Circulation à sens uniqueMonde entier

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22. Circulation à sens unique

La circulation à sens unique signifie que les véhicules sur une route ou une chaussée ne peuvent circuler que dans une direction désignée. Le sens autorisé est normalement indiqué par des panneaux, des flèches de voie ou des marquages routiers.

Certains usagers, tels que les cyclistes ou véhicules de transport public, peuvent être autorisés à circuler dans le sens opposé lorsque des panneaux le permettent expressément. Une rue à sens unique ne détermine pas à elle seule la limitation de vitesse, la priorité ou les règles de stationnement.

What is a one-way road?

A one-way road is a road or carriageway on which vehicles may travel only in the designated direction.

How can you recognise one-way traffic?

One-way traffic is normally indicated by a one-way sign at the entrance and a no-entry sign at the opposite end. Lane arrows and road markings may provide additional guidance.

Is a one-way sign the same as a no-entry sign?

No. A one-way sign confirms the permitted direction of travel. A no-entry sign prohibits drivers from entering from the opposite direction.

Does one-way traffic apply to the entire road?

It may apply to an entire road, one carriageway, a particular lane or only a designated section. Drivers must follow the signs and markings applying to the part of the road they use.

Can a divided road have one-way traffic on each carriageway?

Yes. On a divided road, each carriageway normally carries traffic in one direction even though the road as a whole carries traffic in both directions.

May cyclists travel against one-way traffic?

Only when traffic signs or local law expressly permit contraflow cycling. Drivers should check supplementary signs and remain alert for cyclists approaching from the opposite direction.

May buses travel against one-way traffic?

Public-transport vehicles may use a contraflow lane where signs and road markings permit it. Other drivers may not use that lane unless they are also authorised.

Does a one-way road have its own speed limit?

No. The applicable speed depends on the country, road type, surrounding area and traffic signs.

Does one-way traffic change priority at intersections?

No. Drivers must continue to follow traffic lights, priority signs and the ordinary local priority rules.

Does traffic on a one-way road always have priority?

No. The one-way designation regulates direction of travel, not priority. Traffic entering or crossing the road may still have priority under signs or local law.

Which lane should you use on a one-way road?

Follow the local lane-positioning rules, lane arrows and destination signs. Drivers commonly keep to the normal side of the road unless overtaking, turning or choosing a marked lane.

Where should you position yourself before turning?

Use the lane or side indicated for the intended direction. On many one-way roads, drivers turning towards the opposite side of the road may position themselves closer to that side before turning.

May you overtake on a one-way road?

Overtaking may be permitted where there is sufficient space and no sign or rule prohibits it. The normal overtaking side and safety requirements continue to apply unless local law provides otherwise.

May you reverse on a one-way road?

A short reversing manoeuvre may be permitted where local law allows it and it can be completed safely. Drivers must not use reversing to travel along the road in the prohibited direction.

May you make a U-turn on a one-way road?

You may not turn around and continue against the permitted direction. A U-turn may also be prohibited by signs or general traffic law.

May you park on both sides of a one-way road?

This depends on local law, signs, markings and the available width. Some countries permit parking along either side, while others retain stricter positioning rules.

Can pedestrians come from both directions?

Yes. One-way traffic restrictions normally apply to vehicles using the carriageway, not to pedestrians using pavements or other pedestrian facilities.

Should you still check both directions?

Yes. Cyclists, buses, emergency vehicles or other authorised users may approach from the opposite direction. Drivers should check both directions before turning, crossing or opening a vehicle door.

What should you do if you enter a one-way road incorrectly?

Do not continue against traffic. Stop somewhere safe without creating additional danger and follow lawful directions to leave or correct the situation. Do not reverse blindly into an intersection.

How does one-way traffic end?

The restriction may end at an end sign, an intersection, a change in road design or a sign warning that two-way traffic resumes. Follow the local signs and road layout.

1 Monde entier 2 Autoroute 3 Voie rapide 4 Zone résidentielle 5 Agglomération 6 Zone 7 Limitation de vitesse 8 Vitesse minimale 9 Vitesse conseillée 10 Chemin piéton 11 Piste cyclable 12 Chemin partagé 13 Chemin séparé 14 Avertissement piétons 15 Tunnel 16 Pont 17 Rue cyclable 18 Zone piétonne 19 Ralentisseur 20 Route à péage 21 Douane 22 Circulation à sens unique 23 Quai 24 Pente 25 Voie de bus 26 Arrêt de bus 27 Impasse 28 Panneau Stop 29 Cédez le passage 30 Rond-point 31 Route prioritaire 32 Rétrécissement de chaussée 33 Priorité sur la circulation venant en sens inverse 34 Cédez le passage à la circulation venant en sens inverse 35 Passage pour piétons 36 Passage à niveau 37 Direction obligatoire 38 Interdiction de tourner 39 Zone scolaire 40 Dépassement 41 Traversée d’animaux 42 Chaussée glissante 43 Chutes de pierres 44 Aéronefs 45 Virage 46 Chevron 47 Circulation à contresens 48 Travaux routiers 49 Vent latéral 50 Limitation de hauteur 51 Limitation de largeur 52 Limitation de longueur 53 Limitation de poids 54 Panneau de contrôle radar 55 Barrières sélectives 56 Zone à faibles émissions 57 Panneau directionnel de carrefour 58 Priorité au prochain carrefour 59 Feux de circulation 60 Avertissement de feux de circulation 61 Feux pour piétons 62 Marquages routiers 63 Stop à toutes les branches 64 Schéma de carrefour 65 Voie pour véhicules lents 66 Sas vélo 67 Circulation à gauche 68 Affichage de vitesse 69 Permis de conduire 70 Repère de localisation 71 Numéro de route 72 Balises de compte à rebours 73 Toilettes publiques 74 Aire de repos 75 Miroir routier 76 Téléphone d’urgence 77 Frontière internationale 78 Passage souterrain pour piétons 79 Itinéraire cyclable 80 Fin de restriction 81 Stationnement 82 Stationnement interdit 83 Arrêt interdit 84 Stationnement en créneau 85 Parc relais 86 Dépose-minute 87 Stationnement alterné 88 Parcmètre 89 Disque de stationnement 90 Stationnement pour personnes handicapées 91 Gestion du trafic 92 Insertion 93 Marche arrière 94 Demi-tour 95 Covoiturage 96 Embouteillage 97 Déviation 98 Carrefour non réglementé 99 État de la chaussée 100 Bande cyclable suggérée ...