Traffic signsWorldwide

101. Verge

A verge is the strip of land alongside a roadway, situated between the roadway and features such as a ditch, embankment, property boundary or other roadside area. A verge may be level with the roadway or raised above it and may consist of grass, gravel, soil or another surface.

A verge is normally separate from the roadway, pavement and cycle path. Depending on local traffic law, pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles may be permitted to use a verge in particular circumstances, and specific rules may apply to stopping and parking on it.

102. Ring road

A ring road is a road or connected system of roads that runs around or partly around a city, town or urban area. It is designed to distribute traffic between different parts of the area and to allow through traffic to bypass congested central streets.

A ring road is not necessarily a motorway or expressway. It may consist of motorways, divided highways, ordinary roads or a combination of different road types. The applicable speed limits, access restrictions, priority rules and lane rules therefore depend on the individual section and the local traffic signs and regulations.

103. Ramp

A ramp is a connecting road that allows vehicles to enter or leave another road, especially a motorway, expressway or other grade-separated road. Ramps are commonly used at interchanges to connect roads without requiring traffic to cross directly at the same level.

An entrance ramp leads traffic onto the main road, while an exit ramp leads traffic away from it. Drivers should follow the signs and road markings, adjust their speed and watch carefully for merging or diverging traffic.

104. Exit

An exit is a designated route or point where traffic leaves a road, motorway, expressway or other major route. On high-speed roads, an exit usually leads from the main carriageway onto an exit lane or ramp that connects with another road or destination.

Drivers approaching an exit should follow the direction signs and road markings, move into the appropriate lane in good time and adjust their speed as necessary after leaving the main traffic flow.

105. Emergency lane

An emergency lane is a strip alongside the main traffic lanes of a motorway or other high-speed road that is normally kept free from regular traffic. It provides a place for vehicles that have broken down or are involved in an emergency and may also be used by emergency or authorised service vehicles where local rules permit.

Drivers should not use an emergency lane as a normal traffic lane. If a vehicle must stop there because of an emergency, occupants should follow the applicable safety procedures and remain as far away from moving traffic as possible.

106. Rush-hour lane

A rush-hour lane is an additional traffic lane that is opened temporarily when traffic is heavy to increase the capacity of a road. It is commonly found on motorways and may use part of the emergency shoulder or another lane that is normally closed to regular traffic.

Rush-hour lanes are usually controlled by dynamic signs or lane-control signals. Drivers may use the lane only when it is shown as open and must leave it when signs or signals indicate that it is closing or closed.

107. Traffic calming

Traffic calming refers to road-design measures intended to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety, particularly in areas where vehicles interact closely with pedestrians and cyclists. These measures can include speed humps, raised crossings, narrowed road sections, chicanes, traffic islands and changes in road layout or surface.

The purpose of traffic calming is to encourage drivers to travel at a lower and more appropriate speed rather than relying only on speed-limit signs. The measures used and their legal requirements differ between countries.

108. Information point

An information point is a designated place where travellers can obtain information about the surrounding area, local services, tourist attractions, routes or other useful facilities. It may be located beside a road, at a rest area, in a town or near an important destination.

Information points are often indicated by a service or information sign. Depending on the location, they may provide maps, brochures, route information, tourist assistance or digital information for visitors.

109. Horse riding

Horse riding includes activities involving horses and riders. In road traffic, an equestrian or horse rider may use roads, bridleways or specially designated routes, depending on the rules and infrastructure provided.

Drivers approaching horses and riders should reduce speed, leave sufficient space and avoid sudden noise or movements that could frighten the animal. Riders must also follow the traffic rules that apply to them.

110. Provisional licence

A provisional licence allows a learner driver to practise driving on public roads before obtaining a full driving licence. The conditions vary between countries and may determine whether the learner must be accompanied by an approved supervisor, which vehicles may be driven, where and when driving is permitted and how long the licence remains valid. A provisional licence is normally subject to stricter rules than a full licence and is intended specifically for learning and gaining practical driving experience.

111. Hazardous cargo

Hazardous cargo, also called dangerous goods, consists of substances or articles that can create a significant risk to people, property or the environment during transport. Examples include explosives, flammable liquids and gases, toxic substances, corrosive materials and radioactive substances.

Transporting hazardous cargo can require special packaging, labels, vehicle markings, documentation, equipment and driver training. Additional route or tunnel restrictions may also apply depending on the type and quantity of dangerous goods being carried.

112. Emergency exit

An emergency exit is a marked escape route that allows road users to leave a tunnel or other enclosed traffic facility during a serious incident such as a fire, smoke development or another emergency. Emergency exits lead towards a safer area separated from the immediate danger.

In an emergency, occupants should leave their vehicle when evacuation is necessary and follow the emergency-exit signs and instructions. They should move away from the danger rather than remaining inside the tunnel or returning to their vehicle.

113. Runaway truck ramp

A runaway truck ramp, also called an emergency escape lane, is a specially constructed lane designed to stop a vehicle that has lost effective braking, particularly a heavy vehicle descending a steep hill. The ramp may use an uphill gradient, deep gravel or another energy-absorbing surface to slow and stop the vehicle.

A driver who has lost braking ability should enter the escape ramp as early and safely as possible rather than trying to continue down the hill. Escape ramps are emergency facilities and must not be used for ordinary stopping, parking or turning.

114. Radio service

A radio service is a radio broadcast that provides drivers with traffic information such as congestion, road closures, accidents, weather conditions or other events affecting a journey. Roadside signs may indicate a particular radio station and frequency where traffic information is available.

Drivers can tune to the indicated frequency to receive local traffic information while travelling through the area. The service is informational and does not replace traffic signs, signals or instructions from authorised persons.

115. Oversize load

An oversize load is a load that causes a vehicle or vehicle combination to exceed the normally permitted dimensions for road traffic, such as maximum length, width or height. Oversize loads often involve large machinery, construction components or other items that cannot reasonably be divided into smaller loads.

Transporting an oversize load may require a special permit, an approved route, warning signs, lights or escort vehicles. Drivers must comply with the conditions imposed by the authorities responsible for the roads on which the transport takes place.

116. Lane

A lane is a longitudinal part of a roadway intended to accommodate a line of moving vehicles. A roadway may contain one or several lanes for traffic travelling in the same or opposite directions.

Lanes are commonly separated by continuous or broken road markings. Traffic signs, lane arrows and lane-control signals may indicate which vehicles may use a lane, which direction traffic must follow or whether a lane is open or closed.

117. Cycle highway

A cycle highway is a high-quality, continuous cycling route designed to provide fast, direct and comfortable travel over longer distances. Cycle highways commonly connect cities, residential areas, workplaces, schools, public transport hubs and other important destinations.

A cycle highway may consist of separate cycle paths, shared paths, quiet roads, bridges, tunnels or other cycling infrastructure. It is therefore not necessarily one continuous type of road. Access rules, priority, speed limits and permitted road users depend on the individual sections and on the local traffic signs and regulations.

118. Tyre inflation station

An tyre inflation station is a facility where drivers can check and adjust the air pressure in their vehicle's tyres. It is commonly located at filling stations, service areas, garages or other roadside facilities and usually provides a pressure gauge and compressed-air hose.

Correct tyre pressure contributes to safe handling, braking, tyre wear and fuel or energy efficiency. Drivers should inflate their tyres to the pressure recommended for their vehicle and load conditions.

119. ATM

An ATM (automated teller machine) is a self-service banking machine that allows people to perform transactions such as withdrawing cash and, depending on the machine and bank, checking balances or carrying out other banking services. ATMs may be located at banks, shopping areas, filling stations, service areas or other public locations.

Where an ATM is available as a roadside service, it may be indicated by a banking, cash or service symbol. The symbols and signs used to indicate ATM facilities vary between countries and operators.

120. Bed and breakfast

A bed and breakfast is a type of accommodation that provides guests with an overnight stay and breakfast, usually in a smaller establishment such as a private home, guesthouse or small lodging property. Facilities and services vary between establishments and countries.

Bed and breakfasts may be indicated on tourist or accommodation direction signs, particularly in areas where accommodation services are signposted for travellers. The symbols and terminology used vary between countries.

121. Dock

A dock or mooring is a designated waterside place where a boat or ship can stop and be secured. A dock may include a quay, pier, jetty or harbour structure, while a mooring may consist of a berth, buoy or other fixed point used to secure a vessel.

Road signs may direct travellers toward harbours, marinas, ferry terminals or other waterside facilities. The terminology and symbols used for docks and moorings vary between countries.

122. Cable car

A cable car is a passenger transport system in which cabins or cars are moved by cables, often between locations with a significant difference in elevation. Cable cars are commonly used in mountainous areas, tourist destinations and some urban transport networks.

Road signs may direct travellers toward a cable car station or terminal as a transport or tourist facility. The symbols and terminology used to indicate cable cars vary between countries.

123. Café

A café is an establishment where drinks and often light food or snacks are served to customers. Cafés may be located in towns, service areas, tourist destinations or other places where travellers can stop for refreshments.

Cafés and similar refreshment facilities may be indicated by service, tourist or direction signs. The symbols and terminology used vary between countries.

124. Motorhome wastewater disposal

Motorhome wastewater disposal is a designated facility where motorhomes, campervans or caravans can safely empty wastewater from their onboard tanks. Depending on the facility, separate disposal points may be provided for grey water from sinks and showers and for toilet waste from cassette or holding tanks.

Camper drainage facilities are commonly found at campsites, motorhome service areas and some rest or parking areas. Wastewater should be discharged only into the appropriate designated system and according to the instructions provided at the facility.

125. Ferry

A ferry is a vessel that transports passengers, vehicles or goods across a river, lake, sea channel or other body of water. Vehicle ferries form part of some road routes and allow drivers to continue their journey where no bridge, tunnel or continuous road connection is available.

Drivers approaching a ferry terminal should follow the direction signs, lane markings and instructions from ferry personnel. Boarding procedures, vehicle restrictions, schedules and payment requirements vary between ferry services.