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RoadworksWorldwide

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

48. Roadworks

Roadworks are construction, maintenance, repair or inspection activities carried out on or beside a road. They may temporarily change the road layout, lane widths, speed limits, priority, permitted directions and facilities for pedestrians or cyclists.

Drivers must follow the temporary signs, traffic lights, barriers, road markings and instructions from authorised personnel. They should reduce speed, increase their following distance and remain prepared for narrow lanes, stopped traffic, workers, machinery and sudden changes in the route.

Roadworks warning. (Reinhorn, Germany)
Wikimedia.org • Kirchenfan • CC0
What are roadworks?

Roadworks are construction, maintenance, repair or inspection activities carried out on or beside a road.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 31, roadworks signs and temporary controls; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 288–290; national guidance example

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

How can you recognise roadworks?

They may be indicated by a roadworks warning sign, cones, barriers, temporary markings, flashing lights, machinery or workers.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 31, roadworks signs and temporary controls; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 288–290; national guidance example

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

Warning for roadworks. Warning for roadworks.

Does a roadworks sign impose a speed limit?

No, not by itself. A separate temporary or permanent speed-limit sign establishes the legal maximum speed.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 31, roadworks signs and temporary controls; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 288–290; national guidance example

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

Who has priority when your lane is obstructed?

Without another traffic control, the driver whose route is obstructed commonly has to yield before moving into the path of approaching or adjacent traffic.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 31, roadworks signs and temporary controls; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 288–290; national guidance example

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

Do ordinary traffic rules still apply?

Yes. Rules concerning safe speed, following distance, signalling, priority and vulnerable road users continue to apply unless a lawful temporary arrangement changes them.

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, Article 31, roadworks signs and temporary controls; sign-system reference

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 288–290; national guidance example

🔗 wetten.overheid.nl • Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Articles 5–7 and 13–14; 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 ...