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Countdown markersWorldwide

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Worldwide. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Worldwide

72. Countdown markers

Countdown markers are a sequence of roadside signs that indicate that a particular point, such as a motorway exit, junction or railway crossing, is getting closer. They commonly use a decreasing number of bars or other symbols so drivers can judge their progress toward the upcoming location.

The markers are normally positioned at successively shorter distances from the point ahead. Their design, spacing and meaning vary between countries, so drivers should not assume that each bar always represents the same distance.

Countdown markers to a level crossing. (Geneva, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Where are countdown markers commonly used?

They are commonly associated with motorway exits, major junctions and railway crossings, although their use and design differ between countries.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Articles 15–19; Annex 1, sections G and H; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 13–14 and 18; international framework subject to national law

🔗 rijksoverheid.nl • Dutch Government, reading motorway location markers; Dutch example

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