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. Expressway
An expressway is a high-speed road specifically engineered to handle large volumes of traffic safely and efficiently over longer distances, with controlled access that limits where vehicles can enter or leave the road. Unlike regular roads, an expressway has no direct intersections, traffic lights, or pedestrian crossings, allowing traffic to flow continuously without interruption. It typically features multiple lanes in each direction, separated by a median or physical barrier to prevent head-on collisions.
© Wikimedia.org/Doko, 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. (Láb, Slovakia) © Wikimedia.org/ŽupaBA VUCBA, CC BY
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.
© Wikimedia.org/pepanos, CC BY
5. Bike path
A bike path (also called a cycling path or bike lane) is a designated pathway for bicycles, separate from motor vehicle traffic. It provides a safe and dedicated space for cyclists, reducing the risk of accidents with cars and pedestrians. Bike paths promote safe, eco-friendly transport and reduce traffic congestion!
- Rules for cyclists:
- Ride in the correct direction (following traffic flow).
- Yield to pedestrians on shared paths.
- Follow traffic signals and signs.
- No reckless riding (e.g., speeding, sudden turns).
- Rules for pedestrians:
- Stay off dedicated bike lanes unless marked as a shared path.
- Cross bike lanes carefully at intersections.
- Rules for motorists:
- Do not park or drive in bike lanes.
- Yield to cyclists at crossings.
Path for cyclists. (Košice, Slovakia) © Wikimedia.org/Wkmdjay, CC0
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.
7. 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. (Dolný Kubín, Slovakia) © Wikimedia.org/Oto_Zapletal, CC BY-SA
8. 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/Ing.Mgr.Jozef Kotulič, CC BY-SA
9. 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.
10. Double curve
A double curve is a warning sign that tells drivers the road ahead has two back-to-back curves—first one way, then the other. It’s meant to prepare you to slow down and stay alert, as the road won’t be straight for a short distance. Double curves can be tighter than they appear, and the second curve can surprise you if you're going too fast—always reduce speed when you see the sign.
- There are two sharp bends ahead.
- The first curve may go left or right, depending on the sign.
- The second curve comes immediately after the first.
- Usually found in hilly, rural, or winding roads.
- How to Drive Through a Double Curve:
- Slow down before entering the first curve.
- Steer smoothly through both turns.
- Stay centered in your lane.
- Avoid sudden braking or turning between the curves.
Warning for a double curve first to the right then left over 500 meter. (Horná Štubňa, Slovakia) © Wikimedia.org/Oto_Zapletal, CC BY-SA