Ring roadWorldwide

A ring road is a road or connected route that runs around or partly around an urban area and helps distribute traffic between different destinations without requiring all traffic to pass through the centre.

Ring roads are commonly used to divert through traffic, connect major roads and provide access to different parts of a city. They can reduce the amount of traffic travelling through central streets.

No. A ring road may completely surround a city, form only part of a loop or consist of several connected roads that together perform a ring-road function.

No. Some ring roads are motorways, while others consist of expressways, ordinary roads or a mixture of road types. Motorway rules apply only where the road is legally designated as a motorway.

There is no universal ring-road speed limit. The applicable speed depends on the country, road classification, location and posted traffic signs.

Ring roads are usually indicated by route numbers, directional signs or the name of the ring. The signs may also show destinations that can be reached by travelling clockwise or anticlockwise around the urban area.

Yes. Ordinary ring roads may contain intersections, roundabouts and traffic lights. Fully controlled-access ring roads or motorway sections generally use grade-separated junctions instead.

This depends on the road type and local access rules. They may use some ordinary-road sections but are normally prohibited from motorway sections and other roads where signs restrict access.

Follow the country's normal lane-use rules and any lane-direction signs. On multi-lane sections, choose the appropriate lane in good time when approaching an interchange or exit.

Continue safely to the next suitable junction or exit. Never reverse, make an unsafe U-turn or cross restricted areas in an attempt to return to a missed exit.