Panneaux de signalisationUkraine

Common vehicle lights include dipped-beam and main-beam headlights, position lights, daytime running lights, rear lights, brake lights, direction indicators, reversing lights, fog lights and hazard warning lights.

Dipped-beam headlights are normally used at night and whenever visibility is poor. Unlike main beams, they are designed to illuminate the road while reducing glare for other road users.

Main beams should be changed to dipped beams whenever they could dazzle approaching or preceding road users. The precise requirements and distances vary between countries.

Street lights improve visibility during darkness and can help road users see the road layout, intersections, pedestrians, cyclists, obstacles and other traffic more clearly.

Usually yes. Street lighting does not normally replace the vehicle-lighting requirements that apply at night or in poor visibility. Drivers must follow the lighting rules of the country in which they are driving.

Main beam should not be used when it could dazzle other road users, and many countries require dipped beam instead on sufficiently illuminated roads. Drivers should use the appropriate lighting for the road and traffic conditions.

Dipped beam is the normal low-beam headlight setting. It illuminates the road in front of the vehicle while limiting glare towards approaching and preceding road users.

Dipped beam is generally used during darkness, in reduced visibility and whenever main-beam headlights could dazzle another road user. Exact requirements vary between countries.

Dipped beam directs light lower and is suitable when other traffic is present. Main beam projects light farther ahead but must be switched off when it could dazzle other road users.

High beam provides long-range illumination and can help a driver see farther ahead on dark roads where there is little or no other traffic.

You should switch to dipped beam whenever high beam could dazzle approaching or preceding road users. Exact requirements and distances vary between countries.

Often not when the existing road lighting already provides sufficient visibility. National traffic rules may specifically require dipped beam instead in adequately illuminated areas.

Front fog lights provide additional low-level illumination in poor visibility such as fog, snowfall or heavy rain. Their design helps illuminate the road close to the vehicle.

Rear fog lights produce an intense red light that makes a vehicle easier to see from behind when visibility is seriously reduced.

No. Fog lights should only be used when the applicable traffic rules and weather conditions justify them. Rear fog lights in particular can cause unnecessary glare when visibility is good.

Front fog lights provide additional low-level illumination when fog, snow, heavy rain or similar conditions make it difficult to see the road ahead.

They are normally mounted relatively low at the front of the vehicle so that their wide beam illuminates the road surface without projecting as much light directly into fog or precipitation.

No. Front fog lights should only be used when conditions and local traffic rules permit them. Unnecessary use can create glare or distraction for other road users.

Rear fog lights make a vehicle more visible from behind when fog, snow, heavy rain or other severe weather significantly reduces visibility.

They are designed to remain clearly visible through poor weather. Because of their high intensity, they can cause glare when visibility is normal.

Yes. They should only remain on while the conditions that justify their use continue. Exact legal requirements vary between countries.

Side lights make a vehicle easier to see and indicate its position and width. They provide much less road illumination than dipped-beam or high-beam headlights.

No. Side lights mainly make the vehicle visible, while dipped-beam headlights illuminate the road ahead sufficiently for driving without unnecessarily dazzling other road users.

Yes. In some countries, position or parking lights must be used when a vehicle is parked on the road at night or in poor visibility. The exact requirements depend on local traffic rules.

Turn signals should be used when turning, changing lanes or making another lateral movement where signalling is required. The signal should be given early enough for other road users to understand the driver's intention.

No. A turn signal only communicates an intended movement. The driver must still follow the applicable priority rules and make sure the movement can be completed safely.

The signal should be cancelled once the turn, lane change or other indicated movement has been completed so that it does not mislead other road users.

Hazard lights warn other road users of an unusual or potentially dangerous situation involving the vehicle or traffic ahead. Common examples include breakdowns, collisions and sudden obstructions.

No. Switching on hazard lights does not normally make prohibited stopping or parking legal. The driver must still comply with the applicable stopping and parking rules.

In many countries they may be used briefly to warn following traffic of an immediate danger such as a sudden queue. The exact rules governing their use vary between countries.

Dashboard warning lights communicate information about vehicle systems. Their exact meaning depends on the symbol, colour and vehicle, so drivers should consult the vehicle handbook when a warning is unfamiliar.

A red warning light generally indicates a serious problem or a condition requiring immediate attention. Depending on the warning, the driver may need to stop the vehicle safely and switch off the engine.

An amber or yellow light usually indicates a fault, maintenance requirement or condition that should be checked soon. The vehicle may still be driveable, but the warning should not be ignored.

A seat belt restrains the occupant during sudden deceleration or a collision, helping prevent contact with the vehicle interior and reducing the risk of being thrown from the vehicle.

The belt should fit securely without twists. The lap section should lie low across the hips and the shoulder section should pass across the chest and shoulder rather than behind the back or under the arm.

No. Seat belts and airbags are designed to work together. An airbag does not replace the restraint provided by a correctly worn seat belt.

A child restraint system is a safety device designed to secure a child in a vehicle. Depending on the child's size and the system, it can include a child seat, harness or booster seat used together with the vehicle's seat belt or dedicated anchorage system.

The restraint should be approved for the child's size and compatible with the vehicle. The manufacturer's instructions should be followed carefully when selecting, installing and using it.

No. A rear-facing child restraint must not be used on a seat with an active frontal airbag because deployment of the airbag can seriously endanger the child.

A head restraint limits excessive rearward movement of the head during a collision, helping reduce the forces acting on the neck and cervical spine.

It should be adjusted to support the back of the head rather than the neck and positioned as close to the head as practical. The seat and head restraint should be adjusted together to provide a comfortable and protective driving position.

Yes. Head restraints are passive safety devices because their main purpose is to reduce injury when a collision occurs rather than to prevent the collision itself.

An airbag is an inflatable vehicle safety device designed to help protect occupants during certain types of collision.

Sensors detect collision conditions and, when the system determines that deployment is required, the airbag inflates extremely quickly to provide additional protection between the occupant and parts of the vehicle interior.

No. Airbags are supplemental restraints and are designed to work together with seat belts. Occupants should always wear their seat belts where required.

Vehicles may have front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, knee airbags and other specialised airbags. The number and location depend on the vehicle design.

No. Airbag systems are designed to deploy only when sensors detect collision conditions for which deployment is intended. Different airbags may deploy in different types of crashes.

Yes. A rear-facing child restraint must not be placed in front of an active frontal passenger airbag because deployment can cause severe injury. The airbag must be deactivated where the vehicle and local rules permit such installation.

Some vehicles allow the front passenger airbag to be deactivated, particularly when a rear-facing child restraint must be installed there. Follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions carefully.

An illuminated airbag or SRS warning light can indicate a fault in the restraint system. The system should be checked and repaired according to the vehicle manufacturer's instructions.

No. A deployed airbag is normally a single-use component and must be replaced together with any other affected restraint-system components before the system can function correctly again.

Occupants should use a normal, correctly adjusted seating position and avoid placing themselves unnecessarily close to the airbag cover. Follow the seating and steering-wheel adjustment guidance provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking during heavy braking. By controlling wheel slip, it helps the driver retain steering control while braking strongly.

Apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal and keep steering as necessary. Pulsing or vibration through the pedal is normal while ABS is regulating the braking pressure.

No. The main purpose of ABS is to prevent wheel lock and help maintain vehicle control. Actual stopping distance still depends on speed, tyres, road surface, weather and other conditions.

ESP helps maintain vehicle stability when it detects that the vehicle is beginning to deviate from the driver's intended direction. It can selectively brake individual wheels and may reduce engine power to help restore control.

ESP and ESC refer to the same general type of electronic stability-control system. ESP means Electronic Stability Program, while ESC means Electronic Stability Control. Vehicle manufacturers may also use other names for similar systems.

No. ESP can assist in maintaining stability, but it cannot overcome the physical limits of tyre grip. Excessive speed, worn tyres, ice or other very slippery conditions can still cause a vehicle to lose control.

Traction control detects excessive wheel spin during acceleration and intervenes to help the driven wheels regain grip. Depending on the vehicle, it can reduce engine power or apply braking to individual wheels.

It is particularly useful when accelerating on surfaces with limited grip, such as wet roads, snow, ice, mud or loose gravel.

Traction control primarily limits wheel spin during acceleration. ESP or ESC has a broader function and helps stabilise the vehicle when it begins to deviate from the driver's intended direction. The systems commonly share wheel-speed sensors and braking components.

A helmet is protective headgear designed to reduce the risk and severity of head injury if a rider falls or is involved in a collision.

Helmet requirements depend on the vehicle and local traffic law. Motorcyclists and moped riders commonly have compulsory helmet requirements, while bicycle rules vary between countries.

No. Motorcycle and bicycle helmets are designed and tested for different conditions and are subject to different safety standards. Use a helmet approved for the type of vehicle concerned.

Yes, where required. Passengers on motorcycles, mopeds and certain other vehicles are generally exposed to the same head-injury risks as the rider and may be subject to the same helmet requirement.

A helmet should fit securely and comfortably without excessive movement. It should be worn and fastened according to the manufacturer's instructions.

A helmet that has suffered a significant impact or has visible structural damage may no longer provide its intended protection and should normally be inspected or replaced.

No. Where motorcycle helmets are regulated, the helmet must comply with the applicable approval or safety standard. A recreational or ordinary bicycle helmet is generally not an acceptable substitute.

No. Some countries require helmets for all cyclists, others only for particular age groups or types of bicycle, and some recommend them without making them compulsory.

They may. Because speed pedelecs can travel considerably faster than ordinary bicycles, some countries require an approved moped helmet or a bicycle helmet satisfying additional requirements.

No. A helmet provides additional protection but does not replace safe speed, observation, correct road position, appropriate clothing or compliance with traffic rules.

A bicycle helmet is designed to absorb part of the impact energy during a fall or collision and help reduce the risk and severity of head injuries.

The helmet should fit snugly, sit level on the head and be secured with the retention strap. It should not move excessively when the cyclist moves their head.

No. Helmet requirements vary between countries and may also depend on the cyclist's age or the type of bicycle being used. Riders should check the rules that apply where they are cycling.

Hands-free means using a communication device without holding it. Calls can be handled through a vehicle system, headset, earphones, voice control or another permitted system.

No. Even when the driver does not physically handle the phone, a conversation or interaction with a device can reduce attention to traffic. Drivers should keep such use to a minimum.

No. Holding a telephone while calling is not hands-free use. Whether handheld or mounted-device use is legally permitted depends on the traffic rules of the country.

Using a smartphone can take the driver's eyes off the road, hands away from the controls and attention away from traffic. Reading messages, typing or selecting apps can therefore significantly increase distraction.

It may be permitted when the device is properly mounted and used according to local traffic rules. The route should preferably be programmed before starting the journey and interaction with the screen should be kept to a minimum.

No. Hands-free operation removes the need to hold the device but conversations, navigation changes and other interactions can still distract the driver.