Voie rapideChine

Apprenez les règles de circulation avec des explications claires et des exemples visuels dans notre livre illustré, simple et agréable à étudier.


3. Voie rapide

Une voie rapide est une route destinée à assurer efficacement le trafic de transit, généralement à des vitesses plus élevées que sur les routes ordinaires. Les voies rapides disposent souvent d’un accès limité, de plusieurs voies, de chaussées séparées ou de carrefours dénivelés, mais leur conception et leur statut juridique varient selon les pays.

Une voie rapide n’est pas toujours une autoroute. Elle peut comporter des intersections, des feux de circulation ou des accès directs, et les usagers autorisés, limitations de vitesse et règles particulières dépendent de la signalisation et de la réglementation locales.

How can you recognise an expressway?

An expressway may be identified by a special road sign or by its road classification. It often has multiple lanes, limited access and junctions designed for faster traffic, but its exact appearance differs between countries.

Is an expressway the same as a motorway?

No. A motorway normally has full access control and stricter design and traffic rules. An expressway may have partial access control, ordinary intersections, traffic lights or direct entrances. The legal distinction varies between countries.

Is an expressway always divided?

Not necessarily. Many expressways have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, but some countries also classify undivided roads as expressways. Drivers should rely on local signs and road rules rather than the road’s appearance alone.

Who may use an expressway?

Expressways are generally intended for motorised traffic. Pedestrians, cyclists, animals, mopeds and slow vehicles may be restricted or prohibited, but the permitted road users depend on local law and traffic signs.

What is the speed limit on an expressway?

There is no universal expressway speed limit. The applicable limit depends on the country, road design, location, vehicle category and posted signs. An expressway sign does not always impose a particular speed by itself.

Can an expressway have intersections or traffic lights?

Yes. Unlike a motorway, an expressway may have level intersections, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings or traffic lights. Drivers must therefore remain prepared for crossing traffic and changes in priority.

How should you enter an expressway?

Use an entrance or acceleration lane where one is provided, observe approaching traffic and enter only when there is a safe gap. Where the road has an ordinary intersection, follow the applicable priority signs and local rules.

Which lane should you use on an expressway?

Follow the local keep-left or keep-right rule, lane arrows and traffic signs. Lanes nearer the centre are commonly used for overtaking, but special lane restrictions may apply to heavy vehicles or particular destinations.

Can you stop, park, reverse or make a U-turn?

These actions are often restricted on expressways because of the speed and flow of traffic. Stop or park only where permitted, and never reverse or make a U-turn unless the road design and local rules clearly allow it.

What should you do after a breakdown?

Move the vehicle away from moving traffic when this can be done safely, activate the hazard warning lights and follow the local breakdown procedures. Use a warning triangle or safety vest where required and wait in a protected location away from traffic.

1 Chine 2 Autoroute 3 Voie rapide 4 Zone résidentielle 5 Limitation de vitesse 6 Chemin piéton 7 Piste cyclable 8 Tunnel 9 Route à péage 10 Pente 11 Voie de bus 12 Arrêt de bus 13 Panneau Stop 14 Cédez le passage 15 Rond-point 16 Rétrécissement de chaussée 17 Passage pour piétons 18 Passage à niveau 19 Direction obligatoire 20 Interdiction de tourner 21 Zone scolaire 22 Chutes de pierres 23 Virage 24 Chevron 25 Circulation à contresens 26 Travaux routiers 27 Vent latéral 28 Limitation de hauteur 29 Limitation de poids 30 Panneau de contrôle radar 31 Priorité au prochain carrefour 32 Feux de circulation 33 Avertissement de feux de circulation 34 Feux pour piétons 35 Permis de conduire 36 Repère de localisation 37 Miroir routier 38 Stationnement 39 Stationnement interdit 40 Arrêt interdit 41 Stationnement pour personnes handicapées 42 Marche arrière 43 Demi-tour 44 Carrefour non réglementé 45 Permis provisoire 46 Issue de secours 47 Voie de détresse 48 Klaxon 49 Limite de charge par essieu 50 Station de recharge 51 Piéton 52 Moto 53 Voiture 54 Camion 55 Autobus 56 Police 57 Ambulance 58 Taxi 59 Signaux de police 60 Nid-de-poule 61 Chemin 62 Particules 63 Pollution de l’air 64 Heure de pointe 65 Code de la route 66 Caniveau 67 Vélo cargo 68 Véhicule forestier 69 Véhicule de chantier 70 Ensemble semi-remorque 71 Trolleybus 72 Speed pedelec 73 Véhicule de livraison 74 Moteur au ralenti 75 Dépanneuse 76 Quatre roues motrices 77 Vélo 78 Équipement de moto 79 Voie ferrée 80 Caravane 81 Remorque 82 Attelage 83 Camion de pompiers 84 Sirène 85 Convoi 86 Feux des véhicules d’urgence 87 Machines agricoles 88 Vélo électrique 89 Véhicule électrique 90 Pedelec 91 Quadricycle 92 Voiturette 93 Véhicule tout-terrain 94 Fourgonnette 95 Véhicule de loisirs 96 Scooter 97 Trikke 98 Engin de déplacement personnel 99 Skateboard 100 Segway ...