USE OF PUBLIC ROADS/HIGHWAYS Flashcards
Standards of Conduct, Special Prohibitions
*Throwing objects on the road
*Driving with unapproved tinted glass
*Using the phone without hands-free
*Wearing headphones while driving (unless approved for a helmet)
*Using DVD, internet or monitors except the GPS system
*Driving with noise levels above those permitted
*Releasing more exhaust through the exhaust pipe (UK) / tail pipe (USA) than allowed
*Driving without an exhaust silencer(UK) / muffler(USA)
*When refuelling: stop the engine, disconnect the electrical systems and switch off mobile phones
General Rules of the Road
Vehicles should drive on the right hand side and as close as possible to the edge of the carriage way*.
*Particularly in curves and changes in gradient with reduced visibility.
General Rules of the Road
Carriageways
2 carriageways = use the one on the right in your current direction
3 carriageways = the lanes on the sides are one way, the centre lane can be one or two way
General Rules of the Road
Refuges, Traffic Islands or Guidance Devices
Drive on the part of the carriageway which is on the right of these, in your current direction.
Refuges, traffic islands and devices should be on your left.
Except on one way roads - you may drive on either side.
Use of Lanes
Two Way Carriage Ways
Dual carriage ways must be used by ALL automobiles and special vehicles with an MAM of more th an 3,500kg
Use of Lanes
Two Way Carriageways with Two Lanes
Traffic will circulate on the right
Use of Lanes
Two Way Carriageways with three lanes
Right Lane: driving and making u-turns
Centre Lane: Overtaking and making left turns
Left Lane: cannot be used for continuous travel in your current direction
Use of Lanes
One way Carriageways in URBAN Areas
(Streets and throughways)
Lanes divided by road markings: Travel in the lane best suited to your destination. (Left or Right). You can only leave the lane to OVERTAKE, CHANGE DIRECTION, STOP or PARK
Lanes without markings: Travel in the right hand lane EXCEPT when overtaking or making a left turn
Use of Lanes
One way Carriageways OUT OF TOWN
(Interurban roads with two lanes)
Right Lane = for travelling
Left Lane = for overtaking, or travelling traffic permitting
3-lane two-way interurban road: Travel is in the right lane, to overtake and change directions to the left, the centre lane may be used.
Use of Lanes
One way Carriageways OUT OF TOWN
(3-lane one-way interurban road)
Travel is on the right
Other Lanes = You can use the other lanes when needed (for overtaking or travelling, traffic permitting)
Vehicles longer than 7m or MAM greater than 3,500kg must drive in the RIGHT LANE or lane closest to it.
Lorries and vans with MAM up to 3,500kg must drive in the RIGHT LANE or lane closest to it.
Buses can travel in all lanes regardless of length and weight
Squares and Roundabouts
The centre of the roundabout is always to your left
Squares and Roundabouts
INTERURBAN ROADS
Travel on the lane FURTHEST to the right.
Use other lanes if necessary if more than one
Squares and Roundabouts
URBAN ROADS
Travel in the lane most convenient for reaching your destination. Decided in advance which lane is best
Use of Highways
Motorway ( Autopista)
*No hitchhiking
*Mopeds, pedestrians, animals, and cyclists may not enter
*In case of emergency, use the next exit
Use of Highways
Dual Carriageway (Autovia)
*No hitchhiking
*Mopeds, pedestrians and animals may not enter
*Special vehicles that cannot reach a speed of at least 60km or exceed the max weight may not enter unless they have special permission
*In case of emergency, use the next exit
*CYCLISTS MAY ENTER IF OVER THE AGE OF 14
Vehicle Breakdown or Accident
*If you can continue driving =
Reduce Speed. Leave through first available exit
*If you cannot continue driving=
Immobilise vehicle and turn on warning / hazard lights
You may use the hard should or central reservation
Vehicles that must use the hard shoulder…
*Special Vehicles with an MAM 3,500kg or less
*animal drawn vehicles
*cycles
*mopeds
*vehicles for people with reduced mobility
*vehicles following cyclists
(If they cannot use the hard shoulder, they should occupy essential right of way)
Bicycles can drive on the right side of the highway on descents with curves (EXCEPT DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS)
Special Lanes
BUS LANE
Used exclusively for public transport vehicles. If taxis are also indicated, they may also use the lane.
If lane is marked with continuous line =
Can only be crossed by vehicles permitted to drive in that lane
If lane is marked with broke white line: You can cross the line to TURN (yielding to the vehicles travelling in this lane)
Special Lanes
VAO Lane Exceptions
The VAO lane, even if only occupied with driver, can also be used by:
*Person with reduced mobility sign (V-15)
*Buses with MAM over 3,500kg and articulated buses
*Zero Emission cars
*Cars with ECO, C or B environmental sticker
*Taxis
Special Lanes
VAO Lane (High Occupancy Vehicle)
Can be used by:
*Cars, adaptable mixed vehicles, and motorcycles up to 3500kg and carrying the number of occupants indicated by the signage
*Priority emergency service vehicles
*Vehicles for people with reduced mobility
They cannot be used by:
*Lorries/Trucks or vehicles with trailers
Lanes reserved for Manoeuvres
Waiting Lane
At junctions with left turns, the waiting lane allows you to stop the vehicle until you can perform the manoeuvre.
Lanes reserved for Manoeuvres
Entry Slip Road
At the beginning of the lane, check if circumstances allow you to join the road safely. Stop if you need to then join the road at the adequate speed.
Lanes reserved for Manoeuvres
Exit Slip Road
Use the Exit Slip Road to leave the main carriageway.
Get in the lane closest to the exit and enter the slip road as soon as possible, reducing your speed once on the slip road.
Lanes to Improve the Flow of Traffic (Special Lanes)
RAO
Reversible, Additional, Opposite direction:
The first obligation is lighting, the second is speed, and the third is access restriction.
