Book
1. 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).
© Wikimedia.org/Edin the, CC BY-SA
2. 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. (Gašnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina) © Wikimedia.org/Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA
3. Quay
A quay warning is a sign used near quays or docking areas to warn people of potential hazards related to the waterfront, docking operations, or ship movements. These signs are typically placed to ensure the safety of pedestrians, workers, and vessels around the quay area.
- Safety Alerts - They inform individuals about specific risks, such as slippery surfaces, moving ships, or high tides.
- Hazard Identification - Some signs may alert people to low visibility conditions, fast currents, or unprotected edges.
- Visibility - Provides clear and visible alerts to make individuals aware of hazards around the quay, docks, or waterfront.
© Wikimedia.org/Smooth_O, CC BY-SA
4. Give way
"Give Way" means you must slow down or stop to let other road users go first before you proceed. It’s the same as “Yield” in some countries (like the U.S.). A Give Way Sign Looks Like: An inverted triangle. Usually red and white, with the words "Give Way" or "Yield"
- Slow down as you approach.
- Check for traffic from other directions.
- Let other vehicles or pedestrians go first if they have priority.
- Proceed only when it’s safe.
A give way sign. (Ljubuški, Bosnia and Herzegovina) © Wikimedia.org/Anto, CC BY
5. Roundabout
A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows in one direction around a central island. Instead of traffic lights or stop signs, vehicles use yield rules to enter and exit the roundabout safely.
- Approach slowly.
- Yield to traffic already inside the roundabout.
- Enter when it’s safe.
- Signal before exiting at your desired turn-off.
© Wikimedia.org/Sebleouf, CC BY-SA
6. Railroad crossing
A railroad crossing (also called a level crossing) is a place where a railway line and a road (or path) cross at the same level — meaning, there’s no bridge or tunnel, just a flat intersection.
- Stop when lights flash or gates come down.
- Never try to 'beat the train' — it's dangerous and often illegal.
- Look both ways, even if you don’t hear or see a train.
- Wait until gates are fully up and lights stop flashing before crossing.
- Never stop on the tracks — always make sure there’s room on the other side before crossing.
7. Traffic lights
Traffic lights are signaling devices used to control the flow of traffic at intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other points on the road. They operate using a universal color system: red means stop, yellow (amber) signals that the light is about to change and warns drivers to prepare to stop, and green allows traffic to proceed when safe. By providing clear and timed instructions, traffic lights help prevent collisions, ensure smoother traffic flow, and create safer conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.
- Standard Traffic Light Colors:
- Red - Stop – Do not enter the intersection.
- Yellow - Get ready to stop, Light is about to turn red.
- Green - Go – Proceed if the way is clear.
- Pedestrian Traffic Lights:
- Red person = Don’t cross.
- Green person = Safe to cross.
- Some also beep or count down for accessibility.
- Arrow Traffic Lights:
- Show specific directions (e.g., green arrow for turning left).
- Help manage turning traffic separately from straight-moving cars.
8. International border
An international border is the official dividing line between two countries. It marks where the territory, laws, and authority of one country end and another’s begin.
- Border checkpoints - Places where people and goods are inspected (e.g. airports, land crossings).
- Passports and visas - Usually required to cross legally.
- Security or fencing - Some borders have fences, walls, or patrols for control.
- Customs and immigration - Control who and what enters or leaves the country.
An international border sign when entering Bosnia and Herzegovina. © Wikimedia.org/Smooth_O, CC BY-SA
9. Tourist attraction
A tourist attraction sign is a traffic sign that points drivers or pedestrians toward a site of cultural, historical, natural, or recreational interest.
- Help travelers locate landmarks, parks, monuments, museums, scenic routes, or other points of interest.
- Usually positioned along major roads leading to the attraction, with arrows showing the direction.
Sign showing information for tourists. (Krupa na Vrbasu, Bosnia and Herzegovina) © Wikimedia.org/Rade Nagraisalović, CC BY-SA
10. Bus
A bus is a large vehicle used to carry multiple passengers, usually on a fixed route. It’s part of public or private transportation, helping people get from one place to another.
- Do not overtake a bus when it's stopped for passengers, especially a school bus.
- Watch for people crossing in front of or behind the bus.
- Yield to buses re-entering traffic in many cities — it’s the law!
- Types of Buses:
- City Bus – Picks up and drops off passengers at bus stops in cities.
- School Bus – Transports students to and from school.
- Tour/Coach Bus – For long-distance or sightseeing trips.
- Shuttle Bus – Moves people between places like airports, hotels, campuses, etc...
A bus in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.. © Wikimedia.org/KalyEV., CC BY
Traffic rules