Traffic signsFrance
Traffic rules
France
101. ATM
An ATM (automated teller machine) is a self-service banking machine that allows people to perform transactions such as withdrawing cash and, depending on the machine and bank, checking balances or carrying out other banking services. ATMs may be located at banks, shopping areas, filling stations, service areas or other public locations.
Where an ATM is available as a roadside service, it may be indicated by a banking, cash or service symbol. The symbols and signs used to indicate ATM facilities vary between countries and operators.
Wikimedia.org • Poudou99 • CC BY
102. Bed and breakfast
A bed and breakfast is a type of accommodation that provides guests with an overnight stay and breakfast, usually in a smaller establishment such as a private home, guesthouse or small lodging property. Facilities and services vary between establishments and countries.
Bed and breakfasts may be indicated on tourist or accommodation direction signs, particularly in areas where accommodation services are signposted for travellers. The symbols and terminology used vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Can bed and breakfasts be indicated by road signs?
Yes. For example, Hampshire County Council includes bed and breakfasts among accommodation facilities that may qualify for tourist direction signs. Eligibility and the permitted sign design depend on the local road authority’s rules.
🔗 hants.gov.uk • Hampshire County Council, tourist accommodation signs
103. Dock
A dock or mooring is a designated waterside place where a boat or ship can stop and be secured. A dock may include a quay, pier, jetty or harbour structure, while a mooring may consist of a berth, buoy or other fixed point used to secure a vessel.
Road signs may direct travellers toward harbours, marinas, ferry terminals or other waterside facilities. The terminology and symbols used for docks and moorings vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Can docks and moorings be indicated by road signs?
Yes. Direction or tourist signs may indicate harbours, marinas, ferry terminals and other waterside facilities, although the symbols used vary between countries.
104. Cable car
A cable car is a passenger transport system in which cabins or cars are moved by cables, often between locations with a significant difference in elevation. Cable cars are commonly used in mountainous areas, tourist destinations and some urban transport networks.
Road signs may direct travellers toward a cable car station or terminal as a transport or tourist facility. The symbols and terminology used to indicate cable cars vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Can cable car stations be indicated by road signs?
Yes. Road or tourist direction signs may guide travellers toward cable car stations, although the symbols and sign designs used vary between countries.
105. Café
A café is an establishment where drinks and often light food or snacks are served to customers. Cafés may be located in towns, service areas, tourist destinations or other places where travellers can stop for refreshments.
Cafés and similar refreshment facilities may be indicated by service, tourist or direction signs. The symbols and terminology used vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Is a café sign the same as a restaurant sign?
Not necessarily. Some road-sign systems distinguish between restaurants and establishments primarily offering drinks or refreshments.
Café.
106. Motorhome wastewater disposal
Motorhome wastewater disposal is a designated facility where motorhomes, campervans or caravans can safely empty wastewater from their onboard tanks. Depending on the facility, separate disposal points may be provided for grey water from sinks and showers and for toilet waste from cassette or holding tanks.
Camper drainage facilities are commonly found at campsites, motorhome service areas and some rest or parking areas. Wastewater should be discharged only into the appropriate designated system and according to the instructions provided at the facility.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Where can camper drainage facilities be found?
Look for a designated motorhome service point, for example at a campsite or an equipped motorhome parking area. Some campsites allow non-residents to use their disposal facilities. Check access, charges and which types of waste the particular facility accepts.
🔗 argyll-bute.gov.uk • Argyll and Bute Council, motorhome service points
107. Ferry
A ferry is a vessel that transports passengers, vehicles or goods across a river, lake, sea channel or other body of water. Vehicle ferries form part of some road routes and allow drivers to continue their journey where no bridge, tunnel or continuous road connection is available.
Drivers approaching a ferry terminal should follow the direction signs, lane markings and instructions from ferry personnel. Boarding procedures, vehicle restrictions, schedules and payment requirements vary between ferry services.
Wikimedia.org • KiwiNeko14 • CC BY-SA
What should drivers do when approaching a ferry?
Follow the direction signs, designated lanes and instructions from ferry personnel, and wait or board only when instructed to do so.
🔗 dfds.com • DFDS, passenger-ferry check-in and boarding; operator example
108. Carsharing
Carsharing is a transport system in which multiple people use the same vehicle at different times instead of each person owning a separate car. Vehicles may be reserved through an organisation, membership service or digital platform and can be collected from fixed parking locations or, in some systems, from within a designated operating area.
Carsharing can reduce the need for private vehicle ownership and may use parking spaces specifically reserved for shared vehicles. The rules, permits and parking arrangements for carsharing differ between countries and cities.
Wikimedia.org • KiwiNeko14 • CC BY-SA
Can parking spaces be reserved for carsharing vehicles?
Yes. Some countries and municipalities provide parking spaces specifically reserved for authorised shared vehicles. The signs, permits and conditions vary by location.
109. Chairlift
A chairlift is an aerial transport system in which open or partially enclosed seats are suspended from a continuously moving cable. Chairlifts are commonly used in ski areas and mountain resorts to transport passengers uphill or between different parts of a recreational area.
Road or tourist signs may direct travellers toward a chairlift station, ski lift or mountain transport facility. The symbols and terminology used vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Takkk • CC BY-SA
Can chairlifts be indicated by road signs?
Yes. Tourist or direction signs may guide travellers toward chairlifts or ski-lift facilities, although the signs and symbols used vary between countries.
110. City limit
A city limit is a boundary or roadside indication showing that a driver is entering or leaving a named city, town, village, locality or municipality. It is commonly marked by a place-name or boundary sign.
The meaning of these signs varies between countries. A city-limit or locality sign may identify an administrative boundary, a named settlement or a traffic-related boundary. It does not necessarily mark the beginning or end of a legally defined built-up area, and passing the sign does not always change the applicable speed limit or other traffic rules.
Wikimedia.org • Havang • CC0
What happens to the normal car speed limit on entering a French built-up area?
The general maximum in an agglomération is 50 km/h, unless an applicable local measure or speed-limit sign provides otherwise. Do not assume an arbitrary place-name sign has the same legal effect as an official built-up-area boundary.
Is the French urban speed limit always 50 km/h on every street?
No. Local authorities may set lower limits, including 30 km/h, and drivers must comply with the speed indicated for the road or zone.
111. Tram crossing
A tram crossing is a place where a road, cycle path or pedestrian route crosses one or more tram tracks. Tram crossings may occur at intersections, along streets with embedded tracks or where a tram line crosses the road separately.
Road users approaching a tram crossing should watch carefully for approaching trams and obey the applicable signs, signals and priority rules. Because trams run on rails and cannot steer around obstacles, extra caution is required when crossing their path.
Wikimedia.org • Jérémy-Günther-Heinz Jähnick • GFDL
What should you do when approaching a tram crossing?
Approach carefully, look and listen for trams and follow the applicable priority rules and traffic signals. Never enter the crossing if you cannot clear the tracks safely.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 300–307; national guidance example
112. Truck ecotax
A truck ecotax is a road charge imposed on certain heavy goods vehicles, often with the amount influenced by factors such as distance travelled, vehicle weight and emissions. These charging systems are intended to make heavy vehicles contribute to road-infrastructure costs and, in some systems, encourage the use of vehicles with lower emissions.
A truck ecotax may be collected through an electronic tolling system or onboard unit that records the roads or distance travelled. The vehicles covered, tariffs, exemptions and environmental classifications vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
What is a truck ecotax?
A truck ecotax is a road charge for certain heavy goods vehicles that may take account of factors such as distance travelled, vehicle weight and emissions.
🔗 viapass.be • Viapass, Belgian kilometre-charge rates, 1 July 2026
🔗 viapass.be • Viapass, FAQs, GNSS on-board units and charging
How is a truck ecotax collected?
Many systems use an electronic onboard unit or tolling device that records the vehicle's use of roads subject to the charge.
🔗 viapass.be • Viapass, Belgian kilometre-charge rates, 1 July 2026
🔗 viapass.be • Viapass, FAQs, GNSS on-board units and charging
113. Hiking
A hiking route is a designated route intended primarily for recreational walking or hiking. It may follow footpaths, forest tracks, rural roads or other suitable routes and can connect natural, cultural or tourist destinations.
Hiking routes are often identified by direction arrows, coloured markers, route numbers, symbols or numbered junctions. Their signs and markings are usually part of a recreational wayfinding system rather than ordinary traffic-control signage.
Wikimedia.org • KiwiNeko14 • CC BY-SA
Are hiking-route signs traffic signs?
Not necessarily. Hiking-route markers are often recreational or tourist wayfinding signs and do not normally impose traffic rules unless an official traffic sign is also present.
114. Hospital
A hospital is a healthcare facility where patients receive medical examination, treatment, surgery, emergency care or other specialised health services. Hospitals may serve local communities, large regions or specialised medical needs.
Road signs may direct drivers toward a hospital using a medical or hospital symbol. Drivers should follow the applicable direction signs and take particular care around hospital entrances, where ambulances, pedestrians and other vehicles may be entering or leaving.
Wikimedia.org • Chabe01 • CC BY-SA
What should drivers watch for near a hospital?
Drivers should watch carefully for ambulances, pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles entering or leaving hospital grounds and follow any local traffic restrictions or signs.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 204–206 and 219; national guidance example
115. Hotel
A hotel is an accommodation establishment that provides rooms or other lodging for travellers and guests. Hotels may also offer services such as restaurants, breakfast, parking, reception, meeting facilities or recreational amenities.
Hotels may be indicated by accommodation, service or direction signs to help travellers locate overnight lodging. The symbols and sign systems used vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Can hotels be indicated by road signs?
Yes. Many countries use service or direction signs to guide travellers toward hotels and other accommodation facilities.
Hotel.
116. Greenway
A greenway is a route intended primarily for non-motorised travel, such as walking and cycling. Greenways are often created along former railway lines, canal towpaths, rivers, forest routes or other corridors separated from busy motor traffic.
Greenways are designed to provide a safe and comfortable route for recreation and everyday travel. Depending on local rules, they may also be accessible to riders, mobility users or certain authorised vehicles.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Can motor vehicles use a greenway?
Usually not as ordinary through traffic. However, local rules may allow certain vehicles, such as maintenance, emergency, agricultural or access vehicles.
117. Picnic site
A picnic site is a designated outdoor area where travellers or visitors can stop to eat and rest. It commonly provides picnic tables or benches and may also include parking, litter bins, toilets, shelters or other recreational facilities.
Picnic sites may be located at rest areas, parks, scenic viewpoints or tourist destinations and can be indicated by service, recreational or tourist signs. The symbols used vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Aups • CC BY-SA
Can picnic sites be indicated by road signs?
Yes. Service, recreational or tourist signs may direct travellers toward picnic sites, although the symbols and sign systems vary between countries.
Picnic site.
118. Playground
A playground is an outdoor or indoor area designed for children to play, usually equipped with facilities such as swings, slides, climbing structures or open play spaces. Playgrounds may be located in parks, residential areas, schools, recreation centres or other public places.
Drivers travelling near a playground should watch carefully for children who may enter or cross the road unexpectedly and adjust their speed to the surrounding conditions.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
How should drivers behave near a playground?
Drivers should reduce speed when necessary, watch carefully for children and be prepared to stop if a child enters or approaches the roadway.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 205–206; national guidance example
119. Restaurant
A restaurant is an establishment where prepared meals and drinks are served to customers. Restaurants may be located in towns, shopping areas, tourist destinations, filling stations or motorway service areas.
Restaurants may be indicated by service, tourist or direction signs to help travellers find places where meals are available. The symbols and sign designs used vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Tabl-trai • CC BY-SA
Where can roadside restaurants be found?
They may be located at motorway service areas, filling stations, rest areas, towns and tourist destinations.
120. Road closed
Road closed means that a road or section of road is temporarily or permanently unavailable to some or all traffic. A closure may be necessary because of roadworks, an accident, flooding, an event, structural damage or another situation that makes continued access unsafe or undesirable.
Drivers approaching a closed road should obey the closure signs and barriers and follow any indicated diversion. Exceptions may apply to authorised vehicles, emergency services, residents or local traffic where specifically indicated.
Wikimedia.org • Florian Pépellin • CC BY-SA
What does road closed mean?
Road closed means that access to a road or section of road is prohibited or unavailable to the traffic covered by the closure.
Can you drive past a road-closed sign?
Obey the closure unless a lawful exception applies to you. A local-traffic exception may allow access only as far as the actual closure, rather than passage through it. Follow the signs, barriers and authorised directions at the location.
121. Road open
Road open means that a road or section of road is available for traffic and that a previous closure has ended or is not currently in effect. A road may reopen after roadworks, an accident, flooding, an event or another temporary restriction has been cleared.
Drivers should still follow all traffic signs, road markings and restrictions that remain in force. A road being open does not necessarily mean that every type of vehicle is permitted to use it.
Wikimedia.org • Chabe01 • CC BY-SA
What does road open mean?
Road open means that traffic is permitted to use a road or section of road that is not currently closed.
Does road open mean every vehicle may use the road?
No. Other restrictions may still apply to particular vehicles, directions, speeds or road users even though the road itself is open to traffic.
122. Ski route
A ski route is a designated route intended for skiing, such as an alpine ski trail or cross-country skiing route. Ski routes are commonly found in winter-sports and mountain areas and may connect ski slopes, resorts, lifts or recreational trail networks.
Ski routes may be identified by coloured markers, symbols, route numbers or direction signs. Their difficulty classifications, permitted users and marking systems vary between countries and ski areas.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Are ski-route signs traffic signs?
Not necessarily. Many ski-route markers form part of a recreational trail system rather than ordinary road-traffic regulation.
123. Winter equipment zone
A winter equipment zone is an area or section of road where vehicles may be required to use specified winter equipment because of snow, ice or other winter conditions. Required equipment can include winter tyres, snow chains or other approved traction devices, depending on the country's rules.
The beginning and end of such a zone may be indicated by traffic signs or temporary winter-condition signs. Drivers should check which vehicles are covered and whether the requirement applies permanently during a season or only when particular weather conditions exist.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
When do French mountain winter-equipment-zone rules apply?
In designated mountain municipalities, the requirement applies from 1 November to 31 March. Official B58/B59 signs identify the beginning and end of a covered zone; the period is shown on supplementary information.
Snow chains and winter tyres zone.
English • Traffic sign B58 • Beginning of a zone requiring winter equipment during the winter period.
Français • Panneau B58 • Entrée de zone d'obligation d'équipements en période hivernale.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967
© Kilyann Le Hen et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Kilyann Le Hen • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2022-07-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.
End of zone for snow chains and winter tyres.
English • Traffic sign B59 • End of a zone requiring winter equipment during the winter period.
Français • Panneau B59 • Sortie de zone d'obligation d'équipements en période hivernale.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Equipementsdelaroute.cerema.fr • Arrêté du 24 novembre 1967
© Kilyann Le Hen et les contributeurs Wikimedia • CC BY-SA 4.0 • SVG original non modifié.
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Kilyann Le Hen • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2022-07-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Do cars entering a French winter-equipment zone have to use snow chains?
For covered light vehicles, the normal choice is either four qualifying winter tyres or removable anti-skid equipment suitable for at least two driven wheels carried in the vehicle. Chains do not normally have to be fitted on bare roads.
Do M+S-only tyres fulfil France’s mountain winter-equipment rule?
Not by themselves. To count as the required winter tyres, they need the Alpine 3PMSF marking. A vehicle with tyres marked only M+S must also carry qualifying removable traction equipment.
124. Tourist attraction
A tourist attraction is a place of interest that visitors may travel to for cultural, historical, recreational, natural or entertainment purposes. Examples include monuments, castles, museums, scenic sites, amusement parks and other notable destinations.
Tourist attractions may be indicated by tourist or direction signs that help travellers find the destination. The colours, symbols and types of attractions shown vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Chabe01 • CC BY-SA
Can tourist attractions be indicated by road signs?
Yes. Many countries use tourist or direction signs to guide travellers toward important attractions and places of interest.
125. Viewpoint
A viewpoint is a designated place where travellers can stop or visit to enjoy a scenic view of the surrounding landscape. Viewpoints are often located along mountain roads, coastal routes, river valleys or other areas of natural or cultural interest.
A viewpoint may include parking, a viewing platform, benches, information panels or other visitor facilities. Tourist or direction signs may be used to guide travellers toward the site.
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Can viewpoints be indicated by road signs?
Yes. Tourist or direction signs may guide travellers toward scenic viewpoints, although the signs and symbols used vary between countries.