compulsory third-party liability insurance is required for mopeds in many countries. The exact insurance requirements depend on the vehicle classification and national legislation.

Mopeds are generally prohibited from motorways and other high-speed controlled-access roads because their maximum design speed is too low and the road may specifically exclude them.

A motorcycle is a powered two-wheeled vehicle, which may also be equipped with a sidecar.

No. Traffic laws generally distinguish motorcycles from mopeds according to technical characteristics such as power, engine capacity or maximum speed.

Motorcyclists should use an approved helmet and suitable protective clothing. The exact mandatory equipment depends on the country's traffic laws.

A car is a motor vehicle primarily designed to carry a relatively small number of passengers and their luggage on roads.

No. A car is a type of motor vehicle. The broader category of motor vehicles can also include motorcycles, buses, trucks, mopeds and other powered vehicles, depending on local legal definitions.

Yes. A driver must normally hold a valid driving licence for the vehicle category concerned. The licence categories and minimum ages vary between countries.

Yes, normally. Cars used on public roads generally have to be registered with the competent authority and display the required registration plate or plates.

Most countries require at least third-party liability insurance before a car may be used on public roads. Additional insurance may be optional.

Where seat belts are fitted, drivers and passengers are generally required to wear them correctly. Exact requirements and exemptions vary between countries.

Yes, in many countries. Children below specified age, height or weight thresholds must be transported in an appropriate approved child-restraint system.

A car must not carry more people than it is designed and legally approved to transport. Passengers should use the designated seating positions and required restraint systems.

Yes, if the vehicle and licence permit it. Maximum trailer masses, combination masses and licence requirements depend on the vehicle and local regulations.

Most ordinary cars can use motorways, but they must satisfy the applicable vehicle, speed and access requirements. Certain unusually slow or restricted vehicles may be prohibited.

A truck is a motor vehicle designed primarily for transporting goods.

No. Trucks can include lighter goods vehicles as well as heavy trucks. Traffic laws often apply different rules according to the vehicle's maximum authorised mass.

Trucks may have larger blind spots, longer stopping distances and wider turning paths than smaller vehicles, so other road users should avoid remaining unnecessarily close beside or in front of them.

A bus is a motor vehicle designed to transport a relatively large number of passengers. It may be used for public transport, school transport, private services or other passenger transport.

A bus is commonly designed for frequent passenger boarding and may allow standing passengers, while a coach is generally designed for longer journeys with passengers seated. Exact legal definitions vary between countries.

Yes. Driving a vehicle designed to carry more than a specified number of passengers normally requires a dedicated bus or passenger-vehicle driving licence.

Only when the vehicle is designed and approved to carry standing passengers. Coaches and other vehicles designed exclusively for seated passengers must not be used beyond their approved passenger configuration.

Where seat belts are provided and local law requires their use, passengers must wear them correctly. Urban buses designed for standing passengers may have seating positions or operating conditions that differ from coaches.

Yes, where permitted. Bus lanes are commonly reserved for public transport buses, although local signs may also allow taxis, bicycles or other specified vehicles to use them.

No. Some countries require other drivers to give way to buses leaving designated stops, particularly in urban areas, while others apply the normal merging rules.

Yes. Passengers may be boarding, leaving or crossing the road near the bus. Reduce speed where necessary and watch carefully for pedestrians emerging from behind or in front of the vehicle.

They can. Some countries impose lower maximum speeds on buses than on passenger cars, particularly on high-speed roads. Different limits may apply to buses and coaches.

Yes, normally. Buses that satisfy the applicable construction and access requirements may use motorways, but they must obey any vehicle-specific speed limits, lane restrictions and other local rules.

Police help enforce traffic laws, manage traffic, investigate collisions and respond to dangerous situations. They may also carry out roadside checks and direct road users.

Yes. Lawful directions given by an authorised police officer must be followed. In many countries, those directions take precedence over traffic lights, road signs and normal priority rules.

Slow down, follow the officer's directions and stop at a safe location as instructed. Do not make sudden movements or continue driving unless directed to do so.

Yes, where authorised by local law. A police officer controlling traffic may instruct road users to proceed even when a traffic light or sign would normally require them to stop.

Yes. Police may require drivers to provide documents such as a driving licence, vehicle registration, identification or proof of insurance according to local law.

Yes. Traffic police may conduct legally authorised alcohol and drug checks using procedures such as breath, saliva or other approved tests.

Yes. Roads or lanes may be temporarily closed or traffic diverted because of collisions, emergencies, investigations, public events or other safety concerns.

Reduce speed, remain alert and follow all directions. Do not enter a closed area or interfere with emergency personnel, and leave sufficient space for emergency vehicles.

Follow the local rules for priority vehicles. Drivers generally have to make sufficient space, give way and stop where necessary so that the emergency vehicle can pass safely.

Yes, where local law permits it. Police or another authorised authority may require a vehicle to be moved when it obstructs traffic, creates danger or must be removed for operational reasons.

An ambulance is a specially equipped vehicle used to provide emergency medical assistance and transport sick or injured people.

This depends on the local traffic rules and warning signals being used. Ambulances responding to emergencies commonly use flashing lights and a siren to indicate that other road users must make way.

Remain calm and make sufficient space for it to pass. Slow down or stop where necessary, but avoid sudden or dangerous manoeuvres.

Not necessarily in your exact position. Move or stop in a way that creates a safe passage without blocking an intersection, pedestrian crossing or another part of the road needed by the ambulance.

Emergency vehicles may be allowed to pass a red light during an urgent response under special legal conditions. The precise rules differ between countries, and the ambulance driver must still take appropriate precautions.

Many countries permit emergency vehicles to depart from certain normal speed rules during an urgent mission, subject to safety requirements and national legislation.

Yes, when responding to an emergency and legally permitted to do so. Other road users should create space and keep emergency corridors or access routes clear where required.

You should not use the passage created for an ambulance as a way to bypass congestion. Maintain a safe distance and continue to obey the normal traffic rules.

No. The use of warning lights and sirens depends on the urgency of the mission and local regulations. An ambulance transporting a patient does not necessarily need to use emergency signals throughout the journey.

Reduce speed and remain alert. Medical personnel, patients or other emergency workers may be entering the road, and the ambulance may need to move unexpectedly.

A taxi is a vehicle used to transport passengers for payment, normally providing journeys requested by individual customers.

Depending on the local system, taxis may be available at taxi stands, airports, railway stations, on the street or through telephone and app-based booking services.

Yes. Taxi services are generally subject to licensing and operating requirements, although the exact rules concerning vehicles, drivers, fares and permitted operating areas vary between jurisdictions.

Police traffic signals are gestures, positions or other signals used by authorised officers to regulate or direct traffic.

In many countries, yes. Directions given by an authorised traffic officer normally take precedence over traffic lights, signs and ordinary traffic rules.

Slow down, pay close attention and follow the officer's instruction. Do not continue simply because a traffic light or road sign would normally allow you to proceed.

Tailgating means following another vehicle too closely to maintain a safe stopping distance.

Following too closely gives the driver less time and distance to react if the vehicle ahead brakes, slows down or encounters an unexpected hazard.

You should increase the distance in conditions such as rain, snow, ice, fog, darkness or poor road surfaces and whenever visibility or tyre grip is reduced.

A bicycle parking station is a designated facility where bicycles can be parked and secured.

They may provide bicycle racks, covered parking, lockers, access control, surveillance or spaces for larger bicycles. Facilities vary between locations.

They are commonly provided near railway stations, public-transport hubs, schools, workplaces, shopping areas and busy city centres.

Yes. Even in a designated or secure facility, the bicycle should normally be locked appropriately to reduce the risk of theft.

Yes. Bicycle parking may be free or subject to payment, particularly where secure, enclosed or access-controlled facilities are provided.

Yes, normally. Some facilities may also provide charging points, although the bicycle and battery must comply with the operator's safety rules.

Only where there is sufficient space and the facility permits them. Larger bicycle parking stations may provide special spaces for cargo bikes, longtails or other oversized cycles.

This depends on the signs and facility rules. Some parking facilities accommodate both ordinary bicycles and speed pedelecs, while others reserve separate spaces.

This depends on local law. Where parking elsewhere is permitted, the bicycle should be positioned so that it does not obstruct or endanger pedestrians, cyclists or other road users.

No. Bicycle parking should leave sufficient space for pedestrians, including people using wheelchairs, mobility aids or tactile guidance routes.

Yes, depending on local rules and facility conditions. Operators or authorities may remove bicycles that are abandoned, incorrectly parked or left beyond the permitted period.

Secure bicycle parking provides additional protection against theft through measures such as controlled access, enclosed storage, surveillance or individual bicycle lockers.

A gravel road is an unpaved road covered with gravel, crushed stone or another loose aggregate surface.

Loose material can reduce tyre grip, increase stopping distance and cause stones or dust to be thrown into the air. Potholes and uneven surfaces may also be present.

Use a suitable speed, maintain extra distance from other vehicles and accelerate, brake and steer smoothly to reduce the risk of losing traction.

Tram lights are special traffic signals used to control trams and sometimes other authorised public-transport vehicles.

Using different symbols, shapes or colours makes it easier for tram and public-transport drivers to distinguish their signals from the red, amber and green lights controlling ordinary road traffic.

No. The appearance and meaning of public-transport signals vary between countries and sometimes between transport systems.

Yes. Special signals may permit a tram to continue straight ahead, turn left or turn right while other movements remain prohibited.

Normally no when the signals are specifically intended for trams or public-transport vehicles. Ordinary drivers must follow the traffic lights and signs that apply to them.

Yes. Public-transport signals may allow a tram to proceed while ordinary traffic remains stopped, helping the tram cross an intersection or receive priority through traffic.

In some road layouts, cyclists or other authorised users may share infrastructure controlled by public-transport signals. Whether those signals apply to them depends on local traffic law and signage.

No. A signal intended specifically for a tram or public-transport vehicle does not give permission to other road users unless their own signal or traffic rule also permits them to proceed.

Follow the signals intended for your own traffic stream, remain alert for approaching trams and avoid stopping where you could obstruct the tracks.

No. They primarily regulate the vehicles to which they apply. Other road users must continue to obey their own traffic lights, signs and applicable priority rules.

A European emission standard, or Euro standard, classifies vehicles according to the emissions requirements they had to satisfy when approved for use in the European market.

They are successive generations of European emission requirements. In general, a higher Euro number represents a newer and stricter emissions standard, although the exact limits differ according to vehicle and fuel type.

Depending on the vehicle and standard, limits apply to pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Newer standards also regulate additional environmental aspects.

No. Euro standards primarily regulate harmful air pollutants from vehicles. Carbon-dioxide emissions and fuel or energy consumption are subject to separate measurements and regulatory requirements.

The Euro standard may appear on the vehicle registration certificate, certificate of conformity or other official vehicle documentation. Its location and format vary between countries.

The date of first registration can provide an indication, but it does not always determine the standard with certainty. The official vehicle documents or type-approval information provide the more reliable classification.

Yes. The applicable emission limits and testing requirements can differ according to the vehicle category, engine and fuel type even when vehicles belong to the same general Euro generation.

Yes. Many low-emission zones use the vehicle's Euro standard together with factors such as fuel type and vehicle category to determine whether it may enter.

Not normally. The official Euro standard is linked to the vehicle's approved emissions classification. Retrofitting emission-control equipment does not necessarily result in a different official Euro classification.

Euro 7 is the latest European emissions framework for road vehicles. It builds on earlier Euro standards and also introduces requirements covering areas such as non-exhaust particle emissions and battery durability.

A public road is a road, street, path or other traffic area that is open for use by the public.

No. The carriageway is normally only the part of the road intended primarily for vehicle traffic. The public road can also include cycle paths, pavements, verges and other areas.

Yes. Pavements or sidewalks intended for pedestrians can form part of the public road even though motor vehicles normally may not use them.

Yes. A cycle path can form a separate part of the public road reserved for bicycles and other permitted road users.

Yes. Verges beside the carriageway can form part of the public road and may be subject to specific rules concerning walking, cycling, stopping or parking.

Not necessarily. In some legal systems, whether a road is considered public depends mainly on whether it is open to public traffic rather than simply on who owns the land.

Yes, generally. Road users must comply with the traffic regulations applying to the road and to the particular part of it they are using.

Yes. Cycle paths, pavements, bus lanes, pedestrian areas and other sections may be reserved for specified categories of road users.

Yes. Traffic signs or regulations may prohibit or restrict particular vehicles or road users even though the road remains part of the public-road network.

Yes. Roads can be temporarily closed or restricted because of roadworks, emergencies, events or other traffic-management measures.

It can. A path that is legally open to public traffic may form part of the public-road network even when only pedestrians, cyclists or other limited categories of road users can use it.

Follow the local rules for entering traffic from a driveway, property or other private area. Drivers commonly have to give way to road users already using the public road.

A roadway, or carriageway, is the part of a road primarily intended for the movement of vehicles.

No. The complete road can also contain pavements, cycle paths, verges, parking areas, central reservations and other sections that do not form part of the roadway.

No. A traffic lane is a portion of the roadway intended for a line of moving vehicles. A roadway may contain one or several lanes.

Yes. A roadway may carry two-way traffic or may be restricted to traffic travelling in only one direction.

Normally no when it is legally designated as a separate cycle facility. It may form part of the wider road while remaining separate from the roadway.

No. A pavement or sidewalk is normally a separate part of the road intended primarily for pedestrians.

Yes. A designated parking strip or parking area may form a separate part of the road alongside the roadway.

Drivers normally use the roadway and the traffic lanes intended for their direction of travel, except where another part of the road is specifically provided or permitted for their vehicle category.

Yes. Cyclists may or must use the roadway when permitted by local rules, particularly where no applicable cycle facility is available or compulsory.

Pedestrians may sometimes use the roadway when no suitable pedestrian facility is available, subject to the local rules governing their position and direction of travel.

Yes. Continuous or broken longitudinal road markings commonly divide a roadway into individual traffic lanes and regulate how drivers may move between them.

Yes. The roadway, cycle paths, pavements, parking areas and other sections may each have different permitted users and traffic rules.

A street is a road in a built-up or developed area that commonly provides access to buildings, properties and activities along it.

Not exactly. Road is a broader term that can include motorways, rural roads and other routes. A street is normally associated with a built-up area and access to properties or activities.

No. The roadway or carriageway is the part primarily intended for vehicle traffic. A street can also contain pavements, cycle facilities, parking areas and other infrastructure.

Yes. Pedestrians normally use the pavement, sidewalk or other pedestrian facilities provided along the street and cross the roadway according to the applicable crossing rules.

Yes. Cyclists may use cycle paths, cycle lanes or the roadway according to the local traffic rules and infrastructure.

Yes. A street may be restricted to vehicles travelling in one direction, while signs may sometimes allow particular road users such as cyclists to travel in both directions.

Yes. Streets may form pedestrian zones, school streets, play streets or other restricted areas where motor-vehicle access is prohibited or limited.

No. The applicable speed depends on the country, location, type of street and traffic signs. Special lower limits commonly apply in residential, school or pedestrian-oriented areas.

Yes, where parking is permitted. Drivers must respect parking signs, road markings and general restrictions concerning crossings, intersections, driveways and other protected locations.

Yes. Streets may carry buses, trams or other public transport and can include dedicated lanes, tracks and passenger stops.

Yes. A cycle path may run along a street while remaining a separate part of the road from the ordinary roadway.

Drivers should expect frequent interaction with pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, intersections, driveways and public transport and should adapt their speed and observation accordingly.

A pothole is a hole or depression that develops in a road surface when the pavement becomes damaged or deteriorates.

Potholes can develop through a combination of water, temperature changes, traffic loads and deterioration of the road material. Cracks can gradually expand until pieces of the surface break away.

A pothole can cause a vehicle to change direction suddenly, lose stability or suffer tyre, wheel or suspension damage. Deep potholes can present a particularly serious hazard at higher speeds.

Reduce speed when necessary, maintain control of the vehicle and avoid abrupt steering or braking. Only move around the pothole when this can be done safely without endangering other road users.

If possible, reduce your speed before reaching the pothole. Sudden heavy braking or steering while passing over a damaged surface can make the vehicle less stable.

Yes. A pothole can disturb the steering or balance of a motorcycle and may cause the rider to lose control.

Yes. Bicycle wheels can be strongly affected by deep holes or sharp edges, particularly when the cyclist has little time or space to avoid the hazard.

Yes. Severe impacts can damage tyres, wheel rims, suspension components, steering parts or wheel alignment.

No. A sudden evasive movement may create a greater danger by bringing the vehicle into conflict with cyclists, pedestrians, oncoming traffic or vehicles in another lane.

Yes. Depending on the country's traffic-sign system, an uneven-road or general-danger warning sign may be used where poor road conditions create a significant hazard.

A median strip is a longitudinal area that separates two roadways, usually carrying traffic in opposite directions.

Not necessarily. A median is normally a physically distinguishable area or structure, while painted centre lines simply separate traffic using road markings.

A median may consist of grass, paving, kerbs, safety barriers, vegetation or another physical separation between roadways.

They help separate opposing traffic flows, reduce conflicts between vehicles travelling in opposite directions and provide space for barriers, signs, lighting or other road infrastructure.

Only where a legal crossing or opening is provided and the applicable traffic rules permit the movement. Drivers should never cross a physical median simply to change direction or take a shortcut.

Yes. Openings may be provided for intersections, turning movements, emergency services, maintenance or other authorised traffic.

This depends on local law, but parking on a median is commonly prohibited or restricted because it may create danger or obstruct visibility and traffic.

Some medians contain a pedestrian refuge specifically designed to allow people to cross a road in stages. Other medians may not be intended for pedestrian use.

It can be. A median may contain a safety barrier designed to reduce the risk of vehicles crossing into opposing traffic.

Yes. A road with a median commonly has two separate roadways, one for each direction of traffic.

The road layout normally separates the traffic directions, but drivers must still follow the traffic signs, lane markings and directional rules applying to each roadway.

No. An emergency lane or shoulder runs alongside a roadway, while a median strip separates roadways from each other.

Public property is property owned or controlled by a government, municipality or another public authority.

Examples can include roads, parks, public squares, government buildings, transport infrastructure and other public facilities.

No. Some public property is freely accessible, while access to government offices, maintenance facilities, railway infrastructure or other areas may be limited or prohibited.

No. Public property concerns ownership or control, while a public road concerns an area that is legally or actually open to public traffic. A public road can therefore be only one type of public property.

Yes. A privately owned car park, road or other area may be accessible to the public even though the government does not own it.

Yes. Public authorities can own areas that are restricted to authorised personnel, maintenance services or other specified users.

No. Whether ordinary road-traffic rules apply depends on the legal status and use of the area rather than simply on who owns it.

Yes. Public property can include streets, car parks, access roads and other traffic areas, each of which may have its own traffic and access rules.

Yes. Signs, barriers, opening hours, permits or other regulations may restrict access to particular public areas.

Yes. A publicly accessible park, square or pedestrian area may prohibit motor vehicles or permit only specific categories such as emergency, maintenance or delivery vehicles.

Not necessarily. Public space generally describes an area available for public use, while public property primarily describes ownership or control. A publicly used space can sometimes be privately owned.

Traffic regulations frequently depend on whether an area is a public road, publicly accessible place or restricted private area, rather than solely on ownership.

Private property is land, buildings or other property owned or controlled by a private person, company or organisation.

Examples include homes, driveways, private roads, company grounds, shopping-centre car parks and privately owned parking facilities.

No. Some private property is restricted to its owner or authorised users, while other privately owned areas are open to customers, visitors or the general public.

No. A private road is only one type of private property. Private property can also include buildings, car parks, yards and other land.

Yes. Ownership and public accessibility are separate issues. A privately owned road can be made available to public traffic and may then be subject to traffic rules that normally apply to public roads.

Not necessarily. The applicable rules depend on the legal status and accessibility of the area. A driveway used only by its owner is different from a privately owned road that is open to general traffic.

Yes, subject to applicable law. Access may be limited using gates, barriers, permits, signs or other conditions established by the owner or operator.

Yes. A privately owned supermarket, shopping-centre or commercial car park can be accessible to customers or the general public even though the land remains privately owned.

This depends on local law and the circumstances. Owners or authorised operators may have procedures for dealing with vehicles that are unlawfully parked or obstruct access.

Enter carefully and follow the applicable rules for joining traffic from a driveway or adjoining property. In many countries, the driver entering the road must give way to road users already using it.

Yes. Owners may use signs to indicate access, parking or safety conditions, although their legal status and enforceability can differ from official road signs installed on public roads.

Because traffic laws often depend on the legal status and accessibility of the place rather than simply on who owns the land.

A private road is a road whose access and use are controlled by a private owner or organisation rather than being freely available as part of the ordinary public-road network.

This depends on the owner's access rules. Use may be limited to residents, visitors, customers, employees, delivery vehicles or other authorised persons.

Yes. A privately owned road may be made available to general public traffic. In some legal systems, this can affect which traffic rules apply to it.

No. A private road is one particular type of private property. Private property can also include buildings, gardens, yards, car parks and other land.

Generally yes, subject to applicable legal rights and restrictions. Access can be controlled by gates, barriers, signs or permits.

Not necessarily. Their legal effect depends on the country, road status and authority under which they were installed.

This depends on whether the road falls within the scope of the country's road-traffic legislation. The owner may also impose additional private speed restrictions.

Only when the owner's rules and applicable law permit it. Parking may be reserved, restricted or prohibited.

Depending on local law, the owner or operator may be able to arrange removal of vehicles that are unauthorised, abandoned or obstructing access.

Approach the public road carefully and follow the applicable rules for joining traffic from private property or an access road. Drivers commonly have to give way to road users already using the public road.

Yes, where their duties and local law permit it. Access may be necessary for fire, medical, police or rescue operations.

It determines whether ordinary road-traffic rules, insurance requirements, traffic signs and enforcement powers apply in the same way as they do on a public road.