Half of an exam question often hangs on one word: «stopping» and «standing», a «junction» and a «crossing of carriageways», a «shoulder» and a «pavement» are not the same thing. The law defines each of these words precisely (Article 1) — and the rules use exactly these definitions.
The parts of a road
CarriagewayDefinition
the part of a road used for vehicles. A road divided by a central reservation can have several carriageways (Article 1.7).
- Lane — a longitudinal strip marked by a line, wide enough for one row of cars (1.15).
- Central reservation — separates the carriageways; you may neither drive nor stop on it (1.14).
- Pavement — the part next to the carriageway intended for pedestrians (1.16).
- A cycle lane is marked with marking 1.26; it is for bicycles and small electric vehicles (1.15-1).
Junctions and the main road
A junction is any crossing, joining or forking of roads at one level (1.11). When the order of movement is set by traffic lights or a controller, the junction is regulated; when there is no controller, no light, the light is off or flashing yellow — it is unregulated (1.12–1.13).
Main (priority) roadDefinition
a road marked as such by signs in relation to the crossing road, a paved road in relation to an unpaved one, or any road in relation to exits from adjacent areas (yards, car parks). A short paved stretch of a minor road just before the junction does not make it equal (1.9).
Stopping, standing, parking
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Stopping (1.29) | standing still only as long as needed to let people in or out or to load or unload |
| Standing (1.31) | standing still longer than that and for another reason (not because of traffic, a signal or to avoid a collision) |
| Parking (1.32) | standing in parking places |
| Forced stop (1.30) | stopping because of a fault, the load, the driver’s (a passenger’s) condition or an obstacle on the road |
Stopping or standing?
Problem
Elvin dropped Leyla off in front of a shop and drove away at once. The next day he left the car in the same place and spent 20 minutes in the shop. Which is stopping and which is standing?
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Solution
The second is standing: the car stays longer than getting in or out takes and for another reason (1.31). The «No standing» sign (3.28) still allows stopping, while «No stopping» (3.27) forbids both.
Giving way, priority, overtaking
Give wayDefinition
not to continue, start moving or manoeuvre if that could force other drivers or pedestrians to change direction or speed suddenly (1.41).
- Priority — the right to move first in the intended direction (1.40).
- Overtaking — passing one or more moving vehicles by changing lane (1.39). Passing without changing lane is not overtaking.
- Limited visibility — the road is visible for less than 300 metres in fog, rain, snow or twilight (1.42).
- Dark time of day — from sunset to sunrise (1.48).
Built-up areas and road users
The start and end of a built-up area are shown by signs 5.22–5.25. The white sign 5.22 means the built-up-area rules (for example the speed limit) apply; the blue sign 5.24 means they do not apply on this road (1.49). A residential zone is marked by signs 5.51 and 5.52 (1.50).
- Driver — anyone driving any vehicle; a driving instructor counts as the driver too (1.34).
- Pedestrian — a person taking part in traffic outside a vehicle; someone pushing a bicycle, moped or motorcycle counts as a pedestrian too (1.36).
- Mechanical vehicle — any self-propelled vehicle except motor-assisted bicycles and rail vehicles (1.18). A tram runs on rails, so it is not one.
Remember
- A road with a central reservation has several carriageways; you may neither drive nor stop on the reservation.
- With a flashing yellow light or a dark traffic light, the junction is unregulated.
- Stopping lasts only as long as getting in or out or loading; anything longer is standing.
- Limited visibility means under 300 metres; the dark time of day runs from sunset to sunrise.
- The white sign 5.22 means built-up-area rules apply; the blue 5.24 means they do not on this road.