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A road code is the body of traffic rules and regulations governing how road users must behave on public roads.

A road code can regulate subjects such as priority, speed, overtaking, turning, parking, traffic signals, road signs and road markings, as well as the responsibilities of different road users.

No. Although many traffic rules and signs are similar internationally, each country establishes its own traffic legislation and may apply different rules, signs, speed limits and requirements.

A street gutter is a drainage channel along the edge of a road that collects rainwater and directs it toward drains or another drainage system.

Normally, no. A gutter is primarily part of the road's drainage system and is not intended to function as a normal traffic lane.

Gutters may contain water, leaves, debris, drain covers or uneven surfaces, which can reduce grip or make cycling less stable.

A cargo bike is a bicycle designed to carry goods, children or larger loads than a conventional bicycle.

Common designs include two-wheel box bikes, three-wheel cargo bikes and longtail bicycles with an extended rear carrying area.

Yes. Many cargo bikes use electric pedal assistance to make it easier to move heavier loads or travel longer distances.

It can be. If the electrical assistance remains within the applicable power and assistance-speed limits, the vehicle may remain legally classified as a bicycle. More powerful or faster models may belong to another category.

Yes, when it is designed and equipped for passenger transport. Children should use the seats, restraints, foot protection or other safety equipment provided by the manufacturer and required by local law.

Yes. Transporting goods is one of its main purposes. Loads must be securely positioned and must not make the bicycle unstable, obstruct the rider's view or exceed applicable dimensional or weight limits.

This depends on its dimensions and legal classification. Ordinary-sized cargo bicycles generally follow bicycle rules, while unusually wide models may be excluded from certain cycle facilities.

Normally not when it remains legally classified as an ordinary bicycle or electrically assisted bicycle. Faster or more powerful vehicles may be subject to different licensing requirements.

This depends on the country's bicycle rules and the vehicle's classification. A model legally classified as a faster motorised vehicle may have different helmet requirements from an ordinary cargo bicycle.

Yes. Additional weight can affect acceleration, braking, steering and stability. Reduce speed where necessary, allow greater stopping distance and take particular care when turning.

Yes, where permitted. The bicycle, trailer and total load must comply with the applicable dimensional, mass, braking and passenger-transport requirements.

Cargo bikes can be longer, wider and heavier than ordinary bicycles and may need additional space when turning or stopping. Drivers should leave sufficient passing distance and avoid cutting across their path.

A forestry vehicle is a vehicle designed or adapted for forestry work, such as pulling machinery, carrying equipment, transporting timber or working on forest land.

No. Forestry vehicles can include tractors, specialised self-propelled machines, trailers and other equipment. Their legal classification depends on their design and use.

A forestry tractor is a powered vehicle primarily designed to pull, push, carry or operate equipment or trailers used for forestry work.

Yes, when legally permitted and properly equipped. Registration, insurance, lighting, dimensions, speed and driving-licence requirements may apply before a forestry vehicle can use public roads.

This depends on the vehicle classification, mass and country. Some countries have special agricultural or forestry vehicle licence categories, while other machines require ordinary car or heavy-vehicle licences.

They may. The permitted speed can depend on the vehicle's construction speed, mass, road type and local traffic rules. Posted speed limits must also be respected.

This depends on the country and vehicle classification. Agricultural and forestry vehicles are often restricted from high-speed roads, particularly when their construction speed is unsuitable for motorway traffic.

Forestry vehicles can be large, slow, wide or equipped with projecting machinery. Reduce speed where necessary and overtake only when there is sufficient visibility and space.

Yes, where the vehicle is designed and approved to do so. Forestry tractors commonly tow trailers carrying timber, machinery or other forestry materials.

Some machinery or loads may make a forestry vehicle unusually wide or long. Where legal limits are exceeded, special markings, lighting, permits or escort arrangements may be required under local law.

A construction vehicle is a vehicle or mobile machine used for construction, excavation, lifting, roadworks or transporting construction materials.

Examples include excavators, wheel loaders, bulldozers, road rollers, mobile cranes, dump trucks and concrete mixers.

No. A construction vehicle may legally be classified as a truck, mobile machine, special-purpose vehicle or another vehicle category depending on its design and use.

Yes, when the vehicle is legally permitted and suitably equipped for road use. Some machines are designed mainly for construction sites and may be subject to special restrictions when travelling on public roads.

This depends on the vehicle category, mass, speed and local law. Heavy trucks, mobile cranes and specialised machines may require different licence categories.

They may. A vehicle's design speed, mass, tyres, suspension and legal classification can result in a lower permitted speed than that applying to ordinary cars.

Construction vehicles can be large, slow and difficult to manoeuvre and may have significant blind spots. They may also turn, reverse or enter a construction site unexpectedly.

Flashing amber lights generally warn other road users that the vehicle is working, moving slowly or creating an unusual obstruction or hazard. They do not normally give the vehicle the same priority as an emergency vehicle.

Yes. Some construction machinery exceeds normal vehicle dimensions or masses. Special permits, route restrictions, warning equipment or escorts may then be required.

Reduce speed where necessary and leave sufficient space. Be aware of blind spots, projecting equipment, wide turns and workers who may be present nearby.

A semi-trailer truck consists of a powered road tractor coupled to a semi-trailer primarily used to transport goods.

A semi-trailer is a trailer designed so that part of the trailer and a significant part of its load are supported by the towing tractor.

An ordinary trailer generally supports its own weight through its axles, while a semi-trailer transfers a substantial vertical load to the tractor through its coupling.

The semi-trailer is normally connected through a kingpin and fifth-wheel coupling mounted behind the tractor cab.

The tractor and semi-trailer are connected by a pivoting coupling, allowing the two parts to turn relative to each other when the combination changes direction.

Yes. Heavy articulated trucks normally require a heavy-goods-vehicle licence that also authorises the driver to tow a heavy trailer or semi-trailer. The precise licence categories differ between countries.

They often do. Many countries impose vehicle-specific maximum speeds on heavy goods vehicles, particularly on motorways and other high-speed roads.

The semi-trailer's rear wheels follow a tighter path than the tractor's front wheels. Drivers therefore need additional space when turning, particularly at narrow intersections.

Large trucks can restrict your view of traffic ahead and require considerable stopping distance. Keeping an appropriate following distance improves visibility and reaction time.

Large trucks have substantial blind spots around the cab and trailer. Avoid remaining beside the vehicle unnecessarily and be particularly careful when the truck is turning or changing lane.

A trolleybus is an electrically powered bus that normally receives electricity from overhead wires while travelling on ordinary road wheels.

No. A tram runs on rails and follows the path of its tracks. A trolleybus has ordinary tyres and is steered like a conventional bus.

Yes. A trolleybus uses an electric motor, but unlike a battery-electric bus it traditionally receives most or all of its operating power from overhead electrical wires.

Electrical current is normally collected from overhead wires through poles or another current-collection system mounted on the vehicle.

Some trolleybuses can. Modern vehicles may have batteries or auxiliary motors that allow limited operation away from the overhead wiring.

Yes. Because it is steered rather than rail-guided, a trolleybus can move sideways within the range permitted by its overhead electrical connection and road layout.

Yes, where local rules permit. Trolleybuses operating public-transport services can normally use infrastructure reserved for authorised buses and public transport.

This depends on the local traffic law. Some countries require other drivers to allow public-transport buses, including trolleybuses, to leave designated stops.

Yes. Passengers may be boarding, leaving or crossing the roadway. Drivers should approach carefully and give passengers sufficient space where required.

A trolleybus operating entirely on electric power produces no combustion-engine exhaust emissions at the vehicle. Non-exhaust emissions from tyres, brakes and road wear can still occur.

A speed pedelec is an electrically assisted pedal cycle capable of providing motor assistance at higher speeds than an ordinary electric bicycle, commonly up to approximately 45 km/h.

An ordinary electrically assisted bicycle normally stops providing motor assistance at a lower speed, commonly around 25 km/h. A speed pedelec can continue assisting the rider at higher speeds.

Normally yes. A speed pedelec is primarily designed to provide assistance while the rider pedals, although limited walking or starting assistance may also be provided.

Many speed pedelecs are designed to provide assistance up to approximately 45 km/h. The actual permitted speed must still comply with the local speed limit and traffic conditions.

This depends on the country's legal classification. Some countries classify speed pedelecs similarly to mopeds and require an appropriate driving licence.

Helmet requirements vary between countries, but because speed pedelecs travel considerably faster than ordinary bicycles, specific helmet requirements commonly apply.

In countries where speed pedelecs are classified as mopeds or another motor-vehicle category, registration and a licence plate may be compulsory.

This depends on its technical characteristics and local law. Some jurisdictions require motor-vehicle liability insurance, while others exempt pedal-assisted speed pedelecs under specified conditions.

This depends on the country, road speed limit and traffic signs. Speed pedelecs may be permitted, required or prohibited on particular cycle paths.

Speed pedelecs are generally unsuitable for motorways and are commonly prohibited where mopeds or low-speed vehicles are not permitted. Follow the local access rules.

This depends on the vehicle's construction and local rules. Where passengers are permitted, the speed pedelec must be designed and equipped to carry them safely.

No. A speed pedelec is primarily designed to provide pedal assistance, while an electric moped can normally propel itself without requiring the rider to pedal. Their legal classifications may nevertheless be closely related.

A delivery vehicle is a vehicle used to transport goods, parcels, supplies or other items to a particular destination.

No. Deliveries can be made using vans, trucks, cars, motorcycles, cargo bicycles or other suitable vehicles.

Yes, where stopping is legally permitted. Many traffic systems distinguish genuine loading or unloading from ordinary parking when the vehicle remains only for the time necessary to perform the activity.

A loading area is intended for active loading or unloading. Remaining there after the delivery activity has finished may constitute parking and may therefore violate the applicable restrictions.

Sometimes. Traffic signs may provide an exception for deliveries, loading and unloading or local access. The driver must comply with any times, vehicle restrictions or other conditions shown.

Only where local rules or signs specifically allow delivery access. Access may be limited to certain hours, and vehicles may be required to travel at very low speed and give priority to pedestrians.

Not automatically. Loading or unloading does not override general stopping restrictions or rules protecting pavements, cycle paths and other road users.

No. Hazard warning lights warn other road users but do not make an otherwise prohibited stopping or parking position legal.

Yes. Vans and trucks may be subject to low-emission-zone requirements based on factors such as fuel type, vehicle category and emission standard.

Yes. Delivery vehicles may stop frequently, reverse, open doors or move between the roadway and loading areas. Other road users should allow sufficient space and anticipate pedestrians or workers moving around the vehicle.

Idling means keeping a vehicle's engine running while the vehicle remains stationary and the engine is not being used to propel it.

Unnecessary idling uses fuel, produces exhaust emissions and creates noise without moving the vehicle.

No. Rules differ between countries and local authorities. Some prohibit unnecessary idling generally, while others restrict it only in particular locations or circumstances.

Yes. A combustion engine continues to produce exhaust gases while running even though the vehicle is not moving.

Yes. A combustion engine consumes fuel while it remains running, even when the vehicle is stationary.

Where it is safe and legal to switch the engine off, unnecessary prolonged idling should generally be avoided. Local rules may specifically require the engine to be switched off.

No. A vehicle temporarily prevented from moving by traffic conditions is different from a vehicle voluntarily parked or waiting. The rules concerning engine shutdown may therefore differ.

Some laws provide exceptions when the engine is genuinely required to operate refrigeration, hydraulic equipment, emergency equipment or another essential system. The precise exceptions depend on local law.

Unnecessary engine revving should be avoided because it increases noise, fuel consumption and emissions. It may also be specifically prohibited by local traffic or noise regulations.

Not in the conventional combustion-engine sense. An electric vehicle can remain stationary while switched on without an internal-combustion engine running, although electrical systems such as heating or air conditioning may still consume energy.

A tow truck is a specialised vehicle designed to recover, tow, lift or transport vehicles that are disabled, damaged or otherwise need to be removed.

Tow trucks may use a wheel lift, lifting arm, winch, towing equipment or loading platform. The recovery method depends on the type and condition of the vehicle being moved.

A flatbed tow truck carries the recovered vehicle on a loading platform rather than leaving some of its wheels on the road.

A tow truck may be used after a breakdown, collision, vehicle defect or other situation in which a vehicle cannot safely continue or must be removed.

Warning lights alert other road users that the tow truck is working, moving slowly or creating an unusual roadside hazard. The meaning and permitted colour of the lights depend on local law.

Not necessarily. Warning lights used for vehicle recovery usually indicate a hazard rather than giving the tow truck the same legal priority as a police car, ambulance or fire vehicle.

This depends on the local towing rules and equipment. Emergency towing may be permitted under limited conditions, while professional recovery vehicles can use specialised equipment designed for the task.

Yes, where authorised and suitably equipped. Motorway recovery may be subject to special safety procedures because of the high traffic speeds and restricted stopping areas.

Yes. Recovery personnel may be working close to live traffic and vehicles or equipment may occupy part of the roadway. Reduce speed where necessary and leave sufficient space.

Yes, if it is designed and rated for the vehicle concerned. Heavy recovery vehicles use specialised lifting and towing equipment for trucks, buses and other large vehicles.

Four-wheel drive is a drivetrain system that can send power to all four wheels of a vehicle rather than only the front or rear wheels.

4x4 normally indicates a vehicle with four wheels of which all four can be driven by the powertrain.

The terms 4WD and AWD are sometimes used interchangeably, but manufacturers often use them for different types of system. Traditional 4WD systems commonly provide selectable driving modes, while AWD systems often distribute power automatically.

Yes. Sending power to more wheels can improve traction when accelerating on snow, mud, gravel, sand or other low-grip surfaces.

Not automatically. Braking performance depends primarily on the tyres, road surface, speed, braking system and vehicle condition. Four-wheel drive should not encourage a driver to travel faster on slippery roads.

Yes. The tyres provide the contact between the vehicle and road. Four-wheel drive cannot compensate for tyres that are unsuitable, excessively worn or incorrectly inflated.

Yes. It can improve the ability to move away and climb on snow-covered roads, but safe braking and cornering still depend heavily on tyre grip and appropriate speed.

Some 4x4 vehicles are designed for off-road use, but four-wheel drive alone does not make every vehicle suitable for difficult terrain. Ground clearance, tyres, suspension and the drivetrain design are also important.

This depends on the type of drivetrain. Permanent or automatic systems are designed for normal road use, while some selectable 4WD systems should only be engaged under particular conditions. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

It can improve traction when towing, but the legally and technically permitted trailer mass is determined by the vehicle's approved towing limits and local regulations, not simply by the presence of four-wheel drive.

A bicycle is a wheeled vehicle primarily propelled by the rider using pedals or hand cranks.

It can be. Electrically assisted bicycles that remain within specified power and assistance-speed limits are commonly treated as bicycles. Faster or more powerful vehicles may be classified differently.

Cyclists should use cycle paths, cycle lanes or the roadway according to the local traffic rules and signs. The required position varies between countries and road types.

This depends on the country and type of cycle facility. Some cycle paths are compulsory, while others are optional.

Yes, when required by local law. Bicycles commonly need a white or yellow light at the front and a red light at the rear during darkness or poor visibility.

Yes. A bicycle used on public roads must have an effective braking system appropriate to its design and local technical requirements.

This varies between countries. Some require helmets for all cyclists or particular age groups, while others recommend helmets without making them compulsory.

Yes, where the bicycle is appropriately equipped and local law permits it. A passenger should use a proper seat and any other required safety equipment.

This depends on local law and the road conditions. Many countries allow two cyclists to ride beside each other in certain circumstances but require single-file riding when necessary for safety or traffic flow.

In many traffic systems, a person who dismounts and walks the bicycle by hand is treated as a pedestrian. The exact legal definition depends on local law.

Motorcyclists should use appropriate protective equipment, commonly including a helmet, gloves, protective jacket and trousers, and footwear that protects the feet and ankles.

Helmet requirements depend on local law, although approved motorcycle helmets are compulsory in many countries. The helmet should fit correctly and be used in a way that preserves its protective function.

Protective clothing can reduce injuries caused by impact, abrasion and contact with the road surface. Purpose-designed motorcycle clothing may also include impact protectors for vulnerable parts of the body.

Gloves help protect the hands and wrists against abrasion, weather and impact and can also improve grip on the motorcycle controls.

Suitable boots provide protection for the feet and ankles and can reduce injuries caused by impact, abrasion or the motorcycle falling onto the rider.

Yes. Passengers are exposed to many of the same risks as riders and should use appropriate protective equipment. Local law may require the passenger to wear the same helmet and clothing as the rider.

A road-legal motorcycle normally requires functioning brakes, tyres, lights, reflectors, mirrors, a horn and other prescribed equipment. Exact technical requirements vary between countries and motorcycle categories.

Yes. Check that the headlight, rear light, brake light and direction indicators work correctly where fitted or required. Motorcycle visibility is especially important because motorcycles can be difficult for other road users to detect.

Yes. Check tyre condition, tread and pressure regularly. Because motorcycles rely on two relatively small tyre contact areas, damaged or incorrectly inflated tyres can significantly affect stability, steering and braking.

A brief check of the tyres, brakes, lights, controls, mirrors and general condition of the motorcycle can help identify problems before riding. Protective equipment should also be correctly fitted and in usable condition.

A track consists of rails that guide trams, trains or other rail vehicles. Tracks may be separated from ordinary traffic or incorporated into a road.

Yes. Tram tracks may be embedded in the carriageway and share part of the road with other traffic, depending on the local road layout and traffic rules.

The applicable priority rules vary between countries, but rail vehicles commonly receive special priority because they cannot leave their tracks. Always obey traffic lights, signs and local rules.

This depends on the road layout and local regulations. Tracks incorporated into an ordinary traffic lane may sometimes be used by other vehicles, while reserved tram tracks or separate railway tracks may not.

You should never stop or park where your vehicle would obstruct a rail vehicle. Local traffic law may specifically prohibit stopping or parking on or close to tracks.

Wheels can slip on wet rails or become trapped in the groove beside a rail. Riders should cross tracks carefully and, where possible, at an angle that reduces the risk of a wheel following the rail groove.

No. Maintain sufficient distance so that you can react safely if the tram stops, passengers enter the roadway or traffic conditions change.

Yes, where crossing is permitted, but pedestrians should carefully check for approaching rail vehicles and obey pedestrian lights and crossing restrictions.

No. Tram tracks can be incorporated directly into a street or carriageway. A railway level crossing is a specific place where a road or path crosses railway tracks, usually with dedicated warning signs or signals.

Do not enter a track crossing unless there is enough space to clear it completely. Never deliberately stop where a tram or train could be blocked.

A caravan is a trailer designed to be towed by another vehicle and used as temporary accommodation while travelling or camping.

Yes. A towable caravan is a type of trailer and is therefore subject to the applicable rules for trailers as well as any specific rules concerning caravans.

Check that the caravan is properly coupled, correctly loaded and secured and that the towing vehicle, trailer and driver comply with the applicable weight, equipment and driving-licence requirements.

A trailer is a vehicle designed to be pulled by another vehicle rather than propelled by its own motor.

Trailers can transport goods, equipment, vehicles, boats or other loads and can also include caravans designed for accommodation.

Check that the trailer is properly coupled, correctly loaded and secured and that the towing vehicle, trailer and driver meet the applicable weight, equipment and licensing requirements.

A tow hitch is a mechanical coupling fitted to a vehicle so that a trailer, caravan or other towable vehicle can be attached.

A tow ball is the ball-shaped part of a common passenger-car towing system onto which the trailer coupling is secured.

No. The vehicle must be approved or technically suitable for the coupling and intended towing load. Some vehicles have limited or no approved towing capacity.

No. You must respect the towing vehicle's approved towing capacity, the hitch rating, trailer limits and the driving-licence rules applying to the combination.

The permitted load depends on the vehicle and coupling. The coupling normally has specified maximum towing and vertical-load ratings that must not be exceeded.

Nose weight is the downward vertical force that a trailer applies to the towing vehicle through the coupling. It must remain within the limits specified for the vehicle, hitch and trailer.

Yes. Tow hitches may be fixed, detachable or retractable. Detachable systems must be correctly installed and securely locked before towing.

Yes, if the hitch and carrier are designed for that purpose. The permitted vertical load and vehicle manufacturer's restrictions must still be respected.

Depending on the trailer's braking system and local law, a safety cable, chain or breakaway system may be required in addition to the main coupling.

Check that the coupling is fully engaged and locked, the safety connection is correctly attached, the electrical connector works and the trailer lights and brakes operate correctly where required.

A fire truck is an emergency vehicle used by firefighters to respond to fires, collisions, rescues and other emergencies. It may carry firefighters, water, ladders and specialised rescue equipment.

This depends on the local traffic laws and emergency signals being used. Fire trucks responding to urgent incidents commonly use flashing warning lights and a siren to indicate that other road users must make way.

Make sufficient space and allow it to pass. Slow down or stop where necessary, but avoid sudden manoeuvres that could endanger other road users or block the emergency vehicle.

Do not create another dangerous situation. Make room in a safe and controlled manner and follow any directions given by police, firefighters or other authorised personnel.

Emergency vehicles may be permitted to pass a red light during an urgent response under special legal conditions. The precise rules and precautions required vary between countries.

Many countries allow emergency vehicles to depart from certain speed restrictions while carrying out an urgent mission. Emergency drivers must nevertheless take appropriate precautions and comply with the applicable emergency-driving rules.

Emergency vehicles may sometimes use emergency lanes, restricted lanes or other parts of the road during urgent missions when local law permits it.

You should not follow closely or use the path created for the fire truck to bypass traffic. Maintain a safe distance and continue to obey the normal traffic rules.

No. Warning lights and sirens are generally used according to the urgency of the mission and local law. A fire-service vehicle travelling on a non-urgent assignment may operate without emergency signals.

Reduce speed and remain alert. Firefighters, hoses, equipment or other emergency personnel may be on or near the roadway, and temporary traffic restrictions may be in place.

A siren is a powerful audible warning device used primarily by emergency or priority vehicles to alert other road users of their approach.

Sirens are commonly used by ambulances, fire engines, police vehicles and other authorised emergency vehicles.

Stay alert, determine where the emergency vehicle is approaching from and make room for it to pass safely according to the traffic rules of the country.

A convoy is an organised group of vehicles travelling together along the same route.

No. An ordinary convoy does not automatically have priority over other traffic. Special rules may apply to military convoys, exceptional transports or officially escorted groups.

Yes. Drivers should maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead so they can react safely and so that other traffic can interact with the convoy where permitted.

Emergency vehicle lighting consists of special warning lights fitted to authorised emergency or priority vehicles to increase their visibility and alert other road users.

Depending on the country, they may be used by police vehicles, ambulances, fire engines, rescue vehicles and other authorised emergency services.

Remain alert, determine where the emergency vehicle is coming from and follow the applicable rules for giving way or creating a safe passage. The precise obligation depends on the country's traffic laws and whether an audible warning is also being used.

Agricultural machinery includes vehicles and machines designed to perform farming operations such as cultivating, planting, harvesting, mowing or transporting agricultural materials.

Examples include tractors, combine harvesters, self-propelled sprayers, forage harvesters, mowing machines and agricultural trailers.

No. Some agricultural machines are self-propelled vehicles, while others are implements or equipment that must be attached to or towed by another vehicle. Their legal classification depends on their construction and use.

Yes, when legally permitted and suitably equipped. Registration, insurance, lighting, dimensions, speed and driving-licence requirements may apply.

This depends on the country and type of machine. Some countries have a dedicated agricultural-vehicle licence, while other vehicles fall under ordinary car or heavy-vehicle licence categories.

They may. The permitted speed can depend on the machine's construction speed, mass, tyres and road type. Many agricultural machines are designed to travel considerably more slowly than ordinary road vehicles.

Agricultural vehicles are frequently prohibited from motorways or other high-speed roads. The exact restrictions depend on local traffic law.

Agricultural machinery can be slow, wide or unusually long and may turn into fields or farm entrances. Drivers should reduce speed where necessary and overtake only with sufficient visibility and space.

Yes. Some machinery exceeds normal road dimensions. Folding equipment, special markings, permits or other restrictions may apply before it can travel on public roads.

Yes, when designed and approved to do so. Tractors commonly tow agricultural trailers and implements, subject to applicable mass, braking, coupling and dimensional requirements.

An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance to the rider.

Pedal assistance means that the electric motor provides power while the rider pedals. The assistance normally decreases or stops when a specified speed is reached.

It can be. Electric bicycles that remain within the applicable motor-power and assistance-speed limits are commonly treated as bicycles. Faster or more powerful models may belong to another vehicle category.

The permitted assistance speed depends on the vehicle category and local law. Ordinary pedal-assisted bicycles commonly stop providing motor assistance at approximately 25 km/h.

Yes, by your own effort where otherwise permitted. The assistance limit normally determines when the motor stops helping; it does not necessarily prevent the bicycle itself from travelling faster downhill or through pedalling.

This depends on its legal classification. Ordinary low-power pedal-assisted bicycles commonly require no driving licence, while faster electric bicycles may require a moped or another licence.

Ordinary pedal-assisted bicycles generally do not require registration, but high-speed electric bicycles may require registration and a licence plate.

Helmet requirements depend on the country and vehicle category. Ordinary e-bikes may follow normal bicycle helmet rules, while faster electric bicycles can have specific compulsory helmet requirements.

Ordinary electric bicycles generally follow the same cycle-path rules as conventional bicycles. Different rules can apply to faster or more powerful electric bicycles.

This depends on the vehicle's technical characteristics and local law. Ordinary pedal-assisted bicycles commonly do not require motor-vehicle insurance, while vehicles capable of greater independent motor propulsion may be subject to insurance requirements.

Usually yes. Most electric bicycles can still be pedalled like conventional bicycles when the motor is switched off or the battery is depleted, although their additional weight may make pedalling harder.

Yes, when the bicycle is designed and legally equipped for them. Passenger seats, cargo areas, child restraints and trailers must satisfy the applicable safety and traffic rules.

An electric vehicle is a vehicle that uses one or more electric motors for propulsion and stores electrical energy in a rechargeable battery or another electrical energy-storage system.

A fully electric or battery-electric vehicle uses only electric motors for propulsion and obtains its driving energy from rechargeable electrical energy storage rather than a combustion engine.

A plug-in hybrid uses both electric propulsion and another power source, normally a combustion engine, and its battery can be charged from an external electricity supply. It is therefore different from a fully electric vehicle.

An electric vehicle is connected to a suitable charging point that supplies electrical energy to its rechargeable battery. Charging power and connector types vary between vehicles and charging stations.

No. Charging speed depends on the vehicle, battery, charger, electrical supply, temperature and current battery condition.

A fully electric vehicle produces no combustion-engine exhaust emissions while driving. It can still contribute to non-exhaust emissions through tyres, brakes and road wear.

Not necessarily. Charging spaces can have specific conditions requiring the vehicle to be connected, actively charging, within a time limit or otherwise complying with local parking rules.

Normally no. A car remains subject to the rules for cars, a motorcycle to those for motorcycles and so on. Electric propulsion does not generally change ordinary priority, speed or lane rules.

Where an electric vehicle belongs to a vehicle category that normally requires registration and insurance, those requirements continue to apply.

Fully electric vehicles are commonly permitted in low-emission zones because they have no combustion-engine exhaust emissions, but access rules are determined locally.

Yes, when their vehicle category satisfies the normal motorway-access requirements. Electric propulsion by itself neither grants nor prevents motorway access.

No. Electric bicycles belong to separate pedal-cycle categories and are subject to their own power, assistance-speed and traffic rules.