Book
Traffic rules
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 Greece. (Motorway A1, Greece) © Wikimedia.org/Christaras A, CC BY-SA
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).
© Wikimedia.org/Christaras A, CC BY-SA
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. (Delfi, Greece) © Wikimedia.org/Chabe01, 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.
5. 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/Uwe Holzer, CC BY-SA
6. Slope
A slope refers to the incline or decline of a surface, such as a road, hill, or pathway. It shows the steepness of the ground. Driving on slopes requires special attention to ensure safety for both the vehicle and the driver. Here’s how to handle uphill and downhill driving:
- Driving Uphill (Incline):
- Shift to a Lower Gear - If driving a manual vehicle, shift to a lower gear (e.g., 2nd or 3rd gear) to ensure the car has enough power to move up.
- Maintain Steady Speed - Keep a consistent speed. Don’t over-rev the engine, but don’t let the vehicle slow down too much.
- Driving Downhill (Decline):
- Use Lower Gears - Always use a lower gear when driving downhill (in manual transmission vehicles) to reduce speed. This lets the engine help slow the vehicle, rather than relying entirely on the brakes.
- Avoid Excessive Braking - If you brake too hard or too often while going downhill, the brakes can overheat, leading to brake failure. Use engine braking to slow down instead.
© Wikimedia.org/Syced, CC0
7. 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/vitsoft, CC BY
8. Curve
A curve is a bend in the road where the path gradually changes direction, either to the left or right. It’s different from a sharp turn because it’s more gentle and flowing, but it still requires slower speeds and careful steering. Even gentle curves can be dangerous at high speeds, especially in wet or icy conditions. Always adjust your speed based on the sharpness of the curve and road conditions.
- How to Drive Through a Curve:
- Slow down before the curve.
- Look through the curve to where the road goes.
- Steer smoothly—don’t jerk the wheel.
- Avoid braking in the middle of the curve unless necessary.
- Stay in your lane, especially on two-way roads.
Warning for a curve to the left. (Aegina, Greece) © Wikimedia.org/Nicolas Vigier, CC0
9. Wrong-way driving
Wrong-way driving is when a vehicle travels in the opposite direction of traffic, usually on one-way roads, highways, or exit ramps. It's extremely dangerous and often leads to head-on collisions, which are among the most severe and deadly types of crashes. Wrong-way driving is extremely dangerous and often caused by confusion, distraction, or impairment. The best prevention is staying alert and following road signs carefully.
- Common Causes of Wrong-Way Driving:
- Driver confusion, especially at night or in poor visibility.
- Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs).
- Missing or misunderstood road signs.
- Elderly or inexperienced drivers.
- Distracted driving.
- Entering an exit ramp or turning the wrong way onto a one-way street.
- How to Avoid Wrong-Way Driving:
- Always obey road signs, especially “One Way,” “Do Not Enter,” and arrows.
- Be extra alert in unfamiliar areas, at night, or in low visibility.
- Avoid distractions and impairment.
- Use GPS with voice navigation if unsure of directions.
10. 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.
