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 Denmark. (Hirtshals, Denmark) © Wikimedia.org/Tomasz Sienicki, CC BY
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. 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. (Skærbæk, Denmark) © Wikimedia.org/Hjart, CC BY-SA
4. 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.
© Wikimedia.org/Frühstückbeistefanie, CC BY-SA
5. 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 with direction. (Copenhagen, Denmark) © Wikimedia.org/Leif Jørgensen, CC BY-SA
6. Bike path
A bike path (also called a cycling path or bike lane) is a designated pathway for bicycles, separate from motor vehicle traffic. It provides a safe and dedicated space for cyclists, reducing the risk of accidents with cars and pedestrians. Bike paths promote safe, eco-friendly transport and reduce traffic congestion!
- Rules for cyclists:
- Ride in the correct direction (following traffic flow).
- Yield to pedestrians on shared paths.
- Follow traffic signals and signs.
- No reckless riding (e.g., speeding, sudden turns).
- Rules for pedestrians:
- Stay off dedicated bike lanes unless marked as a shared path.
- Cross bike lanes carefully at intersections.
- Rules for motorists:
- Do not park or drive in bike lanes.
- Yield to cyclists at crossings.
Path for cyclists. Cyclists in both directions. (Copenhagen, Denmark) © Wikimedia.org/Leif Jørgensen, CC BY-SA
7. Pedestrian zone
A pedestrian zone is an area where only people on foot are allowed — no cars, motorcycles, or other vehicles (unless specifically permitted, like for deliveries at certain times). It’s a space in a city or town meant to be safe and comfortable for walking, shopping, or relaxing — with no regular vehicle traffic.
- No entry for cars or motorcycles.
- Cyclists may be allowed, depending on local rules (often at walking speed).
- Sometimes delivery vehicles are allowed during specific hours.
- Often found in: city centers, shopping streets, tourist areas and near schools or parks.
8. Bus stop
A bus stop is a designated location along a bus route where passengers can board or alight (get off) a bus. It is a stationary point marked by signs or shelters, typically located at intervals along the route, where people wait to catch the bus.
- Signage - Bus stops are usually marked by signposts with the bus company’s logo, route number, and the name of the stop.
- Shelter - Some bus stops have shelters or benches to provide passengers with comfort and protection from the weather while they wait.
- Timetable Information - Many bus stops have timelines or information boards displaying bus schedules, routes, and other relevant information.
- Accessibility - Bus stops are often designed to be accessible for people with disabilities, featuring low platforms or ramps for easy boarding.
A bus stop. (Aarhus, Denmark) © Wikimedia.org/Leif Jørgensen, CC BY-SA
9. 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. (Skavnshøj, Denmark) © Wikimedia.org/Beethoven9, CC BY-SA
10. 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/Leif Jørgensen, CC BY-SA
Traffic rules