Traffic signsSwitzerland

51. Junction layout

A junction layout is a schematic representation of the layout of an upcoming intersection or junction. It can show how roads branch, cross or continue and may help drivers understand which direction to follow before reaching the intersection.

Crossroad-shape diagrams are commonly used on advance direction signs. Depending on the country's sign system, the diagram may also distinguish the main road, side roads, route numbers or destinations.

52. Driving licence

A driving licence is an official document authorising a person to drive one or more specified categories of motor vehicle. It may contain conditions, restrictions, category codes and expiry dates that determine which vehicles the holder may drive.

Drivers must hold a licence that is valid for the vehicle category and jurisdiction concerned. A licence may be provisional, full, restricted, suspended or withdrawn, and additional qualifications may be required for professional driving.

53. Location marker

A location marker is a roadside reference showing a measured position along a road. It normally identifies a kilometre, mile or smaller interval measured from an established starting point on that route.

Kilometre and hectometre markers help road users, emergency services, road authorities and maintenance crews identify an exact section of road. They do not impose a speed limit, priority rule or access restriction.

54. Road number

A road number is a number or combination of letters and numbers used to identify a particular road or route within a road network. Road numbers help drivers follow routes, distinguish between different types of roads and navigate between cities, regions and countries.

Road numbers are commonly displayed on route markers and direction signs. Their format, colour and prefixes vary between countries and may indicate whether a route is a motorway, national road, regional road or international route.

55. Countdown markers

Countdown markers are a sequence of roadside signs that indicate that a particular point, such as a motorway exit, junction or railway crossing, is getting closer. They commonly use a decreasing number of bars or other symbols so drivers can judge their progress toward the upcoming location.

The markers are normally positioned at successively shorter distances from the point ahead. Their design, spacing and meaning vary between countries, so drivers should not assume that each bar always represents the same distance.

56. Traffic mirror

A traffic mirror is a convex mirror installed near an intersection, driveway, bend or other location with restricted visibility. Its curved surface provides a wider view of approaching road users than an ordinary flat mirror.

A traffic mirror is only a visibility aid. It may distort distance, speed and direction and may be affected by darkness, weather, dirt or damage. Drivers must continue to observe the road directly, obey all priority rules and proceed only when it is safe.

57. Emergency telephone

An emergency telephone is a dedicated roadside or tunnel telephone that connects road users directly with an emergency, traffic-control or roadside-assistance centre. Emergency telephones are commonly installed in tunnels, along motorways or at other locations where quickly reporting an accident, breakdown or fire is important. They can provide operators with useful information about the caller’s location and may remain available where mobile-phone reception is poor.

58. International border

An international border is the legal boundary between two countries. A border sign may identify the country being entered and remind drivers that different traffic laws, speed limits, road signs, vehicle requirements and document rules may apply.

The border sign itself does not normally require drivers to stop. Passport, immigration or customs controls may take place at a checkpoint, but some international borders can be crossed without routine controls under regional agreements.

59. Pedestrian underpass

A pedestrian underpass is a passage that allows pedestrians to travel beneath a road, railway or other obstacle without crossing the traffic route at the same level. It is a form of grade-separated pedestrian crossing.

Pedestrian underpasses may be reached by stairs, ramps or lifts and can form part of a wider footpath or pedestrian network. Cyclists and other users may use the underpass only when the design, signs and local regulations permit them to do so.

60. Cycling route

A cycling route is a planned or signposted route intended to guide cyclists between places or through a particular area. It may follow cycle paths, quiet streets, shared roads, greenways or other routes considered suitable for cycling.

A cycling route does not necessarily give cyclists exclusive use of the road or path and should not be confused with a cycle path or cycle lane. The traffic rules, priority rules and permitted road users depend on the individual roads and paths that form the route and on the local signs and regulations.

61. End of restriction

End of restriction means the end of one or more local traffic restrictions that applied to vehicles on the preceding section of road. It may be indicated by a specific end-of-restriction sign, by the crossed-out version of an earlier restriction sign or by another sign that establishes a new rule.

After a de-restriction sign, drivers must follow the normal traffic rules and any new restrictions that apply. It does not mean that there are no speed limits or traffic rules beyond the sign.

62. Parking

Parking means leaving a vehicle stationary at a place for a period of time rather than stopping only briefly because of traffic conditions or another immediate necessity. Many countries distinguish parking from a short stop made to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods, although the exact legal definition varies.

Parking may be permitted, restricted, reserved, time-limited or prohibited by traffic signs, road markings, parking zones and local regulations. Drivers must park without creating a danger or unnecessary obstruction and must comply with any conditions concerning payment, permits, vehicle categories or maximum parking duration.

63. No parking

No parking indicates that vehicles may not be left parked at the location or along the section of road covered by the restriction. Depending on local law, a driver may still be allowed to stop briefly to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods, provided stopping itself is not prohibited.

A no-parking restriction may apply continuously or only during specified times, days, vehicle categories or sections of road. Its exact extent and exceptions are determined by the traffic sign, supplementary panels, road markings and local traffic regulations.

64. No stopping

No stopping means that vehicles are not permitted to stop voluntarily at the indicated location, even briefly for picking up or dropping off passengers or loading or unloading goods. It is a stricter restriction than a no-parking rule.

A no-stopping restriction may be indicated by a traffic sign, road marking or local traffic regulation. Drivers should continue to a place where stopping is permitted unless they are forced to stop by traffic conditions, an emergency or another legal requirement.

65. Parking disc

A parking disc is a device used to indicate the time a vehicle was parked in an area where parking duration is limited. The driver sets the disc to the required arrival time and displays it clearly inside the vehicle.

Parking-disc systems are commonly used in blue zones or other time-limited parking areas. The permitted parking duration, operating hours and method for setting the disc depend on national or local rules and the traffic signs in place.

66. Reversing

Reversing means driving a vehicle backwards. It is commonly used when parking, leaving a confined space or repositioning a vehicle where forward movement is not practical.

Before reversing, the driver should check mirrors and blind spots, look carefully around the vehicle and make sure the area behind is clear. Reversing should be performed slowly and only for as long as necessary because visibility behind the vehicle is often limited.

67. U-turn

A U-turn is a driving manoeuvre in which a vehicle turns around to travel in the opposite direction. It normally involves crossing part of the roadway and re-entering traffic facing the direction from which the vehicle came.

Before making a U-turn, the driver should check surrounding traffic, pedestrians and cyclists, signal when required and make sure there is enough visibility and space to complete the manoeuvre safely. U-turns may be prohibited by traffic signs or on particular types of roads.

68. Traffic jam

A traffic jam is a situation where traffic becomes heavily congested and vehicles move very slowly or stop for extended periods. Traffic jams are commonly caused by high traffic volumes, accidents, roadworks, lane closures or poor weather. Drivers should remain patient, keep a safe distance, avoid unnecessary lane changes and watch for motorcycles, emergency vehicles and sudden braking. Where lanes merge during congestion, local rules may require drivers to use a zipper-merging system.

69. Detour

A detour, also called a diversion, is a temporary alternative route used when the normal road is closed, blocked or unavailable. Detours are commonly introduced during roadworks, accidents, public events, flooding or other disruptions. Drivers should follow the temporary direction signs carefully, reduce speed where necessary and expect unfamiliar roads, changed priorities or additional traffic along the alternative route.

70. Uncontrolled crossroad

An uncontrolled crossroad is an intersection where traffic priority is not specifically regulated by traffic lights, an authorised person or signs assigning priority to particular approaches. Drivers must therefore determine who has priority using the default traffic rules that apply in that country.

The applicable rule varies between countries and may include priority from the right, priority from the left or another default right-of-way rule. Drivers should approach an uncontrolled crossroad carefully, observe traffic from every direction and never assume that a wider or busier road automatically has priority.

71. Road surface

A road surface warning indicates that the road ahead may be uneven, damaged or in poor condition and could affect the stability, steering or braking of a vehicle. The hazard may include bumps, depressions, potholes, broken pavement or other irregularities in the road surface.

Drivers should reduce speed where necessary, maintain a safe distance and avoid sudden steering or braking when passing over an irregular surface. The exact meaning and appearance of the warning sign vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

72. Exit

An exit is a designated route or point where traffic leaves a road, motorway, expressway or other major route. On high-speed roads, an exit usually leads from the main carriageway onto an exit lane or ramp that connects with another road or destination.

Drivers approaching an exit should follow the direction signs and road markings, move into the appropriate lane in good time and adjust their speed as necessary after leaving the main traffic flow.

73. Information point

An information point is a designated place where travellers can obtain information about the surrounding area, local services, tourist attractions, routes or other useful facilities. It may be located beside a road, at a rest area, in a town or near an important destination.

Information points are often indicated by a service or information sign. Depending on the location, they may provide maps, brochures, route information, tourist assistance or digital information for visitors.

74. Horse riding

Horse riding includes activities involving horses and riders. In road traffic, an equestrian or horse rider may use roads, bridleways or specially designated routes, depending on the rules and infrastructure provided.

Drivers approaching horses and riders should reduce speed, leave sufficient space and avoid sudden noise or movements that could frighten the animal. Riders must also follow the traffic rules that apply to them.

75. Emergency exit

An emergency exit is a marked escape route that allows road users to leave a tunnel or other enclosed traffic facility during a serious incident such as a fire, smoke development or another emergency. Emergency exits lead towards a safer area separated from the immediate danger.

In an emergency, occupants should leave their vehicle when evacuation is necessary and follow the emergency-exit signs and instructions. They should move away from the danger rather than remaining inside the tunnel or returning to their vehicle.