Traffic signsWorldwide

151. Ski route

A ski route is a designated route intended for skiing, such as an alpine ski trail or cross-country skiing route. Ski routes are commonly found in winter-sports and mountain areas and may connect ski slopes, resorts, lifts or recreational trail networks.

Ski routes may be identified by coloured markers, symbols, route numbers or direction signs. Their difficulty classifications, permitted users and marking systems vary between countries and ski areas.

152. Winter equipment zone

A winter equipment zone is an area or section of road where vehicles may be required to use specified winter equipment because of snow, ice or other winter conditions. Required equipment can include winter tyres, snow chains or other approved traction devices, depending on the country's rules.

The beginning and end of such a zone may be indicated by traffic signs or temporary winter-condition signs. Drivers should check which vehicles are covered and whether the requirement applies permanently during a season or only when particular weather conditions exist.

153. Tourist attraction

A tourist attraction is a place of interest that visitors may travel to for cultural, historical, recreational, natural or entertainment purposes. Examples include monuments, castles, museums, scenic sites, amusement parks and other notable destinations.

Tourist attractions may be indicated by tourist or direction signs that help travellers find the destination. The colours, symbols and types of attractions shown vary between countries.

154. Viewpoint

A viewpoint is a designated place where travellers can stop or visit to enjoy a scenic view of the surrounding landscape. Viewpoints are often located along mountain roads, coastal routes, river valleys or other areas of natural or cultural interest.

A viewpoint may include parking, a viewing platform, benches, information panels or other visitor facilities. Tourist or direction signs may be used to guide travellers toward the site.

155. Horn

A horn is a sound-producing device used to warn other road users of danger or to attract their attention when necessary for safety. Most motor vehicles are equipped with an electric horn operated from the steering wheel. Traffic laws generally restrict unnecessary or excessive horn use, especially in built-up or residential areas. The horn should therefore be used as a warning device rather than as a way to express frustration or greet other road users.

156. Axle weight limit

An axle weight limit is the maximum permitted weight or load carried by a single axle of a vehicle. It limits how much force an axle and its wheels may transmit to the road, independently of the vehicle's total weight.

Axle weight limits help protect bridges and road surfaces from excessive loads and contribute to safe vehicle operation. A vehicle can comply with an overall weight limit while still exceeding an axle limit if its load is distributed incorrectly.

157. Licence plate

A licence plate, also called a registration plate or number plate, is a plate displaying a unique registration identifier assigned to a vehicle by the competent registration authority. It allows the vehicle to be identified for purposes such as registration, traffic enforcement, taxation, insurance and parking control.

The appearance, format, placement and number of plates required vary between countries and vehicle categories. Drivers must ensure that required licence plates are correctly fitted, clearly visible and legible and must follow the local rules when a plate is lost, stolen, damaged or replaced.

158. Charging station

A charging station is a location equipped with one or more charging points where the battery of an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle can be connected to an electricity supply and recharged. Charging stations may be located along public roads, in car parks, at service areas or on private property.

Charging spaces may be reserved for vehicles that are charging and can be subject to parking restrictions, time limits, payment requirements or other conditions. Drivers must follow the traffic signs, parking regulations and charging instructions applying at the location.

159. Dangers

A general danger warning sign warns road users of a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign. The particular danger may be explained by a supplementary panel, text, symbol or other indication placed with the warning sign.

Drivers should increase their attention, observe the road ahead and adapt their speed to the nature of the hazard and surrounding conditions. The exact appearance of the sign and the way the danger is identified vary between countries, so road users must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

160. Weather

Weather can have a major effect on driving conditions by reducing visibility, grip and vehicle control. Rain, fog, snow, ice, strong wind and bright sunlight can all increase the risk of an accident. Drivers should adapt their speed and following distance to the conditions, avoid sudden steering or braking on slippery roads and use the appropriate lights when visibility is reduced. Even when driving below the posted speed limit, a driver may still be travelling too fast for the weather and road conditions.

161. Flooding

Flooding occurs when water covers or threatens a road because of heavy rain, overflowing rivers, poor drainage, storm surges or other causes. Flooded roads can become dangerous very quickly because water can reduce tyre grip, hide potholes or debris and make it difficult to judge the depth or strength of the current.

Drivers approaching flooding should slow down, assess the situation carefully and obey any warning signs or road closures. If the depth or condition of the water is uncertain, the safer option is to avoid entering the flooded section and use another route.

162. Blind summit

A blind summit is the crest of a hill where the road ahead cannot be seen clearly because the rising road surface blocks the driver's view. Vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, bends or other hazards may therefore remain hidden until a driver reaches or passes the summit.

Drivers approaching a blind summit should reduce speed, remain in the correct road position and avoid overtaking when they cannot see far enough ahead. They should always be able to react safely to traffic or obstacles appearing beyond the crest.

163. Tunnel category

A tunnel category is a classification used to determine which vehicles carrying dangerous goods may pass through a road tunnel. Under the ADR system, road tunnels can be classified from category A to category E according to the restrictions imposed on dangerous-goods transport.

Category A has no ADR tunnel restrictions, while categories B, C, D and E impose progressively broader restrictions according to the potential consequences of the dangerous goods being transported. Drivers carrying dangerous goods must compare the tunnel category with the tunnel restriction code applicable to their load.

164. Temporary sign

A temporary sign is a traffic sign installed for a limited period to regulate, warn or guide road users because of temporary conditions. Temporary signs are commonly used for roadworks, accidents, events, diversions, lane closures or other situations where the normal traffic arrangement has changed.

Drivers must follow temporary signs and the traffic arrangement currently in force. Signs that are no longer relevant should normally be removed, covered or otherwise made ineffective so that road users are not given conflicting instructions.

165. Overhanging trees

Overhanging trees are trees whose branches extend over a road, cycle path or footpath and may reduce the available clearance or create a hazard for road users. Low branches can be particularly dangerous for trucks, buses, cyclists and pedestrians and may also obstruct traffic signs, signals or visibility.

Drivers approaching low or overhanging branches should reduce speed, assess the available clearance and avoid sudden manoeuvres. Tall vehicles should take particular care where branches extend above the carriageway.

166. Dip

A dip is a low or sunken section of the road where the surface drops and then rises again over a relatively short distance. A dip can reduce visibility, affect vehicle stability and sometimes collect water, making it more difficult for drivers to judge the road ahead.

Drivers approaching a dip should reduce speed when necessary, maintain control and watch for hidden vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists or standing water beyond or within the depression.

167. Turn on red

Turn on red is a traffic rule or signal arrangement that allows certain road users to proceed in a specified direction despite a red traffic light. It most commonly permits a turn after the driver has stopped or yielded, but the exact procedure varies between countries.

A turn on red is not universally permitted. It may be allowed generally, only when a specific sign or signal is present, or prohibited entirely. Drivers must always follow the local traffic lights, signs, priority rules and pedestrian or cyclist crossings before proceeding.

168. High voltage

High voltage refers to electrical systems that operate at voltage levels high enough to present a serious risk of electric shock, burns or electrocution. High-voltage equipment may be found at substations, power lines, railway or tram infrastructure and other electrical installations.

Areas containing high-voltage equipment are commonly identified by electrical hazard warning signs. People should keep away from exposed electrical equipment, respect barriers and safety distances and never enter restricted electrical areas without authorisation.

169. Tram lane

A tram lane is a part of the road or a separate track area intended primarily for trams. It may be physically separated from other traffic or form part of the roadway while remaining reserved for trams and, in some countries, certain other authorised vehicles.

Drivers should not enter or obstruct a tram lane unless the applicable signs, markings or traffic rules permit it. Because trams cannot steer around obstacles, particular care is required when crossing or driving near tram tracks.

170. Rail safety

Rail safety refers to the rules, systems and precautions used to prevent accidents involving trains, railway infrastructure and people who interact with railways. It includes safe train operation, signalling, track protection, level-crossing safety and measures to prevent unauthorised access to railway tracks.

Road users should take particular care at railway crossings and obey barriers, warning lights, audible signals and traffic signs. Railway tracks should be crossed only at authorised locations and only when it is safe to clear them completely.

171. Equestrian trail

An equestrian trail is a designated route intended primarily for horse riders. It may follow forest paths, rural tracks, bridleways or other routes where horseback riding is permitted or encouraged.

Equestrian trails may be identified by horse-rider symbols, direction markers or route signs. Other road users using or crossing the trail should take particular care around horses and avoid actions that could frighten them.

172. Horse

A horse is a large domesticated animal that may be ridden, led or used to pull a carriage or other vehicle. Horses can appear on public roads, equestrian trails, rural routes and at crossings where riders or horse-drawn vehicles interact with other traffic.

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

173. Identity card

An identity card is an official document used to prove a person's identity. It is normally issued by a government or another competent authority and contains identifying information such as the holder's name, date of birth, photograph and a unique document or identification number.

Identity cards may be required for identification checks, administrative procedures, travel or access to services. The obligation to possess or carry an identity card, the information it contains and whether it can be used as a travel document vary between countries.

174. Fire risk

A fire risk sign warns road users that there is an increased danger of fire in or near the area. It may be used where dry vegetation, flammable materials or other conditions make fires particularly likely or where additional caution is required.

The appearance and legal status of fire-risk signs vary between countries. Drivers should avoid actions that could start a fire, obey any accompanying restrictions and remain alert for smoke, flames or emergency activity.

175. Local traffic

Local traffic is traffic that needs access to a particular street or area because its journey begins, ends or requires a stop there, rather than simply passing through. Roads may be restricted to local traffic to reduce unnecessary through traffic.

The exact meaning of local traffic depends on national traffic rules. It commonly includes residents, visitors, deliveries and vehicles providing services within the restricted area.