Traffic signsFrance

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Traffic signs

A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.

101. End of mandatory path for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory path for pedestrians. The requirement associated with the designated path ends at this point. Pedestrians must continue according to the subsequent path or road layout and applicable local rules.

102. Mandatory path for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists. Cyclists must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

103. End of mandatory path for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory path for cyclists. The requirement associated with the designated path ends at this point. Cyclists must continue according to the road layout, other traffic signs and applicable local rules.

104. Mandatory path for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for equestrians. Equestrians must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

105. End of mandatory path for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory path for equestrians. The requirement associated with the designated path ends at this point. Equestrians must continue according to the subsequent path or road layout and applicable local rules.

106. Mandatory lane for buses

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory lane for buses. Buses must use the designated lane where the sign applies. Other road users may use the lane only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

107. End of mandatory bus lane

This traffic sign indicates the end of the mandatory lane for buses. The requirement associated with the bus lane ends at this point. Continue according to the lane markings, other traffic signs and applicable local rules.

108. Mandatory lane for trams

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory lane for trams. The lane or track is reserved for trams and may be used by other road users only where the applicable signs or local rules allow it.

109. Snow chains mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that snow chains are mandatory. Vehicles covered by the sign must use snow chains from this point as required by the applicable rules. Follow any supplementary signs or local instructions specifying the affected vehicles, wheels or conditions.

110. Dipped headlights mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that the use of dipped headlights is mandatory. Drivers must use dipped headlights from this point until the requirement ends or is replaced, while continuing to follow the general lighting rules.

111. End of mandatory use of dipped headlights

This traffic sign indicates the end of the requirement to use dipped headlights. Dipped headlights are no longer mandatory because of this sign, but they must still be used whenever required by the general traffic rules or driving conditions.

112. Start of a minimum speed

This traffic sign indicates the start of a minimum speed. Road users covered by the sign must travel at or above the indicated speed when conditions allow. Driving more slowly may still be necessary because of traffic, weather, road conditions or another safety-related reason.

113. End of the minimum speed

This traffic sign indicates the end of the minimum speed. The previously indicated minimum speed no longer applies beyond this point. Continue to follow any other posted speed requirements and the applicable traffic rules.

114. Start of a priority road

This traffic sign indicates the start of a priority road. Drivers on the priority road normally have priority over traffic entering from side roads until the priority road ends, unless traffic lights, other signs or applicable traffic rules indicate otherwise.

115. End of the priority road

This traffic sign indicates the end of the priority road. The road no longer has continuing priority at subsequent intersections. Follow the applicable traffic lights, priority signs and default priority rules.

116. Start of a built-up area

This traffic sign indicates the start of a built-up area. From this point, the traffic rules that apply to built-up areas take effect according to the applicable local regulations.

117. End of the built-up area

This traffic sign indicates the end of the built-up area. The traffic rules specifically associated with the built-up area cease to apply from this point according to the applicable local regulations.

118. Start of a motorway

This traffic sign indicates the start of a motorway. From this point, special motorway rules apply, including restrictions on which road users may enter and on stopping, reversing and other manoeuvres. Follow the applicable speed limits, lane rules and local motorway regulations.

119. End of the motorway

This traffic sign indicates the end of the motorway. The special motorway rules end at this point. Follow the speed limits, access rules and other traffic signs that apply to the road ahead.

120. Start of an expressway

This traffic sign indicates the start of an expressway. From this point, the traffic rules and access conditions that apply to expressways take effect according to the applicable local regulations.

121. End of the expressway

This traffic sign indicates the end of the expressway. The special traffic rules associated with the expressway end at this point. Follow the rules and traffic signs that apply to the road ahead.

122. Start of a residential area

This traffic sign indicates the start of a residential area. Special traffic rules apply within the area according to the applicable signs and local regulations. These rules may affect speed, parking and how different road users use the road.

123. End of the residential area

This traffic sign indicates the end of the residential area. The special traffic rules associated with the residential area end at this point. Follow the traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the area.

124. Start of a zone for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the start of a pedestrian zone. Pedestrians are the principal road users within the zone, while access by vehicles and other road users is subject to the applicable traffic signs and local rules.

125. End of the zone for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the end of the pedestrian zone. The special traffic rules associated with the pedestrian zone end at this point. Follow the traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the zone.

126. Lane for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a lane for cyclists. The lane is designated for bicycle traffic, subject to the applicable road markings, traffic signs and local rules.

127. End of the lane for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates the end of the lane for cyclists. The designated cyclist lane ends at this point. Cyclists should continue according to the road layout, traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the lane.

128. Lane for pedestrians and cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a lane for pedestrians and cyclists. The lane is designated for use by pedestrians and cyclists according to the applicable signs, markings and local rules.

129. End of lane for pedestrians and cyclists

This traffic sign indicates the end of the lane for pedestrians and cyclists. The designated lane ends at this point. Pedestrians and cyclists should continue according to the road layout, traffic signs and rules that apply beyond it.

130. National speed limits

This traffic sign indicates the national speed limits. The applicable default maximum speeds depend on the road type, vehicle category and local traffic rules when no different speed limit is indicated.

131. Advisory speed limit

This traffic sign indicates an advisory speed. The displayed value recommends an appropriate speed for the road or conditions ahead. Its legal effect depends on the applicable local rules.

132. End of the advisory speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the end of the advisory speed. The preceding speed recommendation ends at this point. Continue according to the applicable speed limits and road conditions.

133. Start of a tunnel

This traffic sign indicates the start of a tunnel. Special traffic rules may apply within the tunnel, including requirements concerning vehicle lighting, speed or following distance. Follow the applicable signs and local rules.

134. End of the tunnel

This traffic sign indicates the end of the tunnel. Tunnel-specific rules associated with the sign end where applicable, while separately imposed speed limits, lighting requirements or other restrictions may remain in force.

135. Speed bump

This traffic sign indicates a speed bump. A speed bump is a raised section of the roadway designed to reduce vehicle speeds.

136. Crossing for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a crossing for pedestrians. It marks a designated place where pedestrians cross the road. Priority and crossing rules depend on the applicable traffic signs, signals and local regulations.

137. Crossing bus lane

This traffic sign indicates a crossing bus lane. Road users crossing the lane must follow the applicable signs, signals and priority rules. Other road users may also be permitted to use the bus lane according to local rules.

138. Crossing trams

This traffic sign indicates a tram crossing. It marks a place where the path of road users crosses tram tracks. Follow the applicable traffic signals, signs and priority rules.

139. Bus stop

This traffic sign indicates a bus stop. It is a designated place where buses stop to pick up and drop off passengers.

140. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.

141. Dead end street

This traffic sign indicates a dead end street. The road has no through route for vehicles, although access to properties or other destinations along the road may still be possible.

142. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Vehicular traffic may travel only in the permitted direction, subject to any exceptions indicated by traffic signs or local rules.

143. Taxi stand

This traffic sign indicates a taxi stand. It is a designated place where taxis may wait for passengers. Other vehicles may use the area only where the applicable signs or local rules permit it.

144. Toll booth

This traffic sign indicates a toll booth. A toll booth is a point where a road-use charge is collected or processed. Follow the signs and lane indications for the available payment method.

145. Toll payment by card

This traffic sign indicates toll payment by card. The indicated toll lane or payment point accepts an applicable payment card.

146. Toll payment in cash

This traffic sign indicates toll payment in cash. The indicated toll lane or payment point accepts cash.

147. Electronic toll payment

This traffic sign indicates electronic toll payment. The indicated toll lane is intended for vehicles using the applicable electronic toll system, account or subscription.

148. Toll ticket

This traffic sign indicates a toll ticket. Drivers using the indicated lane or toll point must obtain or use the ticket required by the applicable toll system.

149. Overview of the lanes and their direction

This traffic sign gives an overview of the lanes and their direction. The arrows or other indications show how the lanes continue and which directions or destinations they serve.

150. End of a lane

This traffic sign indicates the end of a lane. The displayed lane arrangement shows which lane ends and how the remaining traffic lanes continue.

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