Book
Traffic rules
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. 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. (Šajkaš, Serbia) © Wikimedia.org/Mister No, CC BY
3. 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/Aktron, CC BY
4. 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. (Čestereg, Serbia) © Wikimedia.org/Stebunik, CC BY-SA
5. Stop sign
A stop sign is a traffic control sign that instructs drivers to come to a complete stop at an intersection or crosswalk, check for other vehicles or pedestrians, and proceed only when it is safe.
- Shape - The stop sign is an octagon (eight-sided), making it easy to recognize.
- Color - It is usually red with white lettering that says 'STOP'.
- Placement - Stop signs are typically placed at intersections where traffic from different directions must yield or stop to avoid collisions.
- Stop completely – Don’t just slow down; make a full stop.
- Yield the right of way – Give priority to any vehicles or pedestrians with the right of way.
- Look left, right, and left again – Ensure it’s safe to proceed.
- Do not block the intersection – After stopping, ensure you don’t obstruct other vehicles from crossing.
6. 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/Andrija12345678, CC BY-SA
7. Railroad crossing
A railroad crossing (also called a level crossing) is a place where a railway line and a road (or path) cross at the same level — meaning, there’s no bridge or tunnel, just a flat intersection.
- Stop when lights flash or gates come down.
- Never try to 'beat the train' — it's dangerous and often illegal.
- Look both ways, even if you don’t hear or see a train.
- Wait until gates are fully up and lights stop flashing before crossing.
- Never stop on the tracks — always make sure there’s room on the other side before crossing.
8. School-area
A school area (or school zone) is a section of road near a school where special traffic rules apply to keep students safe. Children can be unpredictable and may cross suddenly. Following the rules helps protect lives and avoid fines.
- Lower speed limits - Often 20–40 km/h (or 15–25 mph).
- Flashing lights or signs - Indicate when the school zone is active.
- Crosswalks - Marked pedestrian areas, sometimes with guards.
- No parking/stopping zones - Keep areas clear for visibility and safety.
- Speed bumps or raised crossings - Force drivers to slow down.
© Wikimedia.org/Ванилица, CC BY-SA
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.
© Wikimedia.org/voja Milenovic, CC BY-SA
10. Roadworks
Roadworks are construction, maintenance, or repair activities carried out on or near a road. They can involve lane closures, detours, speed restrictions, and other changes to normal traffic flow. While sometimes inconvenient, roadworks are essential for keeping roads safe and functional. Slow down, stay alert, and respect those working to improve the roads.
- Dangers and Challenges:
- Narrow lanes or shifted traffic patterns.
- Loose gravel, uneven surfaces, or temporary ramps.
- Construction vehicles entering/exiting the road.
- Sudden stops or reduced speed zones.
- Driving Safely Through Roadworks:
- Slow down – follow posted speed limits (often lower in work zones).
- Follow signs and cones – they guide you through safely.
- Stay alert – watch for workers, equipment, and changing conditions.
- Keep a safe distance – from the car in front and from road workers.
- Avoid sudden lane changes or distractions.
