Book
1. National speed
National speed limits are the default maximum speeds set by law for different types of roads when no specific speed limit signs are present. They vary depending on the road type, vehicle category, and country, and drivers must know and apply them automatically.
- Speed must always be adapted to conditions (weather, traffic, visibility).
- Lower limits may apply for specific vehicles (e.g. trucks).
A sign indicating the general speed limits of Austria. © Wikimedia.org/Christian Gebhardt, CC BY-SA
2. Motorway
A motorway is a high-speed road designed for long-distance travel, with controlled access and no intersections or pedestrian traffic.
- High speed limits (often 100–130 km/h or 60–80 mph).
- Multiple lanes in each direction.
- No traffic lights or stop signs.
- No pedestrians, bicycles, or slow vehicles allowed.
- Entry and exit only through on-ramps and off-ramps.
- Often separated by a barrier or median.
- Different Names in Different Places:
- Motorway – UK, Ireland, parts of Europe.
- Freeway – USA (West Coast), Australia.
- Expressway – Canada, some parts of Asia.
- Interstate – USA (Interstate Highway System).
- Autobahn – Germany (some sections have no speed limit).
3. Expressway
An expressway is a high-speed road specifically engineered to handle large volumes of traffic safely and efficiently over longer distances, with controlled access that limits where vehicles can enter or leave the road. Unlike regular roads, an expressway has no direct intersections, traffic lights, or pedestrian crossings, allowing traffic to flow continuously without interruption. It typically features multiple lanes in each direction, separated by a median or physical barrier to prevent head-on collisions.
© Wikimedia.org/GT1976, CC BY-SA
4. Residential area
A residential area is a part of a town or city where people live. It’s mostly made up of homes, apartments, and housing complexes, rather than businesses or factories. These areas are designed for safety and quiet living. Speeding or reckless driving here is especially dangerous and often carries higher penalties.
- Lower speed limits (often 20–40 km/h or 15–25 mph).
- Be alert for:
- Kids running into the street.
- People crossing the road.
- Parked cars reducing visibility.
© Wikimedia.org/Simon Legner, CC BY-SA
5. Built-up area
A built-up area is a place where there are lots of buildings, people, and activity — basically, any area that looks and feels like a town or city.
- Lower speed limits usually apply (e.g. 30–50 km/h or 20–30 mph).
- You’ll see more pedestrians, cyclists, and parked cars.
- Need to be extra careful at crossings, junctions, and near schools.
Begin of a built-up area. (Oberschützen, Austria) © Wikimedia.org/Mate Csepanyi, CC BY-SA
6. Zone
A zone refers to an area on the road where certain traffic laws or restrictions apply. Ignoring zone rules can lead to fines, points, or even accidents
- Speed Zone – has a specific speed limit.
- School Zone – reduced speed when near a school.
- Parking Zone – controls where and how long you can park.
- Residential Zone – lower speed, watch for children.
- Low Emission Zone – limits access for polluting vehicles.
7. Speed limit
A speed limit is the maximum speed you are legally allowed to drive on a road. It helps keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe by reducing the risk of accidents. Always adjust your speed for weather, traffic, and road conditions — even if you're below the speed limit!
- Helps prevent accidents.
- Gives drivers more time to react.
- Keeps traffic flowing smoothly.
- Protects people in areas like school zones or construction sites.
8. Footpath
A footpath (or sidewalk) is a designated path for pedestrians, usually alongside a road. Traffic rules for footpaths ensure the safety of pedestrians and maintain order in urban areas.
- No driving or parking on footpaths – Vehicles are not allowed to obstruct pedestrian paths.
- No riding bicycles or motorcycles (unless marked as a shared path).
- Give way to pedestrians at crossings – Always stop or slow down near footpath exits.
- Use the footpath only for walking – Do not walk on the road unless necessary.
- Keep to the left/right (depending on local rules) to allow smooth pedestrian flow.
- Do not block the path – Avoid standing in groups that obstruct others.
A path for pedestrians. (Vienna, Austria) © Wikimedia.org/Linie29, CC BY-SA
9. Shared-use path
A shared-use path, mixed-use path or multi-use pathway is a path which is 'designed to accommodate the movement of pedestrians and cyclists'. Examples of shared-use paths include sidewalks designated as shared-use, bridleways and rail trails. A shared-use path typically has a surface that is asphalt, concrete or firmly packed crushed aggregate. Shared-use paths differ from cycle tracks and cycle paths in that shared-use paths are designed to include pedestrians even if the primary anticipated users are cyclists.
- Physically separated from roads (unlike bike lanes).
- Wide enough to accommodate multiple users safely.
- Marked with signs & pavement symbols to guide different users.
- Smooth surfaces for easy mobility (asphalt, concrete, or packed gravel).
- Used for recreation & transportation in parks, greenways, and urban areas.
- Cyclists give way to pedestrians and announce when passing.
- No blocking the path – Keep moving or step aside.
10. Tunnel
Tunnels are enclosed roadways with special traffic rules to ensure safety, visibility, and smooth traffic flow. Due to the risk of accidents, fires, and poor ventilation, strict regulations apply. Tunnels are high-risk areas! Stay alert, follow all traffic rules, and be prepared for emergencies.
- Turn on headlights – Low-beam headlights are required for visibility.
- Follow speed limits – Tunnels have lower speed limits to prevent collisions.
- Keep a safe distance – Maintain at least 2-3 seconds of space from the vehicle ahead.
- Stay in your lane – Avoid lane changes unless necessary.
- Obey traffic signs and signals – Some tunnels use electronic signs for safety updates.
- No stopping or parking – Stopping inside a tunnel is dangerous unless in an emergency.
- Check if large trucks or hazardous materials are allowed – Some tunnels restrict certain vehicles.
- Follow height and weight restrictions – Exceeding limits can damage the tunnel or cause accidents.
- No walking or cycling inside tunnels – Unless there is a separate pedestrian or bike lane.
Traffic rules