One-way trafficWorldwide

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.


22. One-way traffic

One-way traffic means that vehicles on a road or carriageway may travel only in one designated direction. The permitted direction is normally indicated by traffic signs, lane arrows or road markings.

Some road users, such as cyclists or public-transport vehicles, may be allowed to travel in the opposite direction when signs expressly permit it. A one-way road does not by itself determine the speed limit, priority or parking rules.

One-way traffic sign. (Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Frank Vincentz • CC BY-SA
What is a one-way road?

A one-way road is a road or carriageway on which vehicles may travel only in the designated direction.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections E II.3 and G V.3; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5–7, 13–14 and 18; international framework subject to national law

Does one-way traffic apply to the entire road?

It may apply to an entire road, one carriageway, a particular lane or only a designated section. Drivers must follow the signs and markings applying to the part of the road they use.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections E II.3 and G V.3; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5–7, 13–14 and 18; international framework subject to national law

Road with one-way traffic. Road with one-way traffic.

No entry. No entry.

Does a one-way road have its own speed limit?

No. The applicable speed depends on the country, road type, surrounding area and traffic signs.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections E II.3 and G V.3; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5–7, 13–14 and 18; international framework subject to national law

Does one-way traffic change priority at intersections?

No. Drivers must continue to follow traffic lights, priority signs and the ordinary local priority rules.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections E II.3 and G V.3; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5–7, 13–14 and 18; international framework subject to national law

What should you do if you enter a one-way road incorrectly?

Do not continue against traffic. Stop somewhere safe without creating additional danger and follow lawful directions to leave or correct the situation. Do not reverse blindly into an intersection.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Annex 1, sections E II.3 and G V.3; sign-system reference

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5–7, 13–14 and 18; international framework subject to national law

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 ...