VerkehrszeichenWeltweit

A verge is an area alongside a roadway, generally between the roadway and a ditch, embankment, property boundary or other roadside feature.

No. A verge is normally a separate part of the road environment alongside the roadway.

No. A pavement or sidewalk is specifically intended for pedestrians, while a verge may primarily form the roadside margin and may not be paved or comfortably walkable.

No. A cycle path is specifically designated for cyclists and other permitted users. A verge has a different function and legal status.

Yes. A level verge lies approximately at the same height as the roadway and may consist of grass, gravel, soil or another surface.

Yes. A raised verge lies above the level of the roadway and is normally clearly distinguishable from it.

Yes, where local rules permit or require it. A verge may provide a walking route where no suitable pavement or dedicated pedestrian facility is available.

This depends on the country, type of verge and available cycling facilities. Local traffic law may permit cyclists to use a suitable verge in particular circumstances.

Normally vehicles use the roadway, but local rules may permit temporary use of a suitable verge for purposes such as passing, meeting oncoming traffic or accessing property.

This depends on local traffic law, the type of verge and the location. Where verge parking is permitted, sufficient space may have to remain available for pedestrians and other road users.

No. A soft or uneven verge can provide significantly less grip than the roadway and may affect steering or vehicle stability. Reduce speed and return to the roadway safely when possible.

Yes. Verges commonly provide space for traffic signs, lighting, drainage, utility equipment, vegetation and other roadside infrastructure.

A ring road is a road or connected route that runs around or partly around an urban area and helps distribute traffic between different destinations without requiring all traffic to pass through the centre.

Ring roads are commonly used to divert through traffic, connect major roads and provide access to different parts of a city. They can reduce the amount of traffic travelling through central streets.

No. A ring road may completely surround a city, form only part of a loop or consist of several connected roads that together perform a ring-road function.

No. Some ring roads are motorways, while others consist of expressways, ordinary roads or a mixture of road types. Motorway rules apply only where the road is legally designated as a motorway.

There is no universal ring-road speed limit. The applicable speed depends on the country, road classification, location and posted traffic signs.

Ring roads are usually indicated by route numbers, directional signs or the name of the ring. The signs may also show destinations that can be reached by travelling clockwise or anticlockwise around the urban area.

Yes. Ordinary ring roads may contain intersections, roundabouts and traffic lights. Fully controlled-access ring roads or motorway sections generally use grade-separated junctions instead.

This depends on the road type and local access rules. They may use some ordinary-road sections but are normally prohibited from motorway sections and other roads where signs restrict access.

Follow the country's normal lane-use rules and any lane-direction signs. On multi-lane sections, choose the appropriate lane in good time when approaching an interchange or exit.

Continue safely to the next suitable junction or exit. Never reverse, make an unsafe U-turn or cross restricted areas in an attempt to return to a missed exit.

A ramp is a connecting road used to enter or leave another road, particularly a motorway, expressway or grade-separated highway.

An entrance ramp carries traffic toward the main road, while an exit ramp carries traffic away from it toward another road or destination.

Follow the signs and road markings, use the ramp to adjust your speed to the traffic on the motorway and merge only when it is safe and permitted. The exact priority rules depend on the country.

An exit is a designated route or point that allows traffic to leave a road, motorway or expressway and continue toward another road or destination.

Check the direction signs, select the correct lane in good time, signal when required and avoid sudden lane changes when approaching the exit.

Continue safely along the road and use a later exit or another permitted route. Do not stop, reverse or make a dangerous sudden manoeuvre simply to reach an exit you have missed.

An emergency lane is a lane or strip beside the normal traffic lanes that is primarily intended for emergencies, breakdowns and authorised vehicles.

No. Emergency lanes are generally not intended for ordinary traffic, although specific countries may permit their use in certain situations or when indicated by traffic signs or signals.

Stop as far from moving traffic as safely possible, activate the hazard warning lights and follow the country's breakdown procedures. Occupants should avoid remaining close to moving traffic and move to a safer location when possible.

A rush-hour lane is an additional lane that can be opened temporarily during periods of heavy traffic to provide extra road capacity.

You may use a rush-hour lane only when the applicable traffic signs or lane-control signals indicate that it is open. The exact rules and signals vary between countries.

Do not continue driving in the lane when signs or signals indicate that it is closed. Move into an open traffic lane safely and follow any directional signals provided above the roadway.

Traffic calming is the use of road-design measures to reduce vehicle speeds and create safer conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

Common measures include speed humps, raised crossings, chicanes, narrowed carriageways, traffic islands and redesigned intersections.

Traffic calming is commonly used in residential areas, school areas, town centres and other places with significant pedestrian or cyclist activity.

An information point is a place where travellers can obtain information about local destinations, attractions, services, routes or other useful facilities.

Depending on the location, an information point may provide maps, tourist information, directions, information about attractions and details about nearby services.

Many countries use a service or information sign to direct road users toward an information point. The exact symbol and sign design vary between countries.

Equestrian refers to horse riding and, in a traffic context, particularly to people travelling on horseback or using designated horse-riding routes.

Depending on local rules, riders may use roads, bridleways, paths or routes specifically designated for horse riding.

Drivers should slow down, leave plenty of space and pass calmly, avoiding sudden acceleration, horn use or other actions that could frighten the horse.

Hazardous cargo includes substances and articles classified as dangerous for transport, such as explosives, gases, flammable materials, toxic or infectious substances, radioactive materials and corrosive substances.

Yes, when the applicable dangerous-goods rules require them. Packages and vehicles can require hazard labels, placards, identification numbers or other markings that identify the nature of the danger.

Yes. Dangerous-goods vehicles can be subject to route and tunnel restrictions according to the type and quantity of goods being transported and the classification of the road or tunnel.

An emergency exit is a designated escape route that allows people to leave the traffic area of a tunnel and reach a safer location during an emergency.

Use an emergency exit when evacuation is necessary because of fire, smoke or another serious danger, or when instructed to evacuate by tunnel personnel or emergency services.

No. Tunnel emergency exits are intended for people evacuating on foot. Leave the vehicle when necessary and follow the marked escape route towards safety.

It provides an emergency stopping area for a vehicle that can no longer slow down adequately with its normal brakes. It is particularly intended for heavy vehicles on long or steep descents.

Depending on its design, the ramp may rise uphill or contain deep gravel, sand or another arresting material that creates resistance and rapidly reduces the vehicle's speed.

No. An escape ramp is an emergency safety facility and should be kept clear for vehicles that have lost effective braking or control.

A traffic radio service broadcasts information for road users, such as congestion, collisions, roadworks, closures or other conditions that may affect traffic.

It indicates a radio station or frequency on which drivers can receive traffic information relevant to the road or surrounding area.

No. Radio information can help drivers anticipate conditions and choose a route, but drivers must continue to obey traffic signs, signals, road rules and instructions from authorised persons.

An oversize load is a load that makes a vehicle or vehicle combination exceed one or more of the normal legal dimensions for road use, such as its permitted width, height or length.

Often yes. Depending on the country, dimensions and route, a permit may be required and can specify where and when the vehicle may travel and what additional safety measures must be used.

Escort vehicles can warn other road users, help manage difficult road sections and assist the exceptional vehicle when its size creates additional traffic risks. The number and type of escorts required depend on national rules and the dimensions of the transport.

A traffic lane is a longitudinal part of a roadway intended for a line of moving vehicles.

No. A roadway is the larger area intended for vehicle traffic and may contain one or several individual lanes.

Lanes are commonly separated by continuous or broken longitudinal road markings. Their appearance and legal meaning depend on the local traffic-sign system.

Normally yes, when permitted and safe, for example when changing lane or overtaking. Drivers must still check surrounding traffic and follow local rules.

Normally no, except where local law provides a specific exception. A continuous line generally indicates that crossing the marking is prohibited.

Yes. Drivers should indicate their intention in sufficient time and change lane only after making sure the movement can be completed safely.

A driver changing lane generally must give way to traffic already travelling in the lane being entered, although specific merging rules may apply in some situations.

Yes. Particular lanes may be reserved for buses, bicycles, high-occupancy vehicles or other specified traffic according to local signs and regulations.

Yes. Lane-control signals, temporary signs, barriers or roadworks markings may close a lane or direct traffic into another lane.

Follow the merging rules and road markings, observe surrounding traffic and move into the continuing lane safely. Special zipper-merging rules may apply during congestion.

Arrows painted in a lane can indicate the direction or directions that traffic using that lane must follow, particularly when approaching an intersection.

Yes. Avoid unnecessary lane changes. Choose an appropriate lane and change only when needed for overtaking, turning, merging or following the required route.

A cycle highway is a continuous cycling route designed to make longer bicycle journeys fast, direct, safe and comfortable. It commonly connects towns, cities and important destinations.

No. A cycle path is a particular part of a road or a separate path intended for cyclists. A cycle highway is an entire route and may contain several different types of cycling infrastructure.

No. Although high-quality separated infrastructure is common, a cycle highway may also use quiet streets, shared roads, greenways, bridges, tunnels and other suitable connections.

No. The designation of a route as a cycle highway does not by itself give cyclists priority at every intersection or crossing. Priority is determined by the applicable traffic signs, markings and local traffic rules.

Not necessarily. Some sections may be completely separated from motor traffic, while others may follow roads that are also open to cars or other vehicles. Access depends on the rules applying to each section.

This depends on the infrastructure. Some sections may be shared with pedestrians, while others may be reserved for cyclists or particular categories of road users. Follow the signs at the location.

Ordinary electrically assisted bicycles can generally use routes available to bicycles. Different rules may apply to high-speed electric bicycles or speed pedelecs, depending on their legal classification and the signs applying to each section.

There is no universal cycle-highway speed limit. Speed rules depend on the country, type of infrastructure, vehicle category and locally displayed restrictions.

Yes. Cycle highways may cross roads, railway lines and other routes. High-quality networks often use bridges, tunnels or carefully designed crossings to reduce delays and conflicts, but intersections may still occur.

Cycle highways may be identified by route numbers, logos, destination signs or distinctive wayfinding markings. The appearance and legal significance of this signage vary between countries and regions.

An air pressure station is a facility where drivers can measure and adjust the air pressure in their vehicle's tyres.

Air pressure equipment is commonly available at filling stations, service areas, garages and other vehicle-service facilities.

Use the tyre pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The required pressure can vary according to the vehicle, tyres and load.

An ATM is an automated teller machine that allows users to withdraw cash and perform certain other banking transactions without entering a bank.

ATMs may be located at banks, shopping areas, filling stations, service areas, transport facilities and other public locations.

Not universally. Some countries or service operators use banking or cash symbols to indicate an ATM, but the design and legal status of these signs vary.

A bed and breakfast, often abbreviated to B&B, is accommodation that normally provides an overnight stay together with breakfast.

A bed and breakfast is typically a smaller accommodation establishment and may be operated from a private residence or guesthouse, while hotels generally provide a wider range of rooms and services.

Yes. Some countries allow tourist or accommodation signs to direct travellers toward bed and breakfasts, although the signs and symbols used vary between countries.

A dock or mooring is a place where a boat or ship can stop and be secured alongside a structure or to a designated mooring point.

A dock usually refers to a waterside structure or berthing area, while a mooring refers more generally to a place or equipment used to secure a vessel.

Yes. Direction or tourist signs may indicate harbours, marinas, ferry terminals and other waterside facilities, although the symbols used vary between countries.

A cable car is a transport system in which passenger cabins or cars are moved along a route by cables.

Cable cars are commonly found in mountainous areas, ski resorts, tourist destinations and some cities where they provide transport across steep or difficult terrain.

Yes. Road or tourist direction signs may guide travellers toward cable car stations, although the symbols and sign designs used vary between countries.

A café is an establishment where customers can obtain drinks and often light meals, snacks or other refreshments.

Yes. Some countries use service, tourist or direction signs to indicate cafés, refreshment facilities or similar establishments.

Not necessarily. Some road-sign systems distinguish between restaurants and establishments primarily offering drinks or refreshments.

Camper drainage is a facility where wastewater from a motorhome, campervan or caravan can be emptied into an appropriate disposal system.

Facilities may provide disposal for grey water from sinks and showers and toilet waste from cassette or holding tanks. Separate disposal points may be required.

They are commonly available at campsites, motorhome service areas and specially equipped parking or rest areas. Facilities vary by location.

A ferry is a vessel that carries passengers, vehicles or goods across a body of water between designated terminals.

Yes. Vehicle ferries can connect sections of a road network where traffic must cross a river, lake, channel or other body of water.

Follow the direction signs, designated lanes and instructions from ferry personnel, and wait or board only when instructed to do so.