Rétrécissement de chausséeNouvelle-Zélande

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15. Rétrécissement de chaussée

Un rétrécissement de chaussée est une section où la largeur disponible de la route ou de la chaussée diminue. Le rétrécissement peut se produire des deux côtés, d’un seul côté, ou parce qu’une ou plusieurs voies se terminent.

Les conducteurs doivent réduire leur vitesse, observer les véhicules arrivant en sens inverse et ceux circulant à côté, maintenir un dégagement latéral suffisant et s’insérer si nécessaire. Les panneaux d’avertissement ne déterminent pas toujours la priorité ; les conducteurs doivent donc respecter les panneaux de priorité, marquages de voie et règles locales de circulation.

Rétrécissement de chaussée
What is a road narrowing?

A road narrowing is a section where the usable width of the road becomes smaller. Traffic may have less space to pass, merge or travel beside other road users.

How can you recognise a road narrowing?

It may be indicated by a triangular warning sign showing the road edges moving closer together. The symbol may show narrowing on both sides, the left side or the right side.

What can cause a road to narrow?

A road may narrow because of a bridge, tunnel, barrier, traffic-calming measure, roadworks, parked vehicles, landslide, damaged road edge or reduction in the number of lanes.

Does a narrowing sign impose a speed limit?

No. It normally warns of danger rather than setting a numerical speed limit. Drivers must still reduce speed when necessary to pass safely.

Does a narrowing sign determine who has priority?

Not by itself. Priority may be established by separate signs, signals or local rules. Without them, drivers should approach cautiously and cooperate.

Who has priority when the obstruction is on one side?

In many countries, the driver whose side is obstructed must give way to approaching traffic. The precise rule depends on local law and any priority signs displayed.

What if the road narrows equally from both sides?

Neither direction necessarily has automatic priority. Drivers should reduce speed, assess who can pass safely and avoid entering when doing so would block approaching traffic.

What do priority signs at a narrow section mean?

One sign may require you to give way to oncoming traffic, while the corresponding sign may indicate that you have priority. Drivers must still avoid entering when the passage is already occupied or blocked.

Does having priority mean you must continue?

No. Priority is not an obligation to proceed. Slow down or stop when another vehicle is already in the narrow section or when continuing would create danger.

What should you do when another vehicle is already in the narrowing?

Allow it enough room to leave the narrow section. Do not enter if the available width is insufficient for both vehicles to pass safely.

How should you approach a road narrowing?

Check mirrors, reduce speed smoothly and observe oncoming traffic, cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles beside you. Be prepared to stop or merge.

Must you use an indicator when the road narrows?

Use an indicator when you must change lanes or move laterally. Merely following a lane that bends with the road may not require a signal under local law.

What should you do when your lane ends?

Check the adjacent lane, signal and merge safely according to the local merging rules. Do not force another driver to brake or leave the road.

What is zipper merging?

Zipper merging means that vehicles from an ending or blocked lane merge alternately with vehicles in the continuing lane, usually immediately before the narrowing during congestion.

Should you merge early during heavy congestion?

Where zipper merging applies, continue using both lanes and merge alternately near the narrowing. In free-flowing traffic, change lanes safely when a suitable gap is available.

May you overtake near a road narrowing?

A narrowing sign does not always prohibit overtaking, but overtaking should be avoided when there is insufficient width, visibility or distance to complete the manoeuvre safely.

How should you pass cyclists at a narrowing?

Wait behind the cyclist when the required passing distance cannot be maintained. Do not squeeze past or force the cyclist towards a kerb, barrier or damaged road edge.

How should large vehicles use a narrow section?

Large vehicles may need additional width and may cross lane or centre markings where legally permitted. Other drivers should leave sufficient space and avoid passing alongside them in the narrowing.

May pedestrians be present at a road narrowing?

Yes. Pavements or verges may also become narrow or blocked. Drivers should expect pedestrians or wheelchair users to enter the carriageway to pass an obstruction.

May you stop or park in a road narrowing?

Only where it is permitted and enough width remains for traffic to pass safely. Never stop or park where the vehicle would create danger, obstruct visibility or prevent other vehicles from passing.

What should you do at a temporary roadworks narrowing?

Follow temporary signs, signals, barriers and instructions from authorised workers. Temporary traffic controls may replace the normal priority or lane arrangement.

What should you do in poor visibility?

Reduce speed further, increase the following distance and be prepared for a stopped vehicle beyond the narrowing. Use the required lights without dazzling approaching road users.

1 Nouvelle-Zélande 2 Autoroute 3 Limitation de vitesse 4 Vitesse conseillée 5 Piste cyclable 6 Avertissement piétons 7 Pont 8 Ralentisseur 9 Circulation à sens unique 10 Pente 11 Voie de bus 12 Panneau Stop 13 Cédez le passage 14 Rond-point 15 Rétrécissement de chaussée 16 Passage pour piétons 17 Passage à niveau 18 Direction obligatoire 19 Interdiction de tourner 20 Zone scolaire 21 Traversée d’animaux 22 Chaussée glissante 23 Virage 24 Chevron 25 Circulation à contresens 26 Travaux routiers 27 Vent latéral 28 Limitation de hauteur 29 Priorité au prochain carrefour 30 Feux de circulation 31 Feux pour piétons 32 Marquages routiers 33 Stationnement 34 Stationnement pour personnes handicapées 35 Marche arrière 36 Demi-tour 37 Attraction touristique 38 Station de recharge 39 Dangers 40 Cycliste 41 Autobus 42 Police 43 Ambulance 44 Nid-de-poule 45 Chemin 46 Particules 47 Pollution de l’air 48 Heure de pointe 49 Code de la route 50 Circulation à double sens 51 Caniveau 52 Vélo cargo 53 Véhicule forestier 54 Véhicule de chantier 55 Ensemble semi-remorque 56 Trolleybus 57 Speed pedelec 58 Véhicule de livraison 59 Moteur au ralenti 60 Dépanneuse 61 Quatre roues motrices 62 Vélo 63 Équipement de moto 64 Tram 65 Voie ferrée 66 Caravane 67 Remorque 68 Attelage 69 Camion de pompiers 70 Sirène 71 Convoi 72 Feux des véhicules d’urgence 73 Machines agricoles 74 Vélo électrique 75 Véhicule électrique 76 Pedelec 77 Quadricycle 78 Voiturette 79 Véhicule tout-terrain 80 Fourgonnette 81 Véhicule de loisirs 82 Scooter 83 Trikke 84 Engin de déplacement personnel 85 Skateboard 86 Segway 87 Trottinette 88 Patins à roulettes 89 Facteur 90 Auto-stoppeur 91 Jeune enfant 92 Enfant 93 Handicap 94 Train-auto 95 km/h 96 mph 97 Compteur de vitesse 98 Hauteur de caisse 99 Route en terre 100 Conduite ...