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ExpresswayWorldwide

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

3. Expressway

An expressway is a road intended to carry through traffic efficiently, usually at higher speeds than ordinary roads. Expressways often have limited access, multiple lanes, separated carriageways or grade-separated junctions, but their design and legal status vary between countries.

An expressway is not always a motorway. It may have intersections, traffic lights or direct access, and the permitted road users, speed limits and special rules depend on local signs and regulations.

Expressway in Berlin, Germany.
Wikimedia.org • C.Suthorn • CC BY-SA
How can you recognise an expressway?

Check the country’s road classification and signs. For example, Germany identifies a Kraftfahrstraße with a specific sign. The US traffic-control manual defines an expressway as a divided highway with partial access control; it can have at-grade junctions. Appearance alone does not establish the applicable rules.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German federal government, StVO Annex 3, town, traffic-calmed-area and motor-road signs; 🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German federal government, StVO Section 18, motorway and motor-road rules; 🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US Federal Highway Administration, current MUTCD Revision 1, definitions and speed-sign framework

Start of an expressway. Start of an expressway.

End of the expressway. End of the expressway.

What is the speed limit on an expressway?

There is no universal expressway speed limit. The applicable limit depends on the country, road design, location, vehicle category and posted signs. An expressway sign does not always impose a particular speed by itself.

🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German federal government, StVO Section 3, speed and conditions; 🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German federal government, StVO Section 18, motorway and motor-road rules; 🔗 mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov • US Federal Highway Administration, current MUTCD Revision 1, definitions and speed-sign framework

What should you do after a breakdown?

Move out of traffic if safe, activate the hazard warning lights and follow local emergency procedures. Exit only if you can reach safety away from traffic; otherwise keep your seat belt on and call emergency help. Use warning equipment only as locally required or permitted: Great Britain advises against placing a warning triangle on a motorway.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 275–277; follow local procedures elsewhere

1 Worldwide 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Built-up area 6 Zone 7 Speed limit 8 Minimum speed 9 Advisory speed 10 Footpath 11 Bike path 12 Shared-use path 13 Separated path 14 Pedestrian warning 15 Tunnel 16 Bridge 17 Cycling street 18 Pedestrian zone 19 Speed bump 20 Toll road 21 Customs 22 One-way traffic 23 Quay 24 Slope 25 Bus lane 26 Bus stop 27 Dead end 28 Stop sign 29 Give way 30 Roundabout 31 Priority road 32 Road narrowing 33 Priority over oncoming traffic 34 Give way to oncoming traffic 35 Pedestrian crossing 36 Railway crossing 37 Mandatory direction 38 Turn prohibition 39 School area 40 Overtaking 41 Crossing animals 42 Slippery road 43 Rockfall 44 Aircraft 45 Curve 46 Chevron 47 Wrong-way driving 48 Roadworks 49 Crosswind 50 Height limit 51 Width limit 52 Length limit 53 Weight limit 54 Radar speed sign 55 Selective barriers 56 Low-emission zone 57 Intersection direction sign 58 Priority at the next junction 59 Traffic lights 60 Traffic lights warning 61 Pedestrian lights 62 Road markings 63 All-way stop 64 Junction layout 65 Climbing lane 66 Bike box 67 Left-hand traffic 68 Speed feedback 69 Driving licence 70 Location marker 71 Road number 72 Countdown markers 73 Public toilet 74 Rest area 75 Traffic mirror 76 Emergency telephone 77 International border 78 Pedestrian underpass 79 Cycling route 80 End of restriction 81 Parking 82 No parking 83 No stopping 84 Parallel parking 85 Park and ride 86 Kiss and ride 87 Alternate-side parking 88 Parking meter 89 Parking disc 90 Disabled parking 91 Traffic management 92 Merging 93 Reversing 94 U-turn 95 Carpool 96 Traffic jam 97 Detour 98 Uncontrolled crossroad 99 Road surface 100 Advisory cycle lane ...