Traffic signsWorldwide
Traffic rules
Worldwide
276. Horsecart
A horsecart, or horse-drawn vehicle, is a wheeled vehicle pulled by one or more horses and controlled by a driver. Horsecarts may be used for transport, agriculture, tourism, recreation or ceremonial purposes.
Because horses can react unexpectedly to traffic, noise or sudden movements, other road users should reduce speed, leave sufficient space and avoid actions that could frighten the animals.
Wikimedia.org • Dirk Schmidt • CC0
How should drivers behave around a horsecart?
Drivers should slow down, leave sufficient space and pass calmly, avoiding unnecessary noise or sudden movements that could frighten the horses.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 214–218, animals and horses; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, warnings
277. Livestock
Livestock refers to domesticated farm animals such as cattle, sheep, goats and pigs that are kept for agricultural purposes. In road traffic, livestock may occasionally be moved along or across public roads, particularly in rural and farming areas.
Drivers approaching livestock should reduce speed, leave sufficient space and avoid sudden noise or movements that could frighten the animals. Animals on the road should be kept under proper control so that they do not obstruct traffic or cause accidents.
Wikimedia.org • Alex Proimos • CC BY
How should drivers behave near livestock?
Drivers should slow down, leave sufficient space and avoid frightening the animals. They should be prepared to stop if the animals become unpredictable or block the road.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 214–218, animals and horses; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, warnings
278. Rickshaw
A rickshaw is a small vehicle designed to carry one or more passengers and traditionally operated by a person who pulls or pedals it. Modern rickshaws can include pedal-powered cycle rickshaws as well as motorised or electric versions.
Rickshaws are commonly used for short-distance passenger transport, tourism and urban mobility. Their legal classification and the roads or cycle facilities they may use depend on their construction, width, propulsion and national traffic rules.
Wikimedia.org • Maarten Visser • CC BY-SA
Do all rickshaws follow the same traffic rules?
No. Their legal status can depend on whether they are pedal-powered or motorised and on characteristics such as their width, speed, power and number of wheels.
279. Skier
A skier is a person who travels over snow using skis attached to their boots. Skiers may participate in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, touring or other winter recreational activities.
Where skiing routes cross or approach roads, skiers should follow the applicable signs, crossing rules and local safety instructions. Drivers should remain alert in winter-sports areas where skiers may be present near the roadway.
Wikimedia.org • Safa Hovinen • CC BY
How should drivers behave when skiers are near a road?
Drivers should reduce speed when necessary, remain alert and be prepared to stop where skiers may cross or enter the roadway.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 214–218, animals and horses; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Know Your Traffic Signs, warnings
280. Snowmobile
A snowmobile is a motorised vehicle designed primarily for travelling over snow and ice. It typically uses one or more skis at the front for steering and a powered continuous track at the rear for propulsion.
Snowmobiles are commonly used for winter recreation, transport, rescue work and access to remote snowy areas. Where they may be operated depends on local rules concerning trails, public roads, protected areas and vehicle registration.
Wikimedia.org • Timo Newton-Syms • CC BY-SA
Can a snowmobile be driven on public roads?
Only where the local rules allow it. For example, Minnesota generally prohibits snowmobiles on specified highway roadways and shoulders but provides exceptions, including controlled crossings and certain locally authorised uses. Check the rules for the actual road before riding; an off-road vehicle is not automatically permitted on public roads.
🔗 revisor.mn.gov • Minnesota Legislature, snowmobile roadway operation
281. Motor vehicle
A motor vehicle is a vehicle equipped with a motor and designed to move under its own power. Motor vehicles include many different categories, such as cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks and certain mopeds.
The traffic rules applying to a motor vehicle depend on its vehicle category, weight, dimensions, power and maximum design speed. Registration, insurance, licensing and road-access requirements can therefore differ between types of motor vehicles.
Wikimedia.org • Marek Ślusarczyk • CC BY
Is every electrically assisted vehicle a motor vehicle?
Not necessarily. Some electrically assisted bicycles and personal mobility devices may be placed in separate legal categories even though they have an electric motor.
282. Commercial vehicle
A commercial vehicle is a motor vehicle used primarily for business purposes, such as transporting goods, equipment or passengers for professional or commercial activities. Commercial vehicles can include vans, trucks, buses, coaches and other specialised vehicles.
The rules applying to a commercial vehicle depend on its vehicle category, weight, dimensions, number of passengers and type of use. Driving-licence, road-access, inspection, taxation and operating requirements can therefore differ considerably between vehicles.
Wikimedia.org • Leif Jørgensen • CC BY-SA
Do all commercial vehicles follow the same traffic rules?
No. The applicable rules can depend on the vehicle's weight, dimensions, purpose, passenger capacity and legal vehicle category.
283. Crossing guard
A crossing guard is a person who helps pedestrians cross a road safely, particularly near schools or other places where children, older people or vulnerable pedestrians frequently cross. Depending on local law, a crossing guard may be authorised to stop traffic or may simply assist pedestrians in choosing a safe moment to cross.
Drivers approaching a crossing guard should reduce speed, remain alert and obey any legally authorised stop signal or instruction. The powers, equipment and training requirements for crossing guards vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Lewis Clarke • CC BY-SA
How should drivers behave near a crossing guard?
Drivers should slow down, remain attentive and obey authorised stop signals so that pedestrians can cross safely.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 210, school crossing patrol; national guidance example
284. Motorail
Motorail is a rail service that transports passengers together with their car, motorcycle or other eligible vehicle on the same journey. The passengers normally travel in passenger coaches or sleeping accommodation while their vehicle is carried on dedicated vehicle-transport wagons.
Motorail services are mainly intended for long-distance travel, allowing travellers to avoid driving the entire route while still having their own vehicle available at their destination. Vehicle dimensions, loading procedures and eligible routes depend on the operator.
Wikimedia.org • NAC • CC BY-SA
Which vehicles can be carried on a Motorail train?
Depending on the operator and route, Motorail services may carry cars, motorcycles or other eligible road vehicles. Size and weight restrictions may apply.
🔗 nightjet.com • ÖBB Nightjet, cars and motorcycles on the train; operator-specific conditions
Do passengers remain inside their car on a Motorail train?
On services such as ÖBB Nightjet, passengers must leave the vehicle after loading and use the passenger accommodation. Follow the operator’s instructions; do not assume that every train carrying road vehicles uses the same arrangements.
🔗 nightjet.com • ÖBB Nightjet, cars and motorcycles on the train; operator-specific conditions
285. Garbage truck
A garbage truck is a specialised vehicle used to collect and transport household waste, recyclable materials or other refuse. Many garbage trucks are equipped with lifting equipment and a compaction system that allows waste containers to be emptied and their contents compressed inside the vehicle.
Garbage trucks frequently stop and start while collection workers operate around the vehicle. Other road users should approach carefully, reduce speed when necessary and watch for workers, containers and vehicles entering or leaving the roadway.
Wikimedia.org • Tomasz Sienicki • CC BY
Do garbage trucks always have special traffic priority?
No. Waste-collection vehicles normally remain subject to ordinary traffic rules unless specific national or local rules provide an exemption for their work.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237, adverse weather; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 162–169, safe overtaking; national guidance example
286. Snowplough
A snowplough is a vehicle equipped with a blade or other device for removing snow from roads and other paved surfaces. Snowploughs may also carry equipment for spreading salt, grit or other materials intended to reduce ice and improve traction.
Drivers approaching or following a snowplough should reduce speed, keep a safe distance and avoid overtaking unless there is sufficient visibility and space. Snow, salt or other material discharged by the vehicle can reduce visibility and create additional hazards.
Wikimedia.org • Superbass • CC BY-SA
How should you drive near a snowplough?
Keep a safe distance, reduce speed and avoid unnecessary overtaking. Snow or road-treatment material may be thrown from the vehicle and visibility may be reduced.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237, adverse weather; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 162–169, safe overtaking; national guidance example
287. Street sweeper
A street sweeper is a specialised vehicle used to clean roads, streets and other paved areas. It typically uses rotating brushes, suction equipment, water sprays or a combination of these systems to remove dust, leaves, litter and other debris from the road surface.
Street sweepers often operate at low speed and may stop, change position or work close to the edge of the roadway. Other road users should approach carefully, maintain sufficient distance and watch for workers or debris around the vehicle.
Wikimedia.org • Rasbak • CC BY-SA
How should you drive near a street sweeper?
Reduce speed when necessary, keep a safe distance and overtake only when there is sufficient space and visibility. Be prepared for the sweeper to move slowly or change its road position while working.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237, adverse weather; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 162–169, safe overtaking; national guidance example
288. Parking violation
A parking violation occurs when a vehicle is parked contrary to the traffic rules, signs, road markings or parking conditions that apply at that location. Examples include parking where it is prohibited, obstructing traffic, using a reserved space without authorisation or exceeding an applicable parking restriction.
Parking violations may result in fines, parking charges, wheel clamping, removal of the vehicle or other enforcement measures, depending on the country and the type and seriousness of the violation.
Wikimedia.org • O'Dea • CC BY-SA
What can happen after a parking violation?
Depending on local law and the offence, the vehicle owner or driver may receive a fine, parking charge or other enforcement measure, and a dangerously or illegally parked vehicle may sometimes be removed.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain, Highway Code, waiting and parking; 🔗 metro.net • LA Metro, parking at Metro stations; 🔗 dmv.ca.gov • California DMV, Driver Handbook, parking rules
289. km/h
km/h means kilometres per hour and is a unit used to measure speed. It expresses how many kilometres a vehicle or other moving object would travel in one hour if it maintained the same speed.
For example, a speed of 50 km/h means travelling at a rate of 50 kilometres per hour. Kilometres per hour are widely used for road speeds and speed limits in countries that use the metric system.
Wikimedia.org • Bluescan sv.wiki • CC0
What does km/h mean?
km/h is the abbreviation for kilometres per hour, a unit used to measure speed.
🔗 nist.gov • NIST, conversion factors for units, Speed conversion factors
Is km/h the same as mph?
No. km/h measures speed in kilometres per hour, while mph measures speed in miles per hour. The two units therefore represent different numerical speeds.
🔗 nist.gov • NIST, conversion factors for units, Speed conversion factors
290. mph
mph means miles per hour and is a unit used to measure speed. It expresses how many miles a vehicle or other moving object would travel in one hour if it maintained the same speed.
For example, a speed of 50 mph means travelling at a rate of 50 miles per hour. One mile per hour is approximately 1.61 km/h, so speeds expressed in mph and km/h have different numerical values.
Wikimedia.org • Greg Gjerdingen • CC BY
What does mph mean?
mph is the abbreviation for miles per hour, a unit used to measure speed.
🔗 nist.gov • NIST, conversion factors for units, Speed conversion factors
Is mph the same as km/h?
No. mph measures speed in miles per hour, while km/h measures speed in kilometres per hour. 1 mph is approximately 1.61 km/h.
🔗 nist.gov • NIST, conversion factors for units, Speed conversion factors
291. Speedometer
A speedometer is an instrument in a vehicle that shows the vehicle's current speed. It is normally displayed on the instrument panel and may use an analogue dial, a digital display or both.
Drivers should use the speedometer to monitor their speed and remain within the applicable speed limit. The displayed unit is usually kilometres per hour or miles per hour, depending on the country and vehicle.
Wikimedia.org • Andreas Schmidt • CC BY-SA
Which units can a speedometer use?
A speedometer may display speed in kilometres per hour (km/h), miles per hour (mph) or both, depending on the vehicle and market.
292. National speed
A national speed limit is a default maximum speed established by law for a particular type of road or vehicle when no lower or different local speed limit is indicated. National or general speed limits can differ according to whether the road is a motorway, rural road, built-up-area road or another road category.
Drivers should know the default speed limits that apply in the country or region where they are travelling and always obey any posted speed limit that overrides the general rule.
Wikimedia.org • My Friend • CC BY-SA
Can a traffic sign override the national speed limit?
Yes. A posted regulatory speed limit may impose a lower or, where legally permitted, higher maximum speed than the general limit for that road.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example
293. Play street
A play street is a street that is temporarily closed or restricted to normal motor traffic so that people, especially children, can use the roadway for play and recreation. Play streets are usually created during specific hours or days and are marked with temporary barriers or traffic signs.
Within a play street, people playing are given priority over permitted vehicle traffic. Any vehicles that are allowed to enter must travel very slowly and avoid endangering or obstructing people using the street.
Wikimedia.org • Jim Griffin • CC0
How should permitted vehicles drive in a play street?
Follow the local law for the signed street. For example, Belgium’s designated play streets require authorised drivers to travel at walking pace, leave the passage clear for people playing and stop when necessary. A similar-looking street elsewhere may have different rules.
294. Rumble strip
A rumble strip is a raised, grooved or textured section of road surface that creates vibration and noise when a vehicle drives over it. Rumble strips are used to attract a driver's attention and warn of hazards, lane departure, an approaching junction or another situation requiring increased caution.
Rumble strips may be installed across a traffic lane or along the edge or centre of a road. They are primarily a warning device and do not by themselves necessarily impose a particular speed limit or traffic restriction.
Wikimedia.org • Michiel TM • CC BY-SA
Does a rumble strip impose a speed limit?
Not by itself. A rumble strip warns or attracts attention, while any legally binding speed restriction must be established by the applicable traffic rules or regulatory signs.
🔗 hse.gov.uk • UK HSE, workplace transport speed and physical traffic calming; design example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126; national guidance example
295. Speed cushion
A speed cushion is a raised traffic-calming device placed on part of a traffic lane to encourage drivers to reduce speed. Unlike a conventional speed hump that extends across most or all of the roadway, a speed cushion is narrower so that wider vehicles such as buses or emergency vehicles may be able to pass over it with less disturbance.
Speed cushions are designed to slow ordinary passenger vehicles while reducing the impact on larger vehicles and two-wheelers. Their dimensions, placement and legal effect vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • Zorro2212 • CC BY-SA
Why are speed cushions used?
They are used to reduce the speed of ordinary vehicles while limiting inconvenience to buses, heavy vehicles, emergency vehicles and some two-wheelers.
🔗 hse.gov.uk • UK HSE, workplace transport speed and physical traffic calming; design example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126; national guidance example
296. Ride height
Ride height is the height at which a vehicle's body or chassis sits above the road surface. It is determined mainly by the suspension, wheels and tyres and can also change according to the vehicle's load.
Changing the ride height by lowering or raising the suspension can affect ground clearance, wheel alignment, handling and the space available between the vehicle and the road. Vehicle modifications must comply with the technical and approval rules that apply in the country.
Wikimedia.org • mark6mauno • CC BY
Can a vehicle's ride height be changed?
Yes, but suspension changes must remain safe and meet local requirements. Britain’s MOT manual, for example, treats a suspension modification that makes the system inoperative or likely to foul other components as a dangerous defect. Check the applicable modification and inspection rules before altering the vehicle.
🔗 gov.uk • DVSA, suspension inspection and unsafe modifications
🔗 gov.uk • DVLA, current structural vehicle modifications guidance
297. Funeral procession
A funeral procession is an organised group of people or vehicles travelling together as part of a funeral, usually between a place of ceremony and a cemetery or crematorium. A procession may include a hearse followed by family members, other vehicles or pedestrians.
Other road users should avoid unnecessarily interrupting or separating a funeral procession and should follow any directions given by police, authorised traffic controllers or funeral escorts. The legal status and priority rules for funeral processions vary between countries.
Wikimedia.org • The Voice of Hassocks • CC0
Should you drive through a funeral procession?
Generally, you should avoid breaking through an organised procession and allow its participants to remain together, subject to the applicable local traffic rules.
298. Dirt road
A dirt road is an unpaved road whose surface consists mainly of natural soil, earth or compacted ground rather than asphalt, concrete or an added gravel surface. Dirt roads are commonly found in rural, agricultural, forest and remote areas.
Drivers on dirt roads should adapt their speed to the surface conditions and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering. Dust, mud, ruts, potholes and reduced tyre grip can make driving more difficult, especially during or after bad weather.
Wikimedia.org • Игоревич • CC0
How should you drive on a dirt road?
Use a suitable speed, increase following distance when necessary and accelerate, brake and steer smoothly. Extra care may be required when the surface is dusty, muddy, rutted or uneven.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example
299. Driving
Driving is the act of controlling and operating a vehicle or other recognised means of transport in traffic. It involves steering, accelerating, braking, observing the road and interacting safely with other road users.
Safe driving requires the driver to remain in control, follow traffic rules and signals, observe surrounding traffic and adapt to road, weather and visibility conditions.
Wikimedia.org • BP63Vincent • CC BY-SA
Who can legally drive a motor vehicle?
The requirements vary by country and vehicle type. Drivers may need to meet minimum-age, driving-licence, medical-fitness and vehicle-category requirements.
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 124–126; national guidance example
🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 226–237; national guidance example
300. Start-stop system
A start-stop system is a vehicle system that automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarts it when the driver is ready to move again. It is commonly used in vehicles with combustion engines to reduce unnecessary engine idling.
The system normally operates automatically when certain conditions are met, such as when the vehicle stops in traffic. Its operation does not replace the driver's responsibility to control the vehicle safely and follow the applicable traffic rules.
Wikimedia.org • Bindydad123 • CC BY-SA
Does the engine always switch off when the vehicle stops?
Not necessarily. The system may keep the engine running when operating conditions do not allow an automatic stop, depending on the vehicle and its systems.