Book
1. 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).
2. 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/ArséniureDeGallium, CC BY-SA
3. Bridge
Bridges are critical and sensitive road structures, so specific traffic rules are enforced to ensure safety, stability, and smooth traffic flow. Bridges have limited space, structural limits, and unique risks (wind, congestion, accidents). Following these rules keeps everyone safe and prevents damage to the bridge.
- Obey Speed Limits - Speed is often lower on bridges due to narrow lanes, curves, or structural limits.
- No Overtaking - Do not overtake or change lanes while on a bridge unless explicitly allowed.
- No Stopping or Parking - Stopping, standing, or parking on a bridge is strictly prohibited, except in emergencies.
- Obey Weight Limits - Heavy vehicles must follow maximum weight restrictions to prevent damage to the bridge structure.
- Use Designated Lane - Follow lane markings. Some bridges may have special lanes for bicycles, pedestrians, or emergency vehicles.
- No U-Turns or Reversing - U-turns and reversing on a bridge are usually not allowed and can cause accidents.
- Watch for Crosswinds - Pay attention to wind warning signs on high or open bridges.
- Follow Traffic Signals & Barriers - At railway or movable bridges (drawbridges), stop when barriers are down or signals are red.
Warning for a narrow bridge. (Iceland) © Wikimedia.org/Dickelbers, CC BY-SA
4. 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 at a crossroad with traffic lights. (Akureyri, Iceland) © Wikimedia.org, CC0
5. Priority road
A priority road is a road on which drivers have right of way at intersections, meaning they are allowed to continue without yielding to traffic coming from side roads. This priority applies at each intersection along the road until it is explicitly ended by an end of priority road sign.
- You may proceed without yielding to traffic from non-priority roads.
- Still be cautious: other drivers may fail to yield.
- Priority does not override all rules (e.g. traffic lights, police instructions).
© Wikimedia.org/CS, CC0
6. Overtaking
Overtaking is the action of passing another vehicle that is moving more slowly, so you can move ahead of it on the road. Overtaking is a very dangerous maneuver. Only overtake if there is enough space and if the road is completely free. When overtaking a pedestrian, cyclist or moped, there must be at least 1 meter distance. Overtaking is prohibited at crossroads, slopes, dangerous curves and crossings.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots.
- Signal your intention to overtake (usually to the right in right-hand traffic, or left in left-hand traffic).
- Move into the passing lane, speed up safely.
- Once ahead, signal again and return to your lane when clear.
© Wikimedia.org/Hansueli Krapf, CC BY-SA
7. Crossing animals
A crossing animals sign is a warning sign indicating that animals may unexpectedly enter or cross the road. These can be wild animals (e.g. deer) or domestic animals (e.g. cows, sheep), depending on the region.
- How to Avoid Hitting Wildlife:
- Slow down in rural, wooded, or signed wildlife zones.
- Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk—times when animals are most active.
- Watch for movement along road edges.
- Use high beams when safe at night for better visibility.
- If you see one animal, expect more—they often travel in groups.
- Don’t swerve suddenly—brake firmly and stay in control.
- What to Do If You Hit an Animal:
- Pull over safely and check for damage
- Don’t approach large injured animals—they can be dangerous
- Report it to local authorities or animal control if the animal is large or a road hazard.
- If it’s a domestic pet, try to contact the owner or notify animal services.
8. Loose chippings
Loose chippings are small, loose stones or gravel scattered on a road surface, usually after road maintenance or resurfacing work. They can create slippery conditions and pose hazards for both vehicles and pedestrians. Loose chippings make the road less grippy and more damaging to vehicles. Driving slower and smoother helps protect your car and keeps everyone safer.
- Dangers of Loose Chippings:
- Reduced traction – can cause skidding or slipping, especially when braking or cornering.
- Paint and glass damage – flying stones can chip your paint, headlights, or windshield.
- Motorcycle and bicycle risk – more prone to sliding on loose surfaces.
- Dust clouds – reduce visibility if disturbed by fast-moving vehicles.
- Safe Driving Tips:
- Slow down – obey any posted "Loose Chippings" or speed reduction signs.
- Increase following distance – to avoid flying stones from the car ahead.
- Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns.
- Be extra cautious on bends and slopes.
Warning for gravel road and loose chippings. (Iceland) © Wikimedia.org/Pietro, CC BY-SA
9. 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 right. Beware of soft verges. (Iceland) © Wikimedia.org/Dickelbers, CC BY-SA
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.
Traffic rules