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MotorwayWorldwide

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

2. Motorway

A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.

Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

Start of a motorway. (motorway A1, Geneva, Switzerland)
Wikimedia.org • Marc Mongenet • CC BY-SA
Who may use a motorway?

Motorways are primarily intended for motor vehicles capable of travelling safely at motorway speeds. Pedestrians, cyclists, animals and certain slow vehicles are generally prohibited, but the exact access requirements differ between countries.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 253, 262–263 and 270–274, motorway access and conduct; 🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German federal government, StVO Section 18, motorway and motor-road rules

How should you enter a motorway?

Use the entrance or acceleration lane to observe motorway traffic and adjust your speed where possible. Enter only when there is a safe gap and follow the local priority and merging rules.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 259 and 273–274; 🔗 icbc.com • British Columbia ICBC, Learn to Drive Smart, chapter 4, pages 54–56

How should you leave a motorway?

Move into the correct lane in good time and signal when required. Enter the exit or deceleration lane before reducing your speed, unless traffic, signs or road conditions require you to slow down earlier.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 259 and 273–274; 🔗 icbc.com • British Columbia ICBC, Learn to Drive Smart, chapter 4, pages 54–56

Can you stop on a motorway?

Use designated parking or service areas for ordinary breaks. Stopping on the motorway itself is restricted; emergencies, traffic conditions or authorised directions may require it. For example, Great Britain’s Highway Code expressly allows emergency stops and stops directed by police, traffic officers or specified signals.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 253, 262–263 and 270–274, motorway access and conduct; 🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German federal government, StVO Section 18, motorway and motor-road rules

Can you reverse or make a U-turn on a motorway?

Do not reverse, make a U-turn or drive against motorway traffic to recover a missed exit. Continue to the next suitable exit. Follow authorised directions: Great Britain’s Highway Code expressly provides an exception for directions from a police or traffic officer.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 253, 262–263 and 270–274, motorway access and conduct; 🔗 gesetze-im-internet.de • German federal government, StVO Section 18, motorway and motor-road rules

What should you do if your vehicle breaks down?

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 ...