PART I 
CONVENTION ON ROAD TRAFFIC 
DONE AT VIENNA ON 8 NOVEMBER 1968 
(Consolidated version *) 
                                                 
*  Including the amendments to the Convention which ente red into force on 3 September 1993 (marked in the margin 
with a single line)  and the amendments which ente red into force on 28 March 2006 (marked in the margin with a double 
line).   Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 3 
CONVENTION ON ROAD TRAFFIC 
 The Contracting Parties,  
 Desiring  to facilitate international road traffi c and to increase road safety through the 
adoption of uniform traffic rules, 
 Have agreed  upon the following provisions: 
Chapter I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
ARTICLE 1 
Definitions  
 For the purpose of this Convention the follo wing expressions shall have the meanings 
hereby assigned to them: 
 (a) The “domestic legislation” of a Contrac ting Party means the entire body of national or 
local laws and regulations in force in the territory of that Contracting Party; 
 (b) A vehicle is said to be “in international traffic” in the territory of a State if: 
(i) It is owned by a natural or legal pe rson normally resident outside that State; 
(ii) It is not registered in that State; and 
(iii) It is temporarily imported into that State; 
provided, however, that a Contracting Party may re fuse to regard as being “in international traffic” 
a vehicle which has remained in its territory for more than one year without a substantial 
interruption, the duration of which may be fixed by that Contracting Party. 
 A combination of vehicles is said to be “in international traffic” if at least one of the 
vehicles in the combination conforms to the above definition; 
 (c) “Built-up area” means an area with entri es and exits specially signposted as such, or 
otherwise defined in domestic legislation;1 
 (d) “Road” means the entire surface of any way or street open to public traffic; 
 (e) “Carriageway” means the part of a road normally used by vehicular traffic; a road 
may comprise several carriageways clearly separated  from one another by, for example, a dividing 
strip or a difference of level; 
                                                 
1  Definition completed in the Annex of the European Agreement (see subparagraph (c), Point 3). 4 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
 (f) On carriageways where one or more si de lanes or tracks are reserved for use by 
certain vehicles, “edge of the carriageway” means, for other road-users, the edge of the remainder 
of the carriageway; 
 (g) “Lane” means any one of the longitudi nal strips into which the carriageway is 
divisible, whether or not defined by longitudina l road markings, which is wide enough for one 
moving line of motor vehicles other than motorcycles; 
 (g) bis  “Cycle lane” means a part of a carriageway designated for cycles. A cycle lane is 
distinguished from the rest of the carri ageway by longitudinal road markings; 
 (g) ter  “Cycle track” means an independent road or part of a road designated for cycles, 
signposted as such. A cycle track is separated from ot her roads or other parts of the same road by 
structural means; 
 (h) “Intersection” means any level crossroad,  junction or fork, including the open areas 
formed by such crossroads, junctions or forks; 
 (i) “Level-crossing” means any level inte rsection between a road and a railway or 
tramway track with its own track formation; 
 (j) “Motorway” means a road specially desi gned and built for motor traffic, which does 
not serve properties bordering on it, and which: 
(i) Is provided, except at special points or temporarily, with separate carriageways 
for the two directions of traffic, separat ed from each other either by a dividing 
strip not intended for traffic or , exceptionally, by other means; 
(ii) Does not cross at level with any road, railway or tramway track, or footpath; 
and 
(iii) Is specially signposted as a motorway; 
 (k) A vehicle is said to be: 
(i) “Standing” if it is stationary for the time needed to pick up or set down persons 
or to load or unload goods; and 
(ii) “Parked” if it is stationary for any reason other than the need to avoid 
interference with another road-user or  collision with an obstruction or to 
comply with traffic regulations, and if the period during which the vehicle is 
stationary is not limited to the time need ed to pick up or set down persons or 
goods; 
Nevertheless, it shall be open to Contracting Parties to regard as “standing” any vehicle which is 
stationary within the meaning of subparagraph (ii)  above for a period not exceeding that fixed by 
domestic legislation, and to regard  as “parked” any vehicle which is stationary within the meaning 
of subparagraph (i) above for a period exceed ing that fixed by domestic legislation; 
 (l) “Cycle” means any vehicle which has at least two wheels and is propelled solely by 
the muscular energy of the persons on that vehicl e, in particular by means of pedals or hand-
cranks;  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 5 
 (m) “Moped” means any two-wheeled or thr ee-wheeled vehicle which is fitted with an 
internal combustion engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cc and a maximum design 
speed not exceeding 50 km (30 miles) per hour. Contracting Parties are free, however, not to 
regard as mopeds, under their domestic legislation,  vehicles which do not have the characteristics 
of a cycle with respect to their use, in particular  the characteristic that they can be propelled by 
pedals, or whose maximum design speed, whose mass , or certain of whose engine characteristics 
exceed certain limits. Nothing in this definiti on shall be construed as preventing Contracting 
Parties from treating mopeds exactly as cycles in applying the provisions of their domestic 
legislation regarding road traffic; 
 (n) “Motorcycle” means any two-wheeled vehicle, with or without a side-car, which is 
equipped with a propelling engine. Contracting Parties may also treat as motorcycles in their 
domestic legislation three-wheeled vehicles whose unladen mass  does not exceed 400 kg. The 
term “motorcycle” does not include mopeds, alt hough Contracting Parties may, provided they 
make a declaration to this effect in conformity with Article 54, paragraph 2, of this Convention, 
treat mopeds as motorcycles for the purposes of the Convention;2 
 (o) “Power-driven vehicle” means any self-prope lled road vehicle, other than a moped in 
the territories of Contracting Parties which do not treat mopeds as motorcycles, and other than a 
rail-borne vehicle; 
 (p) “Motor vehicle” means any power-driven vehicle which is normally used for carrying 
persons or goods by road or for drawing, on the ro ad, vehicles used for the carriage of persons or 
goods. This term embraces trolley-buses, that is to say, vehicles connected to an electric conductor 
and not rail-borne. It does not cover vehicles, such as agricultural tractors, which are only 
incidentally used for carrying persons or goods by road or for drawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage of persons or goods; 
 (q) “Trailer” means any vehicle designed to  be drawn by a power-driven vehicle and 
includes semi-trailers; 
 (r) “Semi-trailer” means any trailer designed to  be coupled to a motor vehicle in such a 
way that part of it rests on the motor vehicle and that a substantial part of its mass
 and of the mass  
of its load is borne by the motor vehicle; 
 (s) “Light trailer” means any trailer of a permissible maximum mass  not exceeding 750 
kg; 
 (t) “Combination of vehicles” means coupled vehicles which travel on the road as a unit; 
 (u) “Articulated vehicle” means a combination of vehicles comprising a motor vehicle 
and semi-trailer coupled to the motor vehicle; 
 (v) “Driver” means any person who drives a motor vehicle or other vehicle (including a 
cycle), or who guides cattle, singly or in herds, or flocks, or draught, p ack or saddle animals on a 
road; 
                                                 
2  Definition completed in the Annex of the Euro pean Agreement (see subparagraph (n), Point 3). 6 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
 (w) “Permissible maximum mass ” means the maximum mass  of the laden vehicle 
declared permissible by the competent authority of  the State in which the vehicle is registered; 
 (x) “Unladen mass ” means the mass  of the vehicle without crew, passengers or load, but 
with a full supply of fuel and with the tools which the vehicle normally carries; 
 (y) “Laden mass ” means the actual mass  of the vehicle as loaded, with the crew and 
passengers on board; 
 (z) “Direction of traffic” and “appropriate to the direction of traffic” mean the right-hand 
side if, under domestic legislation, the driver of a vehicle must allow an oncoming vehicle to pass 
on his left; otherwise these expr essions mean the left-hand side; 
 (aa) The requirement that a driver shall “giv e way” to other vehicles means that he must 
not continue or resume his advance or manoeuvre if  by so doing he might compel the drivers of 
other vehicles to change the direction or speed of their vehicle abruptly. 
3  See footnote. 
ARTICLE 2 
Annexes to the Convention  
 The Annexes to this Convention, namely,   Annex 1: Exceptions to the obligation to admit motor vehicles and trailers in 
     international traffic; 
  Annex 2: Registration number of motor vehicles and trailers in international 
    traffic;   Annex 3: Distinguishing sign of motor vehi cles and trailers in international traffic; 
  Annex 4: Identification marks of motor vehi cles and trailers in international traffic; 
  Annex 5: Technical conditions c oncerning motor vehicles and trailers; 
  Annex 6: Domestic driving permit; and 
  Annex 7: International driving permit;  
are integral parts of this Convention. 
                                                 
3  Additional definitions introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 3).  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 7 
ARTICLE 3 
Obligations of the Contracting Parties  
1. (a) Contracting Parties shall take appropriate measures to ensure that the rules of the road 
in force in their territories conform in substance to  the provisions of Chapter II of this Convention. 
Provided that the said rules are in no way incompatible with the said provisions: 
(i) The said rules need not reproduce any of the said provisions which are 
applicable to situations that do not ar ise in the territories of the Contracting 
Parties in question; 
(ii) The said rules may include provisions not contained in the said Chapter II. 
 (b) The provisions of this paragraph do not  require Contracting Parties to provide 
penalties for any violation of those provisions of Chapter II which are reproduced in their rules of 
the road. 
2. (a) Contracting Parties shall also take appr opriate measures to ensure that the rules in 
force in their territories concerning the technical requirements to be satisfied by motor vehicles 
and trailers conform to the provisions of Annex 5 to  this Convention; provided that they are in no 
way contrary to the safety principles governing the provisions of Annex 5, the said rules may 
contain provisions not contained in Annex 5. C ontracting Parties shall also take appropriate 
measures to ensure that motor vehicles and trailers  registered in their territories conform to the 
provisions of Annex 5 to this Conventio n when entering international traffic. 
 (b) The provisions of this paragraph do no t impose any obligations on the Contracting 
Parties with respect to the rules in force in their territories concerning the technical requirements to 
be satisfied by power-driven vehicles which are not motor vehicles within the meaning of this 
Convention. 
3. Subject to the exceptions provided for in A nnex 1 to this Convention, Contracting Parties 
shall be bound to admit to their territories in intern ational traffic motor vehicles and trailers which 
fulfil the conditions laid down in Chapter III of this Convention and whose drivers fulfil the 
conditions laid down in Chapter IV; they shall al so be bound to recognize registration certificates 
issued in accordance with th e provisions of Chapter III as prima facie  evidence that the vehicles to 
which they refer fulfil the conditions  laid down in the said Chapter III. 
4. Measures which the Contracting Parties have taken or may take, either unilaterally or under 
bilateral or multilateral agreements, to admit to their territories in international traffic motor 
vehicles and trailers that do not satisfy all the c onditions stated in Chapter III of this Convention 
and to recognize, in cases other than those specif ied in Chapter IV, the validity in their territories 
of driving permits issued in the territory of anot her Contracting Party shall be deemed to be in 
conformity with the object of this Convention.4 
5. Contracting Parties shall be bound to admit to  their territories in international traffic cycles 
and mopeds which fulfil the technical conditions laid down in Chapter V of this Convention and 
                                                 
4  See also Point 4 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 8 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
whose drivers have their normal residence in th e territory of another Contracting Party. No 
Contracting Party shall require the drivers of cycl es or mopeds in international traffic to hold a 
driving permit; however, Contracting Parties which have declared in conformity with Article 54, 
paragraph 2, of this Convention that they treat mopeds as motorcycles may require the drivers of 
mopeds in international traffic to hold a driving permit. 
5 bis . Contracting Parties will take the necessary measu res to ensure that road safety education be 
provided on a systematic and continuous basis,  particularly in schools at all levels. 
5 ter. Whenever driving instruction for learner drivers is provided by professional driving 
establishments, domestic legislation shall la y down minimum requirements concerning the 
curriculum and the qualifications of the personnel responsible for providing such instruction. 
6. Contracting Parties undertake to communicate  to any Contracting Party, which may so 
request, the information necessary to ascertain th e identity of the person in whose name a power-
driven vehicle, or a trailer coupled to such a vehicl e, is registered in thei r territories if the request 
submitted shows that the vehicle has been involved in  an accident or the driver of this vehicle has 
seriously infringed road traffic rules and is ther eby liable to important penalties or disqualification 
from driving in the territory of the Contracting Party submitting the request. 
7. Measures which the Contracting Parties have taken or may take either unilaterally or under 
bilateral or multilateral agreements  to facilitate international road traffic by simplifying Customs, 
police, health and other similar formalities or to  ensure that Customs offices and posts at a given 
frontier point have the same competence and are kept open during the same hours shall be deemed 
to be in conformity with the object of this Convention. 8. Nothing in paragraphs 3, 5 and 7 of this Artic le shall affect the right of a Contracting Party 
to make the admission to its territory in internati onal traffic of motor vehicles, trailers, mopeds and 
cycles, and of their drivers and occupants, subj ect to its regulations concerning the commercial 
carriage of passengers and goods, to its regulations  concerning insurance of drivers against third-
party risks, to its Customs regulations and, in gene ral, to its regulations on matters other than road 
traffic. 
ARTICLE 4 
Signs and signals
 
 Contracting Parties to this Convention which are not Contracting Parties to the Convention 
on Road Signs and Signals opened for signature at Vienna on th e same day as this Convention 
undertake that:  (a) All road signs, traffic light signals and ro ad markings installed in their territory shall 
form a coherent system and shall be designed and placed in such a way as to be easily 
recognizable; 
 (b) The number of types of sign shall be limited and signs shall be placed only at points 
where they are deemed useful; 
 (c) Danger warning signs shall be installed at a sufficient distance from obstructions to 
give drivers adequate warning;  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 9 
 (d) It shall be prohibited: 
(i) To affix to a sign, to its support or to any other traffic control device anything 
not related to the purpose of such si gn or device; if, however, Contracting 
Parties or subdivisions thereof authorize a non-profit making association to 
install informative signs, they may permit the emblem of that association to appear on the sign or on its support provided this does not make it less easy to understand the sign; 
(ii) To install any board, notice, marking or device which might be confused with 
signs or other traffic control devices, might render them less visible or effective, or might dazzle road-users or distract their attention in a way prejudicial to traffic safety; 
 (iii) To install on pavements and ve rges devices or equipment which might 
unnecessarily obstruct the movement of ped estrians, particularly elderly or 
disabled persons.  
Chapter II 
RULES OF THE ROAD 
ARTICLE 5 
Status of signs and signals  
1. Road-users shall comply with the instructions  conveyed by road signs, traffic light signals 
and road markings even if the said instructions appear to contradict other traffic regulations. 
2. Instructions conveyed by traffic light signa ls shall take precedence over those conveyed by 
road signs regulating priority. 
ARTICLE 6 
Instructions given by authorized officials  
1. When they are directing traffic, authorized o fficials shall be easily identifiable at a distance, 
at night as well as by day. 
2. Road-users shall promptly obey all instructi ons given by authorized officials directing 
traffic. 
3. It is recommended:5  that domestic legislation should provide that directions given by 
authorized officials directing traffic shall include the following: 
 (a) Arm raised upright; this gesture shall m ean “attention, stop” fo r all road-users except 
drivers who are no longer able to stop with sufficient sa fety; further, if made at an intersection, this 
gesture shall not require drivers already on the intersection to stop; 
                                                 
5  See also Point 5 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 10 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
 (b) Arm or arms outstretched horizontally; th is gesture shall constitute a stop signal for 
all road-users approaching from any direction wh ich would cut across that indicated by the 
outstretched arm or arms; after making this gesture,  the authorized official directing traffic may 
lower his arm or arms; this gesture shall likewise c onstitute a stop signal for drivers in front of or 
behind the official; 
 (c) Swinging red light; this gesture shall co nstitute a stop signal for road-users towards 
whom the light is directed. 4. The instructions given by authorized offici als directing traffic shall take precedence over 
those conveyed by road signs, traffic light signals and road markings, and over traffic regulations. 
ARTICLE 7 
General rules
 
1. Road-users shall avoid any behaviour likely to  endanger or obstruct traffic, to endanger 
persons, or to cause damage to public or private property. 
2. It is recommended that domestic legislation should provide that road-users shall not obstruct 
traffic or risk making it dangerous by throwing, depositing or leaving any object or substance on 
the road or by creating any other obstruction on th e road. If road-users have been unable to avoid 
creating an obstruction or danger in that way, they  shall take the necessary steps to remove it as 
soon as possible and, if they cannot remove it immediately, to warn other road-users of its presence.
6 
3. Drivers shall show extra care in relation to the most vulnerable road-users, such as 
pedestrians and cyclists and in particular children, elderly persons and the disabled. 
4. Drivers shall take care that their vehicles  do not inconvenience road-users or the occupants 
of properties bordering on the road, for example,  by causing noise or raising dust or smoke where 
they can avoid doing so. 
5. The wearing of safety belts is compulsory for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles, 
occupying seats equipped with such belts, save where exceptions are granted by domestic 
legislation.  
7  See footnote. 
ARTICLE 8 
Drivers  
1. Every moving vehicle or combination of vehicles shall have a driver. 
2. It is recommended that domestic legislati on should provide that pack, draught or saddle 
animals, and, except in such special areas as may be  marked at the entry, cattle, singly or in herds, 
or flocks, shall have a driver.8 
                                                 
6   See also Point 6 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
7   Additional paragraph introduced in the Anne x of the European Agreement (see Point 6). 
8   See also Point 7 of the Annex of the European Agreement.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 11 
3. Every driver shall possess th e necessary physical and mental ability and be in a fit physical 
and mental condition to drive. 
4. Every driver of a power-driven vehicle shall possess the knowledg e and skill necessary for 
driving the vehicle; however, this requirement sh all not be a bar to driving practice by learner-
drivers in conformity with domestic legislation. 
5. Every driver shall at all times be able to  control his vehicle or to guide his animals.9 
10  See footnote. 
6. A driver of a vehicle shall at all times mini mize any activity other than driving. Domestic 
legislation should lay down rules on the use of phones by drivers of vehicles. In any case, 
legislation shall prohibit the use by a driver of  a motor vehicle or moped of a hand-held phone 
while the vehicle is in motion. 
ARTICLE 9 
Flocks and herds  
 It is recommended that domestic legislati on should provide that, save where exceptions are 
granted to facilitate their mass movement, flocks  and herds should be divided into sections of 
moderate length spaced sufficiently fa r apart for the convenience of traffic.11 
ARTICLE 10 
Position on the carriageway12 
1. The direction of traffic shall be the same on all roads in a State except, where appropriate, 
on the roads used solely or principally by through traffic between two other States. 
13  See footnote.  
2. Animals moving along the carriageway shall be kept as close as possible to the edge of the 
carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic. 
3. Without prejudice to the provisions to the cont rary of Article 7, paragraph 1, Article 11, 
paragraph 6, and to other provisions of this Conv ention to the contrary, every driver of a vehicle 
shall, to the extent permitted by circumstances, k eep his vehicle near the edge of the carriageway 
appropriate to the direction of traffic. However,  Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may 
lay down more precise rules concerning the position of goods vehicles on the carriageway. 
4. Where a road comprises two or three carriag eways, no driver shall take the carriageway 
situated on the side opposite to that appropriate to the direction of traffic. 
                                                 
9   See also Point 7 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
10  Additional paragraph introduced in the Anne x of the European Agr eement (see Point 7). 
11  See also Point 8 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
12  See also Point 9 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
13  Additional paragraph introduced in the Anne x of the European Agr eement (see Point 9). 12 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
5. (a) On two-way carriageways having four or more lanes, no driver shall take the lanes 
situated entirely on the half of the carriageway oppos ite to the side appropriate to the direction of 
traffic. 
 (b) On two-way carriageways having three lanes,  no driver shall take the lane situated at 
the edge of the carriageway opposite to that  appropriate to the direction of traffic. 
6. Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 11 and when an additional lane is indicated by 
a sign, drivers of vehicles moving slowly shall use that lane. 
ARTICLE 11 
Overtaking and movement of traffic in lines  
1. (a) Drivers overtaking shall do so on the si de opposite to that appropriate to the direction 
of traffic. 
 (b) However drivers shall overtake on the side appropriate to the direction of traffic if the 
driver to be overtaken has signalled his intention to  turn to the side of the carriageway opposite to 
that appropriate to the direction of traffic and has moved his vehicle or animals over towards that 
side in order to turn to that side for the purpose of taking another road, to enter a property 
bordering on the road, or to stop on that side. 
 (c) Domestic legislation may authorize cyclists and moped riders to pass stationary 
vehicles or vehicles moving at a low speed other than cycles or mopeds on the side which 
corresponds to the direction of traffic provi ded that sufficient space is available. 
2. Before overtaking, every driver shall, without prejudice to the provisions of Article 7, 
paragraph 1, or to those of Article 14, of this Convention, make sure: 
 (a) That no driver who is followi ng him has begun to overtake him; 
 (b) That the driver ahead of him in the same  lane has not given warning of his intention 
to overtake another; 
 (c) That he can do it without endangering or  interfering with the oncoming traffic making 
sure in particular that the lane which he will enter is free over a sufficient distance and that the 
relative speed of the two vehicles allows overt aking within a sufficiently short time; and 
 (d) That, except when using a lane closed to  oncoming traffic, he will be able, without 
inconvenience to the road-user or road-users overtaken, to resume the position prescribed in 
Article 10, paragraph 3,  of this Convention. 
3. In pursuance of the provisions of paragr aph 2 of this Article, overtaking on two-way 
carriageways is in particular prohibited when appro aching the crest of a hill and, if visibility is 
inadequate, on bends, unless there are at these point s lanes defined by longitudinal road markings 
and overtaking is carried out without leaving th e lanes marked as closed to oncoming traffic. 
4. When overtaking, a driver shall give the road-user or road-users overtaken a sufficiently 
wide berth.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 13 
5. (a) On carriageways with at least two lanes reserved for traffic moving in the direction in 
which he is proceeding, a driver who should be ob liged, immediately or shortly after moving back 
to the position prescribed by Article 10, paragraph 3,  of this Convention, to overtake again may, in 
order to perform that manoeuvre, and provided he makes sure he can do so without undue 
inconvenience to the drivers of faster vehicles a pproaching from behind, remain in the lane he has 
occupied for the first overtaking manoeuvre. 
 (b) However, Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof shall be free not to apply the 
provisions of this paragraph to the drivers of cycles, mopeds, motorcycles and vehicles which are 
not motor vehicles within the meaning of this Co nvention, or to the drivers of motor vehicles 
whose permissible maximum mass  exceeds 3,500 kg or whose maximum speed, by design, cannot 
exceed 40 km (25 miles) per hour.14 
6. Where the provisions of subparagraph 5 (a) of this Article are applicable and the density of 
traffic is such that vehicles not only occupy the entire width of the carriageway reserved for traffic 
taking the direction in which they are moving bu t also are moving only at a speed which is 
governed by that of the vehicle preceding them in the line: 
 (a) Without prejudice to the provisions of pa ragraph 9 of this Article, the movement of 
the vehicles in one line at a higher speed than th at of those in another shall not be deemed to 
constitute overtaking within the meaning of this Article;  (b) A driver not in the lane nearest to th e edge of the carriageway appropriate to the 
direction of traffic may change lanes only in order to prepare to turn right or left or to park; 
however, this requirement shall not apply to changes of lane effected by drivers in accordance with 
domestic legislation resulting from the application of the provisions of paragraph 5 (b) of this 
Article.
15 
7. When moving in lines as described in para graphs 5 and 6 of this Article, drivers are 
forbidden, if the lanes are indicated on the carriag eway by longitudinal markings, to straddle these 
markings. 8. Without prejudice to the provisions of paragra ph 2 of this Article and to other restrictions 
which Contracting Parties or subdivisions th ereof may lay down concerning overtaking at 
intersections and at level-crossings, no driver of  a vehicle shall overtake a vehicle other than a 
two-wheeled cycle, a two-wheeled moped or a two-wheeled motorcycle without side-car:  (a) Immediately before or on an intersection other than a roundabout, except: 
(i) In the case provided for in paragraph 1 (b) of this Article; 
(ii) Where the road on which overtaking tak es place has priority at the intersection; 
(iii) Where traffic is directed at the intersection by an authorized official or by 
traffic light signals; 
                                                 
14  See also Point 10 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
15  See also Point 10 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 14 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
 (b) Immediately before or on a level-cros sing not equipped with gates or half-gates, 
provided however that Contracting Parties or subdi visions thereof shall be free to permit such 
overtaking at a level-crossing where road traffic is regulated by traffic light signals incorporating a 
positive signal authorizing vehicles to proceed.16 
9. A vehicle shall not overtake another vehicle which is approaching a pedestrian crossing 
marked on the carriageway or signposted as such , or which is stopped immediately before the 
crossing, otherwise than at a speed low enough to en able it to stop immediately if a pedestrian is 
on the crossing. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as preventing Contracting Parties or 
subdivisions thereof from prohibiting overtaking wi thin a prescribed distance from a pedestrian 
crossing, or from imposing stricter requirements on a driver of a vehicle proposing to overtake 
another vehicle stopped immediately before such a crossing. 
10. A driver who perceives that a driver followi ng him wishes to overtake him shall, except in 
the case provided for in Article 16, paragraph 1 (b) of this Convention, keep close to the edge of 
the carriageway appropriate to the direction of tr affic and refrain from acce lerating. If, owing to 
the narrowness, profile or condition of the carriag eway, taken in conjunction with the density of 
oncoming traffic, a vehicle which is  slow or bulky or is required to  observe a speed limit cannot be 
easily and safely overtaken, the driver of such ve hicle shall slow down and if necessary pull in to 
the side as soon as possible in order to allow vehicles following him to overtake. 
11.17 (a) Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may, on one-way carriageways and on 
two-way carriageways where at least two lanes in built-up areas and three lanes outside built-up 
areas are reserved for traffic in the same direc tion and are indicated by longitudinal markings: 
(i) Allow vehicles in one lane to overtake on the side appropriate to the direction 
of traffic vehicles in another lane; and 
(ii) Make inapplicable the provisions of Article 10, paragraph 3, of this 
Convention; 
provided that there are adequate restrictions on the possibility of changing lanes; 
 (b) In the case referred to in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph, without prejudice to the 
provisions of paragraph 9 of this Article, the ma nner of driving provided for shall not be deemed 
to constitute overtaking within the meaning of this Convention. 
ARTICLE 12 
Passing of oncoming traffic  
1. When passing oncoming traffic, a driver shall leave sufficient lateral space and, if necessary, 
move close to the edge of the carriageway appropriat e to the direction of traffic. If in so doing he 
finds his progress impeded by an obstruction or by the presence of other road-users, he shall slow 
down and if necessary stop to allow the on coming road-user or road-users to pass. 
2. On mountain roads and steep roads with char acteristics similar to those of mountain roads, 
where the passing of oncoming traffic is impossible or difficult, it is the driver of the vehicle 
                                                 
16  See also Point 10 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
17  See also Point 10 of the Annex of the European Agreement.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 15 
travelling downhill who should pull in to the side  of the road in order to allow any vehicle 
proceeding uphill to pass, except where the arrangement  of lay-bys to enable vehicles to pull in to 
the side of the road is such that, having regard to  the speed and position of the vehicles, the vehicle 
proceeding uphill has a lay-by ahead of it and the ne ed for one of the vehicles to reverse could be 
avoided if the vehicle proceeding uphill pulled in to that lay-by. Where one of the two vehicles 
which are about to pass is obliged to reverse in order to make passing possible, this manoeuvre 
shall be performed by the driver of the vehi cle proceeding downhill unless it can manifestly be 
more easily performed by the driver of the ve hicle proceeding uphill. However, Contracting 
Parties or subdivisions thereof may prescribe for cert ain vehicles or certain roads or sections of 
roads special rules differing from those laid down in this paragraph.18 
ARTICLE 13 
Speed and distance between vehicles  
1. Every driver of a vehicle shall in all circum stances have his vehicle under control so as to be 
able to exercise due and proper care and to be at  all times in a position to perform all manoeuvres 
required of him. He shall, when adjusting the sp eed of his vehicle, pay constant regard to the 
circumstances, in particular the lie of the land, the state of the road, the condition and load of his 
vehicle, the weather conditions and the density of tra ffic, so as to be able to stop his vehicle within 
his range of forward vision and short of any for eseeable obstruction. He shall slow down and if 
necessary stop whenever circumstan ces so require, and particularly when visibility is not good.19 
2. Domestic legislation shall establish maximum speed limits for all roads. Domestic 
legislation shall also determine special speed lim its applicable to certain categories of vehicles 
presenting a special danger, in particular by reason of their mass or their load. They may establish 
similar provisions for certain categories of drivers, in particular for new drivers. 
3. The provisions set out in the first sentence of paragraph 2 may not apply to drivers of 
priority vehicles referred to in article 34, paragr aph 2, or vehicles treated as such in domestic 
legislation. 
4. No driver shall impede the normal progress of other vehicles by travelling abnormally 
slowly without proper cause. 
5. The driver of a vehicle moving behind anothe r vehicle shall keep at a sufficient distance 
from that other vehicle to avoid collision if the vehi cle in front should suddenly slow down or stop. 
[ex paragraph 5 deleted] 
6.20 Outside built-up areas, in order to facilitate ove rtaking, drivers of vehicles or combinations 
of vehicles of more than 3,500 kg permissible maximum mass , or of more than 10 m overall 
length, shall, except when they are overtaking or preparing to overtake, keep at such distance from 
power-driven vehicles ahead of th em that other vehicles overtaki ng them can without danger move 
into the space in front of the overtaken vehicle. However, this provision sh all not apply in very 
dense traffic or in circumstances where ove rtaking is prohibited. In addition:  
                                                 
18  See also Point 11 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
19  See also Point 12 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
20  See also Point 12 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 16 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
 (a) The competent authorities may exempt  certain conveys of vehicles from this 
provision, or may similarly make it inapplicable on roads where two lanes are allotted to traffic in 
the direction concerned; 
 (b) Contracting Parties and subdivisions thereof may prescribe different figures from 
those given in this paragraph with respect to the vehicle characteristics concerned. 
ARTICLE 14 
General requirements governing manoeuvres  
1. Any driver wishing to perform a manoeuvre su ch as pulling out of or into a line of parked 
vehicles, moving over to the right or to the left on the carriageway, or turning left or right into 
another road or into a property bordering on the ro ad, shall first make sure that he can do so 
without risk of endangering other road-users travel ling behind or ahead of him or about to pass 
him, having regard to their position, direction and speed.21 
2. Any driver wishing to make a U-turn or to reverse shall first make sure that he can do so 
without endangering or impeding other road-users. 
3. Before turning or before a manoeuvre which involves moving laterally, the driver shall give 
clear and sufficient warning of his intention by  means of the direction-indicator or direction-
indicators on his vehicle, or, failing this, by giving if possible an appropriate signal with his arm. 
The warning given by the direction-indicator or direction-indicators shall continue to be given 
throughout the manoeuvre and shall cease as soon as the manoeuvre is completed. 
ARTICLE 15 
Special regulations relating to regular public-transport service vehicles  
 It is recommended22 that domestic legislation should provi de that in built-up areas, in order 
to facilitate the movement of regular public-trans port service vehicles, the drivers of other vehicles 
shall, subject to the provisions of Article 17, pa ragraph 1, of this Conve ntion, slow down and if 
necessary stop in order to allow the public-tra nsport vehicles to perform the manoeuvre required 
for moving off from stops marked as such. The prov isions thus laid down by Contracting Parties 
or subdivisions thereof shall in no way affect the duty incumbent on drivers of public-transport 
vehicles to take, after having given warning by means of their direction-indicators of their intention to move off, the precautions necessary to avoid any risk of accident. 
ARTICLE 16 
Change of direction
 
1. Before turning right or left for the purpose of entering another road or entering a property 
bordering on the road, a driver shall, without prejudi ce to the provisions of Article 7, paragraph 1, 
and of Article 14, of this Convention: 
                                                 
21  See also Point 13 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
22  See also Point 14 of the Annex of the European Agreement.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 17 
 (a) If he wishes to turn off on the side appropria te to the direction of traffic, keep as close 
as possible to the edge of the carriageway appropria te to that direction and make as tight a turn as 
possible; 
 (b) If he wishes to turn off on the other side, and subject to such other provisions as 
Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may enact for cycles and mopeds enabling them to 
change direction, for instance by  crossing the intersection in two separate stages, move as closely 
as possible to the centreline of the carriageway if  it is a two-way carriageway or to the edge 
opposite to the side appropriate to the direction of traffic if it is a one-way carriageway and, if he 
wishes to enter another two-way road, make his turn  so as to enter the carriageway of such other 
road on the side appropriate to the direction of traffic. 
2. While changing direction, the driver shall, without prejudice to the provisions of Article 21 
of this Convention regarding pedestrians, allow ro ad users to pass on the carriageway, or on other 
parts of the same road he is preparing to leave. 
ARTICLE 17 
Slowing down  
1. No driver of a vehicle shall brake abruptly  unless it is necessary to do so for safety reasons. 
2. Every driver intending to slow down to an  appreciable extent shall, except where his 
slowing down is in response to an imminent dange r, first make sure that he can do so without 
danger or undue inconvenience to othe r drivers. He shall also, unless he  has made sure that there is 
no vehicle following him or that any following vehicle is a long way behind, give clear and timely 
warning of his intention by making an appropriate  signal with his arm. However, this provision 
shall not apply if warning of slowing down is gi ven by the vehicle’s stop lights, referred to in 
Annex 5, paragraph 31, of this Convention. 
ARTICLE 18 
Intersections and obligation to give way  
1. Every driver approaching an intersecti on shall exercise such extra care as may be 
appropriate to local conditions. Drivers of vehicles sh all, in particular, drive at such a speed as to 
be able to stop to allow vehicles having the right of way to pass. 
2. Every driver emerging from a path or an earth-tr ack (dirt road) on to a road other than a path 
or an earth-track shall give way to vehicles trav elling on that road. For the purposes of this Article 
the terms “path” and “earth-track” (dirt road ) may be defined in domestic legislation. 
3. Every driver emerging on to a road from a property bordering thereon shall give way to 
vehicles travelling on that road.23 
                                                 
23  See also Point 15 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 18 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
4. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 7 of this Article: 
 (a) In States where traffic keeps to the right  the driver of a vehicle shall give way, at 
intersections other than those specified in paragra ph 2 of this Article and in Article 25, paragraphs 
2 and 4 of this Convention, to vehicles approaching from his right; 
 (b) Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof in whose territories traf fic keeps to the left 
shall be free to regulate the right of way at intersections as they see fit.24 
5. Even if traffic light signals authorize him to do so, a driver shall not enter an intersection if 
the density of traffic is such that he will probabl y be obliged to stop on the intersection, thereby 
obstructing or preventing the passage of cross traffic. 6. A driver who has entered an intersection wher e traffic is regulated by traffic light signals 
may clear the intersection without waiting for the wa y to be opened in the direction in which he 
wishes to proceed, provided that this does not impede the progress of other road-users moving in 
the open direction. 
7. [Words deleted]   Drivers of vehicles not moving on rails shall give way to rail-borne 
vehicles. 
25  See footnote . 
ARTICLE 19 
Level-crossings  
 Road-users shall exercise extra care in a pproaching and traversing level-crossings. In 
particular: 
 (a) Every driver of a vehicle shall drive at a moderate speed; 
 (b) Without prejudice to the obligation to obey an instruction to stop given by a light 
signal or a sound signal, no road-user shall enter a level-crossing at which the gates or half-gates 
are across the road or in process of being placed acr oss the road, or at which the half-gates are in 
process of being raised; 
 (c) If a level-crossing is not equipped with ga tes, half-gates or light signals, no road-user 
shall enter it without making sure that no rail-borne vehicle is approaching; 
 (d) No driver shall enter a level-crossing without first ascertaining that he may not be 
obliged to stop on it; 
 (e) No road-user shall linger while traversing a level crossing; if a vehicle is compelled to 
stop, its driver shall endeavour to move it off the track, and, if he is unable to do so, immediately 
do everything he can to ensure that the drivers of  rail-borne vehicles are warned of the danger in 
time. 
                                                 
24  See also Point 15 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
25  Additional paragraph introduced in the Anne x of the European Agreement (see Point 15).   Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 19 
ARTICLE 20 
Rules applicable to pedestrians  
1. Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof shall be free not to enforce the provisions of this 
Article except in cases where pedestrian traffic on the carriageway would be dangerous or would 
obstruct vehicular traffic .26 
2. If, at the side of the carriageway, there are pavements (sidewalks) or suitable verges for 
pedestrians, pedestrians shall use them. Nevert heless, if they take the necessary precautions: 
 (a) Pedestrians pushing or carrying bulky ob jects may use the carriageway if they would 
seriously inconvenience other pedestrians by walking on the pavement (sidewalk) or verge; 
 (b) Groups of pedestrians led by a person in charge or forming a procession may walk on 
the carriageway. 
27  See footnote . 
3. If it is not possible to use pavements (sid ewalks) or verges, or if none is provided, 
pedestrians may walk on the carriageway; where there is a cycle track and the density of traffic so 
permits, they may walk on the cycle track, but sh all not obstruct cycle and moped traffic in doing 
so. 
4. Pedestrians walking on the carriageway in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of this 
Article shall keep as close as possibl e to the edge of the carriageway.28 
5. It is recommended that domestic legislation should provide as follows: pedestrians walking 
on the carriageway shall keep to the side opposite to  that appropriate to the direction of traffic 
except where to do so places them in danger. However, persons pushing a cycle, a moped or a 
motorcycle, and groups of pedestrians led by a pe rson in charge or forming a procession shall in 
all cases keep to the side of the carriageway appr opriate to the direction of traffic. Unless they 
form a procession, pedestrians walking on the carri ageway shall, by night or when visibility is 
poor and, by day, if the density of vehicular tra ffic so requires, walk in single file wherever 
possible.29 
6. (a) Pedestrians wishing to cross a carriageway  shall not step on to it without exercising 
care; they shall use a pedestrian cr ossing whenever there is one nearby; 
 (b) In order to cross the carriageway at  a pedestrian crossing signposted as such or 
indicated by markings on the carriageway: 
(i) If the crossing is equipped with light signals for pedestrians, the latter shall 
obey the instructions given by such lights; 
                                                 
26  See also Point 16 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
27  Additional paragraph introduced in the Anne x of the European Agr eement (see Point 16). 
28  See also Point 16 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
29  See also Point 16 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 20 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
(ii) If the crossing is not equipped with such lights, but vehicular traffic is 
regulated by traffic light signals or by an authorized official, pedestrians shall 
not step onto the carriageway while the traffic light signal or the signal given 
by the authorized official indicat es that vehicles may proceed along it; 
(iii) At other pedestrian crossings, pedest rians shall not step on to the carriageway 
without taking the distance and speed of approaching vehicles into account. 
 (c) In order to cross the carriageway elsewhe re than at a pedestrian crossing signposted 
as such or indicated by markings on the carri ageway, pedestrians shall not step on to the 
carriageway without first making sure that they  can do so without impeding vehicular traffic.30 
 (d) Once they have started to cross a ca rriageway, pedestrians shall not take an 
unnecessarily long route, and shall not linger or stop on the carriageway unnecessarily. 
7. However, Contracting Parties or subdivisi ons thereof may impose stricter requirements on 
pedestrians crossing the carriageway. 
ARTICLE 21 
Behaviour of drivers towards pedestrians  
1. Every driver shall avoid behaviour  likely to endanger pedestrians. 
2. Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 7, paragraph 1, Article  11, paragraph 9, and 
Article 13, paragraph 1, of this Convention, wh ere there is on the carriageway a pedestrian 
crossing signposted as such or indicated by markings on the carriageway: 
 (a) If vehicular traffic is regulated at that crossing by traffic light signals or by an 
authorized official, drivers forbidden to proceed shall stop short of the crossing or the transverse 
markings preceding it and, when they are permitte d to proceed, shall not prevent or obstruct the 
passage of pedestrians who have stepped on to it; dr ivers turning into another road at the entrance 
to which there is a pedestrian crossing shall do so slowly and give way, if necessary stopping for 
this purpose, to pedestrians already us ing, or about to use, the crossing; 
 (b) If vehicular traffic is not regulated at that crossing by traffic light signals or by an 
authorized official, drivers shall approach the crossing only at a speed low enough not to endanger 
pedestrians using, or about to use, it; if necessary,  they shall stop to a llow such pedestrians to 
cross. 
3. No provision of this Article shall be construed as preventing Contracting Parties or 
subdivisions thereof from:31 
                                                 
30  See also Point 16 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
31  See also Point 17 of the Annex of the European Agreement.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 21 
Requiring drivers of vehicles to stop in all cases when pedestrians are using, or about to use, 
a pedestrian crossing signposted as such or indi cated by markings on the carriageway in the 
conditions laid down in Article  20 of this Convention, or 
Prohibiting them from preventing or obstructing the passage of pedestrians who are crossing 
the carriageway at or very near an intersection even if there is at that point no pedestrian 
crossing signposted as such or indicated by markings on the carriageway. 
4. Drivers intending to overtake, on the side appr opriate to the direction of traffic, a public 
transport vehicle at a stop marked as such shall slow down and if necessary stop to allow 
passengers to board or alight from that vehicle. 
32  See footnote . 
ARTICLE 22 
Islands on the carriageway  
 Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 10 of this Convention, a driver may pass to the left or to the right of islands, posts and ot her devices set up on the ca rriageway on which he is 
travelling, except in the following cases: 
 (a) Where the side on which the island, post or  device shall be passed is indicated by a 
sign;  (b) Where the island, post or device is on the centre-line of a two-way carriageway; in 
this case the driver shall keep to the side of the island, post or device corresponding to the 
direction of traffic. 
ARTICLE 23 
Standing and parking
 
1. Outside built-up areas, standing or parked vehicles and halted animals shall so far as 
possible be stationed elsewhere than on the ca rriageway. Both in and outside built-up areas they 
shall not be stationed on cycle tracks, cycle lanes,  bus lanes, tracks for horseback riders, footpaths, 
pavements or on verges specially provided for pedest rian traffic, save where applicable domestic 
legislation so permits. 
2. (a) Animals halted and vehicles standing or parked on the carriageway shall be kept as 
close as possible to the edge of the carriageway. A driver shall not stand or park his vehicle on a 
carriageway save on the side appropriate, for him, to the direction of traffic; nevertheless, standing 
or parking on the other side shall be permitted wher e standing or parking on the side appropriate to 
the direction of traffic is prevented by the presen ce of rail tracks. Moreover, Contracting Parties or 
subdivisions thereof may: 
                                                 
32  Additional paragraphs introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 17). 22 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
(i) Refrain from prohibiting standing and pa rking on one side or the other in 
certain conditions, for instance where standing on the side appropriate to the 
direction of traffic is prohibited by road signs; 
(ii) On one-way carriageways, authorize standing and parking on the other side as 
well as or instead of on the side appropriate to the direction of traffic; 
(iii) Authorize standing and parking in the middle of the carriageway at places 
specially marked; 
 (b) Save where domestic legislation provide s otherwise, vehicles other than two-wheeled 
cycles, two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without side-car shall not stand or be 
parked two abreast on the carriageway. Standing or  parked vehicles shall, unless the layout of the 
area permits otherwise, be placed parallel to the edge of the carriageway.33 
3. (a) The standing or parking of a vehi cle on the carriageway shall be prohibited:34 
(i) On pedestrian crossings, on crossi ngs for cyclists, and on level-crossings;  
(ii) On tramway or railway tracks on a road  or so close to such tracks that the 
movement of trams or trains might be  impeded, and also, subject to the 
possibility for Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof to provide otherwise, on pavements and cycle tracks; 
35  See footnote . 
 (b) The standing or parking of a vehicle at  any point where it would constitute a danger 
shall be prohibited, more particularly: 
(i) Save in such spaces as may be specially  marked, under flyovers and in tunnels; 
(ii) On the carriageway, close to the crests of hills, and on bends where visibility is 
not sufficient for the vehicle to be overt aken in complete safety, having regard 
to the speed of vehicles on the sec tion of the road in question; 
(iii) On a carriageway beside a longitudi nal road marking, where subparagraph (b) 
(ii) of this paragraph does not apply but  the width of the carriageway between 
the marking and the vehicle is less than  3 m and the marking is such that 
vehicles approaching it on the same  side are forbidden to cross it; 
 (iv) At any place where the vehicle would conceal road signs or traffic light signals 
from the view of road-users;  
 
 (v) On an additional lane indicated by  a sign for slowly moving vehicles; 
                                                 
33  See also Point 18 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
34  See also Point 18 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
35  Additional text introduced in the Annex of  the European Agreement (see Point 18).  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 23 
 (c) The parking of a vehicle on the carriageway shall be prohibited: 
(i) On approaches to level-crossings, to inte rsections and to bus, trolley-bus or rail 
vehicle stops; within the distances prescribed by domestic legislation;36 
(ii) In front of vehicle entries to properties; 
(iii) At any point where the parked vehi cle would prevent access to another vehicle 
properly parked or prevent such other vehicle from moving out; 
(iv) On the central carriageway of thr ee-carriageway roads and, outside built-up 
areas, on the carriageways of roads mark ed as priority roads by appropriate 
signs. 
 (v) [deleted]   
4. A driver shall not leave his vehicle or his animals without having taken all suitable 
precautions to avoid any accident and, in the case of  a motor vehicle, to prevent its unauthorized 
use. 
5.37 It is recommended that domestic legislati on should provide as follows: every power-driven 
vehicle other than a two-wheeled moped or a two- wheeled motorcycle without side-car, and every 
trailer coupled or uncoupled shall when stationa ry on the carriageway outside a built-up area be 
signalled to approaching drivers at a sufficient dist ance by means of at least one appropriate device 
placed at the most suitable point to give them adequate advance warning:  
 (a) If the vehicle is stationary at night on the carriageway in circumstances such that 
approaching drivers cannot be aware of the obstacle which the vehicle constitutes;  (b) If the driver, in other cases, has been compelled to halt his vehicle at a place where 
standing is prohibited. 6. Nothing in this Article shall be construed as preventing Contracting Parties or subdivisions 
thereof from introducing other provisions on pa rking and standing or from making individual 
provisions for the standing and parking of cycles and mopeds. 
38  See footnote . 
ARTICLE 24 
Opening of doors  
 It shall be prohibited to open the door of a ve hicle, to leave it open, or to alight from the 
vehicle without having made sure that to do so cannot endanger other road-users. 
                                                 
36  See also Point 18 of the Annex of the European Agreement.  
37  See also Point 18 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
38  Additional paragraph introduced in the Anne x of the European Agr eement (see Point 18). 24 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
ARTICLE 25 
Motorways and similar roads  
1.39 On motorways and, if so provided in domestic legislation, on special approach roads to and 
exit roads from motorways:  
 (a) The use of the road shall be prohibited to  pedestrians, animals, cycles, mopeds unless 
they are treated as motorcycles, and all vehicles other than motor vehicles and their trailers, and to 
motor vehicles or motor-vehicle trailers which are incapable, by virtue of their design, of attaining 
on a flat road a speed specified  by domestic legislation; 
 (b) Drivers shall be forbidden: 
(i) To have their vehicles standing or pa rked elsewhere than at marked parking 
sites; if a vehicle is compelled to stop, its driver shall endeavour to move it off the carriageway and also off the flush ve rge and, if he is unable to do so, 
immediately signal the presence of the vehicle at a distance so as to warn 
approaching drivers in time; 
(ii) To make U-turns, to travel in revers e, and to drive on to the central dividing 
strip, including the crossovers linking the two carriageways. 
40  See footnote . 
2. Drivers emerging on to a motorway shall give way to vehicles travelling on it. If there is an 
acceleration lane, they shall use it.  
3. A driver leaving a motorway shall move into  the traffic lane appropriate to the motorway 
exit in good time and enter the decelerati on lane, if there is one, as soon as he can. 
41  See footnote . 
4. For the purpose of the application of paragr aphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article, other roads 
reserved for motor vehicle traffic, duly signpos ted as such and not affording access to or from 
properties alongside, shall be treated as motorways.42 
ARTICLE 25 bis  
Special regulations for tunnels indicated by special road signs  
 In tunnels indicated by th e special road signs, the following rules shall apply: 
1. All drivers are forbidden: 
                                                 
39  See also Point 19 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
40  Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 19).  
41  Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 19).  
42  See also Point 19 of the Annex of the European Agreement.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 25 
 (a) to reverse; 
 (b) to make a U-turn; 
 (c) [deleted] 
2. Even if the tunnel is lit, all drivers mu st switch on the driving or passing lamps. 
3. Drivers are permitted to stop or park a vehicl e only in case of emergency or danger. In doing 
so, they must, where possible, use the places specially indicated. 
4. In case of a prolonged stoppage the driver must switch off the engine. 
ARTICLE 26 
Special rules applicable to processions and  
handicapped persons  
1. It shall be prohibited for road-users to cu t across troop columns, files of schoolchildren 
accompanied by a person in charge, and other processions. 
2. Handicapped persons travelling in invalid ch airs propelled by themselves or moving at a 
walking pace may use pavements (sidewalks) and suitable verges. 
ARTICLE 27 
Special rules applicable to cyclists, moped drivers  
and motorcyclists  
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 10, paragraph 3, of this Convention, Contracting 
Parties or subdivisions thereof shall be free not to prohibit cyclists from travelling two or more 
abreast. 
2. It shall be prohibited for cyclists to ride without holding the handlebars with at least one 
hand, to allow themselves to be towed by another vehicle, or to carry, tow or push objects which 
hamper their cycling or endanger other road-user s. The same provisions shall apply to moped 
drivers and motorcyclists; in addition, however, moped drivers and motorcyclists shall hold the 
handlebars with both hands except when signalli ng the manoeuvre described in Article 14, 
paragraph 3, of this Convention.43 
3. It shall be prohibited for cy clists and moped drivers to carry passengers on their vehicle; 
however, Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may authorize exceptions to this provision 
and, in particular, authorize the transport of p assengers on such additional saddle or saddles as may 
be fitted on the vehicle. Motorcyclists shall not be  permitted to carry passengers except in the side-
car, if there is one, and on the additional saddl e (pillion), if any, fitted behind the driver. 
4. Where cycle lanes or cycle tracks exist, C ontracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may 
forbid cyclists to use the rest of the carriagewa y. In the same circumstances, they may authorize 
moped drivers to use the cycle lane or cycle track and, if they consider it advisable, prohibit them 
                                                 
43  See also Point 20 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 26 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
from using the rest of the carriageway. Domestic legislation shall specify under what conditions 
other road users may use the cycle lane or cycle tr ack or cross them, maintaining cyclists’ safety at 
all times.44 
45  See footnote . 
46  See footnote . 
ARTICLE 28 
Audible and luminous warnings  
1. Audible warning devices may be used only: 
 (a) To give due warning with a view to avoiding an accident; 
 (b) Outside built-up areas when it is desirable to warn a driver that he is about to be 
overtaken. The sounds emitted by audible warning devices sh all not be prolonged more than necessary. 
2. Motor-vehicle drivers may give the luminous wa rnings specified in Article 32, paragraph 3, 
of this Convention, instead of audible warnings , between nightfall and dawn. They may also do so 
in daylight hours for the purpose indicated in paragr aph 1 (b) of this Article, if to do so is more 
appropriate in the prevailing circumstances. 
3. Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may authorize the use of luminous warnings in 
built-up areas also for the purpose referred to in paragraph 1 (b) of this Article. 
ARTICLE 29 
Rail-borne vehicles  
1. Where a railway uses a carriageway, every road -user shall, on the approach of a tram or 
other rail-borne vehicle clear the track as soon as possible to allow the rail-borne vehicle to pass. 
2. Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof ma y adopt special rules, differing from those laid 
down in this Chapter, for the movement of ra il-borne vehicles on the road and for passing or 
overtaking such vehicles. However, Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may not adopt 
provisions which conflict with those of Artic le 18, paragraph 7, of this Convention.47 
48  See footnote . 
                                                 
44  See also Point 20 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
45  Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 20).  
46  Additional articles (Articles 27 bis  to 27 quarter ) introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 20 
bis). 
47  See also Point 21 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
48  Additional paragraph introduced in the Anne x of the European Agr eement (see Point 21).  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 27 
ARTICLE 30 
Loading of vehicles  
1. If a permissible maximum mass  is laid down for a vehicle, the laden mass  of the vehicle 
shall never exceed the permissible maximum mass . 
2. Every load on a vehicle shall be so arranged and, if necessary, stowed as to prevent it from: 
 (a) Endangering persons or causing damage  to public or private property, more 
particularly by trailing on or falling on to the road; 
 (b) Obstructing the driver’s view or impairing the stability or driving of the vehicle; 
 (c) Causing noise, raising dust, or creati ng any other nuisance which can be avoided; 
 (d) Masking lights, including stop lights and direction-indicators, reflex reflectors, 
registration numbers and the disti nguishing sign of the State of registration with which, under this 
Convention or under domestic legislation, the ve hicle is required to be equipped, or masking 
signals given by arm in accordance with Article 14, paragraph 3, or Article 17,  paragraph 2, of this 
Convention. 
3. All accessories, such as cables, chains and sheets,  used to secure or prot ect the load shall be 
drawn tight around the load and be firmly fastened . All accessories used to protect the load shall 
satisfy the requirements laid down for the load in paragraph 2 of this Article. 
4.49 Loads projecting beyond the front, rear or sides of the vehicle shall be clearly marked in all 
cases where their projection might not be noticed by the drivers of other vehicles; at night, a white 
light and a white reflecting device shall be used for such marking at the front and a red light and a 
red reflecting device at the rear. More particularly, on power-driven vehicles:  
 (a) Loads projecting more than 1 m beyond th e front or rear of the vehicle shall always 
be marked; 
 (b) Loads projecting laterally beyond the outer edge of the vehicle in such a way that 
their lateral outer edge is more than 0.40 m fro m the outer edge of the vehicle’s front position 
(side) light shall be marked at the front at ni ght, and loads projecting in such a way that their 
lateral outer edge is more than 0.40 m from the out er edge of the vehicle’s red rear position (side) 
light shall be similarly marked at the rear at night. 
5. Nothing in paragraph 4 of this Article sha ll be construed as preventing Contracting Parties 
or subdivisions thereof from prohibiting, restricting, or subjecting to special authorization, load 
projections as referred to in  the aforesaid paragraph 4. 
                                                 
49  See also Point 22 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 28 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
ARTICLE 30 bis  
Carriage of passengers  
 Passengers shall not be carried in such numbers or in such a way as to interfere with driving 
or obstruct the driver’s view. 
ARTICLE 31 
Behaviour in case of accident  
1. Without prejudice to the provisions of domestic legislation concerning the obligation to 
assist the injured, every driver or other ro ad-user involved in a traffic accident shall: 
 (a) Stop as soon as he can do so without causing an additional danger to traffic; 
 (b) Endeavour to ensure traffi c safety at the site of the accident and, if a person has been 
killed or seriously injured in the accident, to prev ent, insofar as such action does not affect traffic 
safety, any change in conditions at the site, including the disappearance of traces which might be 
useful for determining responsibilities; 
 (c) If so requested by other persons involved in the accident, identify himself to them; 
 (d) If a person has been injured or killed in  the accident, notify the police and remain on 
the scene of the accident or return to it and wait there until the arrival of the police, unless he has 
been authorized by the police to leave or has to assist the injured or to receive attention himself. 
50  See footnote . 
2. Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof ma y, under their domestic legislation, refrain 
from imposing the provision of paragraph 1 (d) of this Article in cases where no serious injury has 
been caused and none of the persons involved  requests that the police should be notified. 
ARTICLE 32 
Rules of the use of lamps  
1. Between nightfall and dawn a nd in any other circumstances when visibility is inadequate on 
account, for example, of fog, snowfall or heavy ra in, the following lamps shall be lit on a moving 
vehicle: 
 (a) On power-driven vehicles and mopeds the driving lamp(s) or passing lamp(s) and the 
rear position lamp(s), according to the equipm ent prescribed by the present Convention for the 
vehicle of each category; 
 (b) On trailers, front position lamps, if such lamps are required according to Annex 5, 
paragraph 30, of this Convention, and not less than two rear position lamps. 
                                                 
50  Additional subparagraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 24).  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 29 
2. Driving lamps shall be switched off and replaced by passing lamps: 
 (a) In built-up areas where the road is ade quately lighted and outside built-up areas where 
the carriageway is continuously lighted and the lig hting is sufficient to enable the driver to see 
clearly for an adequate distance and to enable other road-users to see the vehicle far enough away; 
 (b) When a driver is about to pass anothe r vehicle, so as to prevent dazzle far enough 
away to enable the driver of the other ve hicle to proceed easily and without danger; 
 (c) In any other circumstances in which it is necessary to avoid dazzling other road-users 
or the users of a waterway or railway running alongside the road. 
3. When, however, a vehicle is following closely behind another vehicle, driving lamps may be 
used to give a luminous warning as referred to in  Article 28, paragraph 2, of the intention to 
overtake. 
4. Fog lamps may be lit only in thick fog, falling snow, heavy rain or similar conditions and, as 
regards front fog maps, as a substitute for passing lamps. Domestic legislation may authorize the 
simultaneous use of front fog lamps and passing la mps and the use of front fog lamps on narrow, 
winding roads. 
5. On vehicles equipped with front position lamps,  such lamps shall be used together with the 
driving lamps, the passing lamps or the front fog lamps. 
6. During the day, a motorcycle moving on the road  shall display at least one passing lamp to 
the front and a red lamp to the rear. Domestic legislation may permit the use of daytime running 
lamps instead of passing lamps. 
7. Domestic legislation may make it compulsory for drivers of motor vehicles to use during the 
day either passing lamps or daytime running lamps. Rear position lamps shall in this case be used 
together with the front lamps. 
8. Between nightfall and dawn a nd in any other circumstances when visibility is inadequate, 
the presence of power-driven vehicles and their traile rs standing or parked on a road shall be 
indicated by front and rear position lamps. In thick fog, falling snow, heavy rain or similar 
conditions passing lamps or front fog lamps may be  used. Rear fog lamps may in these conditions 
be used as a supplement to the rear position lamps. 
9. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 8 of this Article, within a built-up area the 
front and rear position lamps may be repl aced by parking lamps, provided that: 
 (a) The vehicle does not exceed 6 m in length and 2 m in width; 
 (b) No trailer is coupled to the vehicle; 
 (c) The parking lamps are placed on that side  of the vehicle which is furthest from the 
carriageway edge alongside which th e vehicle is standing or parked. 
10. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs  8 and 9 of this Article, a vehicle may be 
standing or parked without any lamps lit: 
 (a) On a road lit in such a way that the vehicl e is clearly visible at an adequate distance; 30 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
 (b) Away from the carriageway and hard shoulder; 
 (c) In the case of mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a side-car which are not 
equipped with batteries, at the extreme edge of a carriageway in a built-up area. 
11. Domestic legislation may grant exemptions from the provisions of paragraphs 8 and 9 of 
this Article for vehicles standing or parked in streets in built-up areas where there is very little 
traffic. 
12. Reversing lamps may be used only when the vehicle is reversing or about to reverse. 
13. Hazard warning signal may be used only to warn other road-users of a particular danger: 
 (a) When a vehicle which has broken down or has been involved in an accident cannot be 
moved immediately, so that it constitutes an obstacle to other road-users; 
 (b) When indicating to other road-users the risk of an imminent danger. 
14. Special warning lamps: 
 (a) Displaying a blue light may be used only on priority vehicles when carrying out an 
urgent mission or when in other cases it is nece ssary to give warning to other road-users of the 
presence of the vehicle; 
 (b) Displaying an amber light may be used only when the vehicles genuinely assigned to 
the specific tasks for which they were equipped with the special warning lamp or when the 
presence of such vehicles on the road constitutes a danger or inconvenience to other road-users. 
The use of warning lamps displaying other colour s may be authorized by domestic legislation. 
15. In no circumstances shall a vehicle display a re d light to the front or white light to the rear, 
subject to the exemptions mentioned in Annex 5, paragraph 61. A vehicle shall not be modified or 
lamps added to it in a way which c ould conflict with this requirement. 
ARTICLE 33 
Rules of lighting of other vehicles than mentioned  
in Article 32 and of certain road users  
1. Every vehicle or combination of vehicles to  which the provisions of Article 32 of this 
Convention do not apply shall, when on a road between nightfall and dawn, show at least one 
white or selective-yellow light to the front and at l east one red light to the rear. Where there is only 
one lamp at the front or only one lamp at the rear, the lamp shall be placed on the centre-line of the 
vehicle or on the side opposite to that corresponding to the direction of traffic. 
 (a) Handcarts, i.e., carts drawn or pushed by hand, shall show at least one white or 
selective-yellow light to the front and at least one  red light to the rear. These two lights may be 
emitted by a single lamp placed on the side opposite to that corresponding to the direction of 
traffic. Lights shall not be required on handcarts not exceeding 1 m in width. 
 (b) Animal-drawn vehicles shall show two white or selective-yellow lights to the front, 
and two red lights to the rear. Domestic legisla tion may, however, make it permissible for such  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 31 
vehicles to show only one white or selective-yellow light to the front and only one red light to the 
rear. The lamps shall in both cases be placed on the side opposite to that corresponding to the 
direction of traffic. If the lamps described above cannot be attached to the vehicle, they may be 
carried by an escort walking immediately alongside the vehicle, on the opposite side to that 
corresponding to the direction of traffic. Furtherm ore, animal-drawn vehicles shall be fitted with 
two red reflex-reflectors to the rear, as close as possible to the outer edges of the vehicle. Lights 
shall not be required on animal-drawn vehicles not exceeding 1 m in width. However, a single 
reflex-reflector shall in this case be placed at the rear on the side opposite to that corresponding to 
the direction of traffic, or centrally. 
2. ( a) When moving along the carriageway by night: 
 (i) Groups of pedestrians led by a person in charge or forming a procession, must 
display, on the side opposite to that appr opriate to the direction of traffic, at 
least one white or selective-yellow light to the front and a red light to the rear, 
or an amber light in both directions; 
 (ii) Drivers of draught, pack or saddle animals, or of cattle, must display, on the 
side opposite to that appropriate to the direction of traffic, at least one white or 
selective--yellow light to the front and a red light to the rear, or an amber light 
in both directions. These lights may be displayed by a single device. 
 (b) The lights referred to in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph are, however, not required 
within an appropriately lit built-up area. 
ARTICLE 34 
Exemptions  
1. When warned of the approach of a priori ty vehicle by its special luminous and audible 
warning devices every road-user shall leave room cl ear for it to pass on the carriageway and shall, 
if necessary, stop. 
2. Domestic legislation may provide that drivers of priority vehicles shall not be bound, when 
warning of their movement is given by the vehi cle’s special warning devices, and provided that 
they do not endanger other road-user s, to comply with all or any of  the provisions of this Chapter 
II other than those of Article 6, paragraph 2.51 
3. Domestic legislation may determine to what  extent persons working on the construction, 
repair or maintenance of the road, including the dr ivers of equipment used for such work, shall not 
be bound, provided they take the necessary precauti ons, to observe the provisions of this Chapter 
II during their work. 
4. For the purpose of overtaking or passing the eq uipment referred to in paragraph 3 of this 
Article while it is engaged in work on the road, th e drivers of other vehicles may, to the extent 
necessary and on conditions that they take a ll due precautions, disregard the requirements of 
Articles 11 and 12 of this Convention. 
                                                 
51  See also Point 26 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 32 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
Chapter III 
CONDITIONS FOR THE ADMISSION OF MOTOR VEHICLES 
AND TRAILERS TO INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC 
ARTICLE 35 
Registration  
1. (a) In order to be entitled to the benefits  of this Convention, every motor vehicle in 
international traffic, and every trailer, other than a light trailer, coupled to a motor vehicle shall be 
registered by a Contracting Party or a subdivision thereof, and the driver of the motor vehicle shall 
carry a valid certificate of such registration issu ed either by a competent authority of such 
Contracting Party or subdivision thereof or on be half and by authorization of such Contracting 
Party or subdivision thereof by an association duly empowered thereto by that Contracting Party or 
subdivision thereof. This certificate, to be know n as the registration certif icate, shall bear the 
following particulars at least: 
 A serial number, to be known as the registration number, composed in the manner indicated 
in Annex 2 to this Convention; 
 The date of first registration of the vehicle; 
 The full name and home address of the holder of the certificate;  The name or the trademark of the maker of the vehicle;  The serial number of the chassis (the maker’s production or serial number); 
 In the case of a vehicle intended for the carriage of goods, the permissible maximum mass
; 
 In the case of a vehicle intended for the carriage of goods, the unladen mass; 
 The period of validity, if not unlimited. 
 The particulars entered in the certificate sha ll either be in Latin characters or so-called 
English cursive script only, or be repeated in that form. 
 (b) Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereo f may, however, decide that the year of 
manufacture, instead of the date of first registrati on, shall be entered on certificates issued in their 
territories. 
 (c) In the case of motor vehicles of categories A and B as defined in Annexes 6 and 7 to 
this Convention and, if possible, for other motor vehicles: 
 (i) The certificate shall be head ed with the distinguishing sign of the State of  
registration as defined in A nnex 3 to this Convention; 
 (ii) The letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H respectively shall be placed before or 
after the eight items of information which are required under subparagraph (a) 
of this paragraph, to be shown on all registration certificates;  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 33 
 (iii) The words Certificat d’immatriculation  in French may be placed either before 
or after the title of the certificate in the national language (or languages) of the 
country of registration. 
 (d) For trailers, including semi-trailers, import ed temporarily into a country by a mode of 
transport other than road transport, a photocopy of the registration certificate, certified as a true 
copy by the authority which issued the cer tificate, shall be considered sufficient. 
2. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 1 of  this Article, an articulated vehicle which is 
not disassembled while in international traffic shall be entitled to the benefits of the provisions of 
this Convention even if it has only a single regi stration and a single certificate for the drawing 
vehicle and semi-trailer composing it. 
3. Nothing in this Convention sh all be construed as limiting the ri ght of Contracting Parties or 
subdivisions thereof to require, in the case of a vehicle in international traffic which is not 
registered in the name of a person travelling in it, proof of the driver’s right to be in possession of 
the vehicle. 
4. It is recommended that Contracting Parties s hould set up, if they have not already done so, a 
service responsible for keeping, at the national or regional level, a record of motor vehicles 
brought into use and a centralized record, for each  vehicle, of the particulars entered in each 
certificate of registration. 
ARTICLE 36 
Registration number  
1. Every motor vehicle in international traffic shall display its registration number at the front 
and at the rear; motorcycles, however, shall only be  required to display this number at the rear. 
2. Every registered trailer in international tra ffic shall display its registration number at the 
rear. Where a motor vehicle draws one or more trailers, the sole trailer or the last trailer, if not 
registered, shall display the registration number of the drawing vehicle. 
3. The composition of the registration number re ferred to in this Article, and the manner of 
displaying it, shall conform to the provisions of Annex 2 to this Convention. 
ARTICLE 37 
Distinguishing sign of the State of registration  
1. (a) Every motor vehicle in international traffi c shall display at the rear, in addition to its 
registration number, the distinguishing sign of the State in which it is registered. 
 (b) This sign may either be placed separately from the registration plate or may be 
incorporated into the registration plate.  
 (c) When the distinguishing sign is incorporat ed into the registration plate, it must also 
appear on the front registration plate of the vehicle if such is obligatory. 34 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
2. Every trailer coupled to a motor vehicle a nd required under Article 36 of this Convention to 
display a registration number at the rear shall also  display at the rear, either separately from its 
registration plate or incorporated into it, the di stinguishing sign of the State where the registration 
number was assigned. 
 The provisions of this paragraph shall be applicable even if the trailer is registered in a State 
other than the State of registration of the motor ve hicle to which it is coupled; if the trailer is not 
registered, it shall display at the rear the distinguishing sign of the State of registration of the 
drawing vehicle except when it is travelling in that State. 
3. The composition of the distinguishing si gn, and the manner of displaying it or its 
incorporation into the registration plate, shall c onform to the conditions laid down in Annexes 2 
and 3 to this Convention. 
ARTICLE 38 
Identification marks  
 Every motor vehicle and every trailer in inte rnational traffic shall bear the identification 
marks specified in Annex 4 to this Convention. 
ARTICLE 39 
Technical requirements and inspection of vehicles  
1. Every motor vehicle, every trailer and every co mbination of vehicles in international traffic 
shall satisfy the provisions of Annex 5 to this Convention. It shall also be in good working order. 
2. Domestic legislation shall require  periodic technical inspections of: 
(a) Motor vehicles used for the carriage of pe rsons and having more than eight seats in 
addition to the driver’s seat; 
(b) Motor vehicles used for the carriage of goods whose permissible maximum mass 
exceeds 3,500 kg and trailers designed to be coupled to such vehicles. 
3. Domestic legislation shall, as far as possibl e, extend the provision of paragraph 2 to the 
other categories of vehicles. 
52  See footnote. 
ARTICLE 40 
Transitional provision  
1. For a period of 10 years from the entry into force of this Convention in accordance with 
Article 47, paragraph 1, trailers in international traffic, whatever their permissible maximum mass , 
shall be entitled to the benefits of the provisions of  this Convention even if they are not registered. 
                                                 
52  Additional paragraphs introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 26 bis ).  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 35 
2. The registration certificate shall conform with  the provisions of the amendment to Article 
35, paragraph 1 within five years from the date of  its entry into force. Certificates issued during 
that period shall be mutually recognized until the expiry date inscribed therein. 
53  See footnote.  
Chapter IV 
DRIVERS OF MOTOR VEHICLES 
ARTICLE 41 
Driving permits  
(The present text is applicable until 28 March 2011 at the latest (see new article 43), 
the new text is reproduced in da rk blue following the present Article)  
1. (a) Every driver of a motor vehicle must hold a driving permit; 
 (b) Contracting Parties undertake to ensure that driving permits are issued only after 
verification by the competent authorities that  the driver possesses the required knowledge and 
skill; 
 (c) Domestic legislation must lay down re quirements for obtaining a driving permit; 
 (d) Nothing in this Convention shall be c onstrued as preventing Contracting Parties or 
subdivisions thereof from requiring driving permits  for other power-driven vehicles and mopeds. 
2. Contracting Parties shall recognize: 
 (a) Any domestic permit drawn up in their nati onal language or in one of their national 
languages, or, if not drawn up in such a langua ge, accompanied by a certified translation; 
 (b) Any domestic permit conforming to the provisions of Annex 6 to this Convention; 
and 
 (c) Any international permit conforming to th e provisions of Annex 7 to this Convention; 
as valid for driving in their territories a vehi cle coming within the categories covered by the 
permit, provided that the permit is still valid and th at it was issued by another Contracting Party or 
subdivision thereof or by an association duly empowered thereto by such other Contracting Party. 
The provisions of this paragraph sha ll not apply to learner-driver permits. 
[ex paragraph 3 deleted]  
                                                 
53  Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 26 ter ). 36 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
3. Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph: 
 (a) Where the validity of the driving permit is made subject by special endorsement to 
the condition that the holder shall wear certain devices or that the vehicle shall be equipped in a 
certain way to take account of the driver’s di sability, the permit shall not be recognized as valid 
unless those conditions are observed; 
 (b) Contracting Parties may refuse to recognize the validity in their territories of driving 
permits held by persons under eighteen years of age; 
 (c) Contracting Parties may refuse to recogni ze the validity in their territories, for the 
driving of motor vehicles or combinations of ve hicles in categories C, D and E referred to in 
Annexes 6 and 7 to this Convention, of driving pe rmits held by persons under twenty-one years of 
age. 
4. Contracting Parties may introduce in thei r domestic legislation a subdivision of the 
categories of vehicles referred to in Annexes 6 and 7 of this Convention. If the driving permit is 
restricted to certain vehicles within a category,  a numeral shall be added to the letter of the 
category and the nature of the restriction shall be indicated in the driving permit. 
5. For the purpose of the application of paragr aph 2 and subparagraph 3 (c) of this Article: 
 (a) A motor vehicle of the category B referred  to in Annexes 6 and 7 to this Convention 
may be coupled to a light trailer; it may also be  coupled to a trailer whose permissible maximum 
mass  exceeds 750 kg but does not exceed the unladen mass  of the motor vehicle if the combined 
permissible maximum mass  of the vehicles so coupled does not exceed 3,500 kg; 
 (b) A motor vehicle of the category C, or of the category D referred to in Annexes 6 and 
7 to this Convention may be coupled to a light trailer without the resultant combination ceasing to 
belong to category C or category D. 
6. An international permit shall be issued only to  the holder of a domest ic permit for the issue 
of which the minimum conditions laid down in this Convention have been fulfilled. It shall not be 
valid after the expiry of the corresponding domestic  permit, the number of which shall be entered 
in the international permit. 7. The provisions of this Article sh all not require Contracting Parties: 
 (a) To recognize the validity of domestic or inte rnational permits issued in the territory of 
another Contracting Party to pers ons who had their normal residence in their territories at the time 
of such issue or whose normal residence has been transferred to their terr itories since such issue; 
or  (b) To recognize the validity of permits as aforesaid issued to drivers whose normal 
residence at the time of such issue was not in th e territory in which the permit was issued or who 
since such issue have transferred th eir residence to another territory.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 37 
ARTICLE 41 
Driving permits  
(Provisions applicable from 29 March 2011 (see new article 43)) 
1. (a) Every driver of a motor vehicle must hold a driving permit; 
 (b) Contracting Parties undertake to ensure that driving permits are issued only after 
verification by the competent authorities that  the driver possesses the required knowledge and 
skills; the persons authorized to check if driv ers have the necessary knowledge and skills must 
have appropriate qualifications; th e contents and procedure of both theoretical and practical exams 
are regulated by national legislation; 
 (c) Domestic legislation must lay down re quirements for obtaining a driving permit. In 
particular, it shall specify the minimum ages for holding a permit, the medical conditions to be 
fulfilled and the conditions for passing the theoretical and practical exams; 
 (d) Nothing in this Convention shall be c onstrued as preventing Contracting Parties or 
subdivisions thereof from requiring driving permits  for other power-driven vehicles and mopeds. 
2. (a) Contracting Parties shall recognize: 
 (i) Any domestic permit conforming to the provisions of Annex 6 to this 
Convention;   
 
 (ii) Any international permit conforming to the provisions of Annex 7 to this 
Convention, on condition that it is pr esented with the corresponding domestic 
driving permit, 
as valid for driving in their territories a vehi cle coming within the categories covered by the 
permits, provided that the permits are still valid and that they were issued by another Contracting 
Party or subdivision thereof or by an associ ation duly empowered thereto by such other 
Contracting Party or one of its subdivisions; 
 (b) Driving permits issued by a Contracting Party shall be recognized in the territory of 
another Contracting Party until this territory beco mes the place of normal residence of their holder; 
 (c) The provisions of this paragraph sh all not apply to learner-driver permits. 
3. Domestic legislation may limit the period of  validity of a domestic driving permit. The 
period of validity of an international permit shall be either no more than three years after the date 
of issue or until the date of expiry of the domestic driving permit, whichever is earlier. 
4. Notwithstanding the provisions  of paragraphs 1 and 2: 
 (a) Where the validity of the driving permit is made subject by special endorsement to 
the condition that the holder shall wear certain devices or that the vehicle shall be equipped in a 
certain way to take account of the driver’s di sability, the permit shall not be recognized as valid 
unless those conditions are observed; 38 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
 (b) Contracting Parties may refuse to recognize the validity in their territories of driving 
permits held by persons under eighteen years of age; 
 (c) Contracting Parties may refuse to recogni ze the validity in their territories, for the 
driving of motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles  in categories C, D, CE and DE referred to in 
Annexes 6 and 7 to this Convention, of driving pe rmits held by persons under twenty-one years of 
age. 
5. An international permit shall be issued only to  the holder of a domest ic permit for the issue 
of which the minimum conditions laid down in  this Convention have been fulfilled. An 
international driving permit shall only be issued by the Contracting Party in whose territory the 
holder has his normal residence and which issued the domestic driving permit or which recognized 
the driving permit issued by another Contracting Party;  it shall not be valid for use in that territory. 
6. The provisions of this Article sh all not require Contracting Parties: 
 (a) To recognize the validity of domestic pe rmits issued in the territory of another 
Contracting Party to persons who had their normal re sidence in their territories at the time of such 
issue or whose normal residence has been transf erred to their territories since such issue; 
 (b) To recognize the validity of domestic permits issued to drivers whose normal 
residence at the time of such issue was not in th e territory in which the permit was issued or who 
since such issue have transferred th eir residence to another territory.  
ARTICLE 42 
Suspension of the validity of driving permits  
1. Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may withdraw from a driver the right to use his 
domestic or international driving permit in their territories if he commits in their territories a 
breach of their regulations rendering him liable und er their legislations to the forfeiture of his 
permit. In such a case the competent authority of the Contracting Party or subdivision thereof 
withdrawing the right to use the permit may: 
 (a) Withdraw and retain the permit until the period of the withdrawal of use expires or 
until the holder leaves its territory, whichever is the earlier; 
 (b) Notify the withdrawal of the right to use the permit to the authority by or on behalf of 
which the permit was issued; 
 (c) In the case of an international permit, enter in the space provided for the purpose an 
endorsement to the effect that the perm it is no longer valid in its territories; 
 (d) Where it has not applied the procedure for which provision is made in subparagraph 
(a) of this paragraph, supplement the communicati on referred to in subpara graph (b) by requesting 
the authority which issued the permit, or on beha lf of which the permit was issued, to notify the 
person concerned of the decision taken with regard to him. 
2. Contracting Parties shall endeavour to no tify the persons concerned of the decisions 
communicated to them in accordance with the pr ocedure laid down in pa ragraph 1 (d) of this 
Article.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 39 
3. Nothing in this Convention shall be c onstrued as prohibiting Contracting Parties or 
subdivisions thereof from preventing a driver holdi ng a domestic or international driving permit 
from driving if it is evident or proved that his cond ition is such that he is unable to drive safely or 
if the right to drive has been withdrawn from him in the State in which he has his normal 
residence. 
ARTICLE 43 
Transitional provisions  
1. Contracting Parties shall issue domestic driving permits in accordance with the new 
provisions of Annex 6 at the latest five years afte r their entry into force. Domestic driving permits 
issued in accordance with the earlier provisions of Article 41, Article 43 and Annex 6 to this 
Convention prior to the expiry of this period shall be recognized as long as they are valid. 
2. Contracting Parties shall issue internationa l driving permits in accordance with the new 
provisions of Annex 7 at the latest five years af ter their entry into force. International driving 
permits issued in accordance with the earlier provi sions of Article 41, Ar ticle 43 and Annex 7 to 
this Convention prior to the expiry  of this period shall be valid a ccording to the conditions defined 
in Article 41, paragraph 3.  
Chapter V 
CONDITIONS FOR THE ADMISSION OF CYCLES AND 
MOPEDS TO INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC 
ARTICLE 44 
1. Cycles without an engine in international traffic shall: 
 (a) Have an efficient brake;  (b) Be equipped with a bell capable of being heard at a sufficient distance, and carry no 
other audible warning device; 
 (c) Be equipped with a red re flecting device at the rear and with devices such that the 
cycle can show a white or selective-yellow light to the front and a red light to the rear. 
54  See footnote. 
2. In the territory of Contracting Parties wh ich have not, in accordance with Article 54, 
paragraph 2, of this Convention, made a statement to the effect that they treat mopeds as 
motorcycles, mopeds in international traffic shall: 
 (a) Have two independent brakes;  (b) Be equipped with a bell or some other audible warning device capable of being heard 
at a sufficient distance; 
                                                 
54  Additional subparagraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 27). 40 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
 (c) Be equipped with an effective exhaust silencer; 
 (d) Be so equipped that they can show a wh ite or selective-yellow light to the front and a 
red light and a red reflex-reflector to the rear;55 
 (e) Display the identification mark speci fied in Annex 4 to this Convention. 
56  See footnote. 
3. In the territories of Contracting Parties which have, in accordance with Article 54, 
paragraph 2, of this Convention, declared that th ey treat mopeds as motorcycles, the conditions to 
be fulfilled by mopeds in order to be admitted to international traffic shall be those laid down for 
motorcycles in Annex 5 to this Convention. 
Chapter VI 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
ARTICLE 45 
1. This Convention shall be open at Unite d Nations Headquarters, New York, until 31 
December 1969 for signature by all States Member s of the United Nations or of any of the 
specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency or Parties to the Statute of the 
International Court of Justice, and by any othe r State invited by the General Assembly of the 
United Nations to become a Party to the Convention. 
2. This Convention is subject to ratification. The instruments of ratification shall be deposited 
with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. 
3. This Convention shall remain open for accessi on by any of the States referred to in 
paragraph 1 of this Article. The instruments of  accession shall be deposited with the Secretary-
General. 
4. On signing this Convention or  on depositing its instrument of ratification or accession, each 
State shall notify the Secretary-General of the di stinguishing sign it has selected for display in 
international traffic on vehicles registered by it, in accordance with Annex 3 to this Convention. 
By a further notification addressed to the Secretary-General, any State may change a 
distinguishing sign it has previously selected. 
ARTICLE 46 
1. Any State may, at the time of signing or ratif ying this Convention, or of acceding thereto, or 
at any time thereafter, declare by notificati on addressed to the Secretary-General that the 
Convention shall become applicable to all or any of  the territories for the international relations of 
which it is responsible. The Convention shall become  applicable to the territory or territories 
                                                 
55  See also Point 27 of the Annex of the European Agreement. 
56  Additional subparagraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 27).  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 41 
named in the notification thirty days after the r eceipt of the notification by the Secretary-General 
or on the date of entry into force of the Convention for the State making the notification, 
whichever is the later. 
2. Any State which has made a declaration under paragraph 1 of this Article may at any time 
thereafter declare by notification addressed to th e Secretary-General that the Convention shall 
cease to be applicable to the territory named in  the notification and the Convention shall cease to 
be applicable to such territory one year from the date of receipt by the Secretary-General of the 
notification. 
3. A State making a notification under paragraph 1 of this Article shall notify the Secretary-
General of the distinguishing sign or signs it has selected for display in international traffic on 
vehicles registered in the territory or territories concerned, in accordance with Annex 3 to this 
Convention. By a further notification addressed to the Secretary-General, any State may change a 
distinguishing sign it has previously selected. 
ARTICLE 47 
1. This Convention shall enter into force twel ve months after the date of deposit of the 
fifteenth instrument of ratification or accession. 
2. For each State ratifying or acceding to this  Convention after the deposit of the fifteenth 
instrument of ratification or accession, the Conven tion shall enter into force twelve months after 
the date of deposit by such State of its instrument of ratification or accession. 
ARTICLE 48 
 Upon its entry into force, this Convention sh all terminate and replace, in relations between 
the Contracting Parties, the International Convention relative to Motor Traffic and the 
International Convention relative to Road Traffic, both signed at Paris on 24 April 1926, the 
Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automotive Traffic, opened for signature at 
Washington on 15 December 1943, and the Conventi on on Road Traffic, opened for signature at 
Geneva on 19 September 1949. 
ARTICLE 49 
1. After this Convention has been in force for one year, any Contracting Party may propose one or more amendments to the Convention. The text of any proposed amendment, accompanied 
by an explanatory memorandum, shall be tran smitted to the Secretary-General, who shall 
communicate it to all Contracting Parties. The C ontracting Parties shall have the opportunity of 
informing him within a period of twelve months fo llowing the date of its circulation whether they 
(a) accept the amendment; or (b) reject the amendm ent; or (c) wish that a conference be convened 
to consider the amendment. The Secretary-Genera l shall also transmit the text of the proposed 
amendment to all other States referred to in Article 45, paragraph 1 of this Convention. 
2. (a) Any proposed amendment communicated in accordance with the preceding paragraph 
shall be deemed to be accepted if within the period  of twelve months referred to in the preceding 
paragraph less than one third of  the Contracting Parties inform the Secretary-General that they 
either reject the amendment or wish that a conf erence be convened to consider it. The Secretary-
General shall notify all Contracting Parties of each acceptance or rejection of any proposed 
amendment and of requests that a conference be c onvened. If the total number of such rejections 42 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
and requests received during the specified period of twelve months is less than one third of the 
total number of Contracting Parties, the Secretary- General shall notify all Contracting Parties that 
the amendment will enter into force six months af ter the expiry of the period of twelve months 
referred to in the preceding paragraph for all C ontracting Parties except those which, during the 
period specified, have rejected the amendment or requested the convening of a conference to 
consider it. 
 (b) Any Contracting Party which, during the sa id period of twelve months, has rejected a 
proposed amendment or requested the convening of  a conference to consider it may at any time 
after the end of such period notify the Secretar y-General that it accepts the amendment, and the 
Secretary-General shall communicate such notification to all the other Contracting Parties. The 
amendment shall enter into force, with respect to the Contracting Parties which have notified their 
acceptance, six months after receipt by the Secretary-General of their notification. 
3. If a proposed amendment has not been accep ted in accordance with paragraph 2 of this 
Article and if within the period of twelve months specified in paragraph 1 of this Article less than 
half of the total number of the Contracting Parties inform the Secretary-General that they reject the 
proposed amendment and if at least one third of th e total number of Contracting Parties, but not 
less than ten, inform him that they accept it or wish  a conference to be convened to consider it, the 
Secretary-General shall convene a conference for the purpose of considering the proposed 
amendment or any other proposal which may be submitted to him in accordance with paragraph 4 
of this Article. 
4. If a conference is convened in accordance with  paragraph 3 of this Article, the Secretary-
General shall invite to it all States referred to in  Article 45, paragraph 1 of this Convention. He 
shall request all States invited to the conference to  submit to him, at least six months before its 
opening date, any proposals which they may wish th e conference to consider in addition to the 
proposed amendment and shall communicate such pr oposals, at least three months before the 
opening date of the conference, to all States invited to the conference. 5. (a) Any amendment to this Convention shall be deemed to be accepted if it has been 
adopted by a two thirds majority of the States represented at the conference, provided that such 
majority comprises at least two thirds of Contracting Parties represented at the conference. The 
Secretary-General shall notify all Contracting Parties of the adoption of the amendment, and the 
amendment shall enter into force twelve months  after the date of his notification for all 
Contracting Parties except those which during that period have notified the Secretary-General that 
they reject the amendment. 
 (b) A Contracting Party which has reject ed an amendment during the said period of 
twelve months may at any time notify the Secret ary-General that it accepts the amendment, and 
the Secretary-General shall communicate such notific ation to all the other Contracting Parties. The 
amendment shall enter into force,  with respect to the Contracting Party which has notified its 
acceptance, six months after receipt by the Secretary-General of the notification or at the end of 
the said period of twelve m onths, whichever is later. 
6. If the proposed amendment is not deemed to  be accepted pursuant to paragraph 2 of this 
Article and if the conditions prescribed by paragr aph 3 of this Article for convening a conference 
are not fulfilled, the proposed amendment shall be deemed to be rejected.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic 43 
ARTICLE 50 
 Any Contracting Party may denounce this C onvention by written notification addressed to 
the Secretary-General. The denunciation shall take e ffect one year after the date of receipt by the 
Secretary-General of such notification. 
ARTICLE 51 
 This Convention shall cease to be in force if the number of Contracting Parties is less than 
five for any period of 12 consecutive months. 
ARTICLE 52 
 Any dispute between two or more Contracting Parties which relates to the interpretation or 
application of this Convention and which the Pa rties are unable to settle by negotiation or other 
means of settlement may be referred, at the request  of any of the Contracting Parties concerned, to 
the International Court of Justice for decision. 
ARTICLE 53 
 Nothing in this Convention shall be construe d as preventing a Contracting Party from taking 
such action, compatible with the provisions of th e Charter of the United Nations and limited to the 
exigencies of the situation, as it considers neces sary to its external or internal security. 
ARTICLE 54 
1. Any State may, at the time of signing this Convention or of depositing its instrument of 
ratification or accession, declare that it does not consider itself bound by Article 52 of this 
Convention. Other Contracting Parties shall not be bound by Article 52 with respect to any 
Contracting Party which has made such a declaration. 
2. At the time of depositing its instrument of ratification or accession, any State may, by 
notification addressed to the Secretary-General, d eclare that for the purposes of the application of 
the Convention it treats mopeds as motorcycles (Article 1 (n)). 
 By notification addressed to the Secretary-Gene ral, any State may subsequently at any time 
withdraw its declaration. 
3. The declarations provided for in paragraph 2 of this Article shall become effective six 
months after the date of receipt by the Secretary- General of notification of them or on the date on 
which the Convention enters into fo rce for the State making the declaration, whichever is the later. 
4. Any modification of a previously selected di stinguishing sign notified in conformity with 
Article 45, paragraph 4, or Artic le 46, paragraph 3 of this Conve ntion, shall take effect three 
months after the date on which the Secretary-General receives notification thereof. 5. Reservations to this Conventi on and its annexes, other than th e reservation provided for in 
paragraph 1 of this Article, sha ll be permitted on condition that they are formulated in writing and, 
if formulated before the deposit of the instrument of ratification or accession, are confirmed in that 
instrument. The Secretary-General shall communicate such reservations to all States referred to in 
Article 45, paragraph 1,  of this Convention. 44 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic  
6. Any Contracting Party which has formulat ed a reservation or made a declaration under 
paragraphs 1 or 4 of this Article may withdraw  it at any time by notification addressed to the 
Secretary-General. 
7. A reservation made in accordance w ith paragraph 5 of this Article: 
 (a) Modifies for the Contracting Party whic h made the reservation the provisions of the 
Convention to which the reservation relates, to the extent of the reservation; 
 (b) Modifies those provisions to the same exte nt for the other Contracting Parties in their 
relations with the Contracting Pa rty which entered the reservation. 
ARTICLE 55 
 In addition to the declarations, notifications  and communications provided for in Articles 49 
and 54 of this Convention, the Secretary-General shall notify all the States referred to in Article 
45, paragraph 1, of the following: 
 (a) Signatures, ratifications  and accessions under Article 45; 
 (b) Notifications and declarations under Article 45, paragraph 4, and Article 46; 
 (c) The dates of entry into force of th is Convention in accordance with Article 47; 
 (d) The date of entry into force of amendm ents to this Convention in accordance with 
Article 49, paragraphs 2 and 5; 
 (e) Denunciations under Article 50; 
 (f) The determination of this  Convention under Article 51. 
ARTICLE 56 
 The original of this Convention, of whic h the Chinese, English, French, Russian and 
Spanish texts done in a single copy are equally authentic, shall be deposited with the Secretary-
General of the United Nations, who shall send certifie d true copies thereof to all the States referred 
to in Article 45, paragraph 1, of this Convention. 
 IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned Plenipotentiaries, * being duly authorized by 
their respective Governments, have signed this Convention. 
 DONE at Vienna this eighth day of November , one thousand nine hundred and sixty-eight. 
                                                 
*  See document E/ CONF.56/16/Rev.1.  
ANNEXES   Part I - Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 1 45 
Annex 1 
EXCEPTIONS TO THE OBLIGATION TO ADMIT MOTOR VEHICLES 
AND TRAILERS IN INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC 
1. Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to their territories in international traffic motor 
vehicles, trailers or combinations of vehicles whose overall mass  or mass  per axle or dimensions 
exceed the limits fixed by their domestic legislati ons for vehicles registered in their territories. 
Contracting Parties in whose territories there is in ternational heavy vehicle traffic shall endeavour 
to conclude regional agreements  under which roads in the region, with the exception of minor 
roads, will be open, in international traffic, to  vehicles or combinations of vehicles whose mass  
and dimensions do not exceed the fi gures specified in these agreements. 
2. For the purposes of paragraph 1 of this Annex, the lateral pr ojection of the following shall 
not be regarded as projection beyond the permissible maximum width: 
 (a) Tyres, near their point of contact with  the ground and connections of tyre-pressure 
indicators; 
 (b) Anti-skid devices mounted on the wheels; 
 (c) Driving mirrors so designed as to yi eld both forwards and backwards under moderate 
pressure so that they no longer project beyond the permissible maximum width;  (d) Side direction-indicators and marker lights, provided that such projection does not 
exceed a few centimetres; 
 (e) Customs seals affixed to the load, and devices for the securing and protection of such 
seals. 
3. Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to their territories in international traffic the 
following combinations of vehicles insofar as the use of such combinations is prohibited by their 
domestic legislations: 
 (a) Motorcycles with trailers; 
 (b) Combinations of vehicles consisting of a motor vehicle and several trailers;  (c) Articulated vehicles used for passenger transport. 
4. Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to th eir territories in international traffic the motor 
vehicles and trailers to which the exceptions sp ecified in paragraph 60 of Annex 5 to this 
Convention are applicable. 
5. Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to th eir territories in international traffic mopeds 
and motorcycles whose drivers and passengers, if any, are not equipped with protective helmets. 
6. Contracting Parties may make it a conditi on for the admission to their territories in 
international traffic of any motor vehicle other than a two-wheeled moped or a two-wheeled 
motorcycle without side-car, that the motor vehicle shall carry a device referred to in paragraph 56 
of Annex 5 to this Convention, to give warning of the danger constituted by the vehicle’s presence 
when it is stationary on the carriageway. 46 Part I - Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 1 
7. Contracting Parties may make it a condition for the admission to certain difficult roads or to 
certain areas of difficult terrain in their territories in international traffic of motor vehicles with a 
permissible maximum mass  exceeding 3,500 kg, that such vehi cles shall comply with the special 
requirements laid down in their domestic legislati ons concerning the admission to such roads or 
areas of vehicles of the same permissible maximum mass  registered by them. 
57  See footnote 
8. Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to th eir territories in international traffic any motor 
vehicle equipped with passing lamps with asymmetri c beams if such beams have not been adapted 
to suit the direction of traffic in their territories. 
9. Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to th eir territories in international traffic any motor 
vehicle, or any trailer coupled to a motor vehicl e, which displays a distinguishing sign other than 
one of those prescribed in Article 37 of this Convention. Contracting Parties may not refuse 
admission to a vehicle which has a distinguishing sign placed separately from the registration plate 
in conformity with the provisions of this Conve ntion substituting a distinguishing sign which is 
incorporated into the registration plate and which is  not in conformity with the provisions of this 
Convention. 
 
________________________ 
57   Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 28). Part I - Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 2 47 
Annex 2 
REGISTRATION NUMBER AND PLATE  OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND 
TRAILERS IN INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC 
1. The registration number referred to in Artic les 35 and 36 of this Convention shall be 
composed either of numerals or of numerals a nd letters. The numerals shall be Arabic numerals 
and the letters shall be in capital Latin characters. Other numerals or characters may, however, be 
used, but if so the registration number shall be re peated in Arabic numerals and in capital Latin 
characters. 
2. The registration number shall be so composed and displayed as to be legible in normal 
daylight at a distance of at least 40 m by an obser ver placed on the axis of the vehicle, the vehicle 
being stationary; Contracting Parties may, however, in respect of the vehicles they register, reduce 
this minimum legibility distance for motorcycles and for special categories of motor vehicle on 
which it would be difficult to fit registration numbers of sufficient size to be legible at 40 m. 
3. When the registration number is displayed on a pl ate, this plate shall be flat and fixed in a 
vertical or nearly vertical position and at right angles to the vehicle’s median longitudinal plane. 
 When the number is displayed or painted on the vehicle, the surface on which it is displayed 
or painted shall be flat and vertical, or nearly fl at and vertical, and at right angles to the vehicle’s 
median longitudinal plane. 
4. Without prejudice to the provisions of Annex 5, paragraph 61 (g) of this Convention, the 
background of the registration plate on which the registration number and, where applicable, the 
distinguishing sign of the State in which the vehicl e is registered, possibly completed by the flag 
or emblem according to the conditions defined in  Annex 3, is displayed, may be of a retro-
reflective material.  
5. The background of the part of the registration plate on which the distinguishing sign is 
incorporated shall be of the same material as that  used for the background of the part on which the 
registration number is marked. 48 Part I - Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 3 
Annex 3 
DISTINGUISHING SIGN OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERS 
IN INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC 
1. The distinguishing sign referred to in Article  37 of this Convention shall consist of one to 
three letters in capital Latin characters. 
2. When the distinguishing sign is displayed separately from the registration plate, it must 
conform to the following conditions: 
 (a) The letters shall have a height of at least 0.08 m and their strokes a width of at least 
0.01 m. The letters shall be in black on a white background having the shape of an ellipse with the 
major axis horizontal. The white background may be of a retro-reflective material; 
 (b) When the distinguishing sign consists of only one letter, the major axis of the ellipse 
may be vertical; 
 (c) The distinguishing sign shall not be affixed in such a way that it could be confused 
with the registration number or impair its legibility; 
 (d) On motorcycles and their trailers, the dimens ions of the axes of the ellipse shall be at 
least 0.175 m and 0.115 m. On other motor vehicles and their trailers, the dimensions of the axes 
of the ellipse shall be at least: 
 (i) 0.24 m and 0.145 m if the distinguishing sign comprises three letters; 
 (ii) 0.175 m and 0.115 m if the distingui shing sign comprises less than three letters. 
3. When the distinguishing sign is incorporated  into the registration plate(s), the following 
conditions shall apply: 
 (a) The letters shall have a height of at least 0.02 m, taking as a reference a registration 
plate of 0.11 m.; 
 (b) (i) The distinguishing sign of the State of registration, which may be 
supplemented where applicable by the flag or emblem of the State or the 
emblem of the regional economic integra tion organization to which the country 
belongs, shall be displayed on the far left or right of the rear registration plate, 
but preferably on the left or the far upper left on plates where the number takes 
up two lines; 
  (ii) When, in addition to the distinguishing sign, a non-numerical symbol and/or a 
flag and/or a regional or local emblem is  displayed on the registration plate, the 
distinguishing sign of the State of registration shall obligatorily be placed on 
the far left of the plate; 
 (c) The flag or emblem supplementing where applicable the distinguishing sign of the 
State of registration shall be positioned so that it cannot impair the legibility of the distinguishing 
sign and shall preferably be placed above it;  Part I - Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 3 49 
 (d) The distinguishing sign of the State of registration shall be positioned so as to be 
easily identifiable and so that it cannot be confu sed with the registration number or impair its 
legibility. The distinguishing sign shall therefor e be at least of a different colour from the 
registration number, or have a different background  colour to that reserved for the registration 
number, or be clearly separated, preferably by a line, from the registration number; 
 (e) For the registration plates of motorcycl es and their trailers and/or for registration 
plates taking up two lines, the size of the lette rs of the distinguishing sign as well as, where 
applicable, the size of the national flag or emblem of the State of registration or the symbol of the 
regional economic integration orga nization which the country bel ongs to may be appropriately 
modified; 
 (f) The provisions of this paragraph shall a pply according to the same principles to the 
front registration plate of the vehicle when this plate is obligatory. 
4. The relevant provisions of Annex 2, paragr aph 3, shall apply to the distinguishing sign. 
 50 Part I - Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 4 
Annex 4 
IDENTIFICATION MARKS OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERS 
IN INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC 
1. The identification marks shall comprise: 
 (a) In the case of a motor vehicle: 
(i) The name or the trade mark of the maker of the vehicle; 
(ii) On the chassis or, in the absence of a chassis, on the body, the maker’s 
production or serial number; 
(iii) On the engine, the engine number if such a number is placed on it by the 
maker; 
 (b) In the case of a trailer, the information re ferred to in subparagraphs (i) and (ii) above; 
 (c) In the case of a moped, the cylinder capacity and the mark “CM”. 
2. The marks mentioned in paragraph 1 of th is Annex shall be placed in accessible positions 
and shall be easily legible; in addition, they sha ll be such that they cannot be easily altered or 
removed. The letters and figures included in the ma rks shall be either in Latin characters or in 
English cursive script and in Arabic numera ls only, or be repeated in that form.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 51 
Annex 5 
TECHNICAL CONDITIONS CONCERNING MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERS 
1. Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph 2 (a) and Article 39, paragraph 1 
of this Convention any Contracting Party may, with respect to motor vehicles which it registers 
and to trailers which it allows on the road unde r its domestic legislation, lay down rules which 
supplement, or are stricter than, the provisions of this Annex. All vehicles in international traffic 
must meet the technical requirements in force in  their country of registration when they first 
entered into service. 
2. For the purposes of this Annex, the term “tra iler” applies only to a trailer designed to be 
coupled to a motor vehicle. 
3. Contracting Parties which, in conformity with Article 1, subparagraph (n), of this 
Convention, have declared that they wish to  treat as motorcycles three-wheeled vehicles the 
unladen mass  of which does not exceed 400 kg, shall make  such vehicles subject to the rules laid 
down in this Annex either for motorcycles or for other motor vehicles. 
CHAPTER I 
Braking  
4. For the purposes of this chapter:  (a) The term “wheels of one axle” means wheels which are arranged symmetrically, or 
largely symmetrically, in relation to the vehicle’s median longitudinal plane, even if they are not 
placed on the same axle (a tandem axle is counted as two axles); 
 (b) The term “service brake” means the device normally used to slow down and stop the 
vehicle; 
 (c) The term “parking brake” means the device used to hold the vehicle stationary in the 
driver’s absence, or, in the case of tr ailers, when the trailer is uncoupled; 
 (d) The term “secondary (emergency) brak e” means the device designed to slow down 
and stop the vehicle in the event of failure of the service brake. 
A. Braking of motor vehicles other than motorcycles
 
5. Every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle  shall have brakes which can be easily operated 
by the driver when in his dr iving position. These brakes shall be capable of performing the 
following three braking functions:  (a) A service brake capable of slowing down the vehicle and of stopping it safely, rapidly 
and effectively, whatever its conditions of loadin g and whatever the upward or downward gradient 
of the road on which it is moving;  (b) A parking brake capable of holding the vehicle stationary, whatever its conditions of 
loading, on a noticeable upward or downward grad ient, the operative surfaces of the brake being 
held in the braking position by a device whose action is purely mechanical; 52 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 
 (c) A secondary (emergency) brake capable of slowing down and stopping the vehicle, 
whatever its conditions of loading, within a reasona ble distance, even in the event of failure of the 
service brake. 
6. Subject to the provisions of paragraph 5 of this Annex, the devices providing the three 
braking functions (service brake, secondary brake and parking brake) may have parts in common; 
combination of the controls shall be permitted only on condition that at least two separate controls 
remain. 
7. The service brake shall act on all the wheels of the vehicle. 
8. The secondary (emergency) brake shall be capable of acting on at least one wheel on each 
side of the vehicle’s median longitudinal plane;  the same provision shall apply to the parking 
brake. 
9. The service brake and the parking brak e shall act on braking surfaces permanently 
connected to the wheels through components of adequate strength. 
10. No braking surface shall be capable of be ing disconnected from the wheels. Nevertheless, 
such disconnection shall be permitted in the case of some of the braking surfaces, on condition: 
 (a) That it is only momentary, as for example, during a change of gear; 
 (b) That so far as concerns the parking brak e, it can be effected only by the action of the 
driver; and 
 (c) That so far as concerns the service or  secondary (emergency) brake, braking remains 
possible with the efficiency prescribed in paragraph 5 of this Annex. 10 bis
.  All vehicle equipment contributing to braking shall be so designed an d constructed that the 
efficacy of the service brake is ensured after prolonged and repeated use. 
10 ter .  The service braking action shall be properly distributed and synchronized among the 
various axles of the vehicle. 
10 quater .  If the control of the service brake is assist ed, partially or totally, by an energy source 
other than the muscular energy of the driver, it shall be possible to stop the vehicle within a 
reasonable distance even in the event of  the failure of the energy source. 
B. Braking of trailers  
11. Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 17 (c) of this Annex, every trailer, with the 
exception of a light trailer, shall have brakes as follows: 
 (a) A service brake capable of slowing down the vehicle and of stopping it safely, rapidly 
and effectively, whatever its conditions of loadin g and whatever the upward or downward gradient 
of the road on which it is moving; 
 (b) A parking brake capable of holding the vehicle stationary, whatever its conditions of 
loading, on a noticeable upward or downward grad ient, the operative surfaces of the brake being 
held in the braking position by a device whose act ion is purely mechanical. This provision shall  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 53 
not apply to trailers which cannot  be uncoupled from the drawing vehicle without the use of tools, 
provided that the requirements for parking brakes are satisfied for the combination of vehicles. 
12. The devices providing the two braking functions  (service and parking) may have parts in 
common. 
13. The service brake shall act on all the wheels of the trailer. The braking action shall be 
properly distributed and synchronized among the various axles of the trailer. 
14. The service brake shall be capable of being brought into action by the service brake control 
of the drawing vehicle; if, however, the permissible maximum mass  of the trailer does not exceed 
3,500 kg, the brakes may be such as to be brought into action, while the trailer is in motion, only 
by the trailer moving up on the drawing vehicle (overrun braking). 
15. The service brake and the parking brak e shall act on braking surfaces permanently 
connected to the wheels through components of adequate strength. 
16. The braking devices shall be such that the trailer is stopped automatically if the coupling 
device breaks while the trailer is in motion. This requirement shall not apply, however, to trailers 
with only one axle or with two axles less than 1 m apart, provided that their permissible maximum 
mass does not exceed 1,500 kg and, except for semi-tr ailers, that they are fitted, in addition to the 
coupling device, with a secondary attachment. 
C. Braking of combinations of vehicles  
17. In addition to the pr ovisions of parts A and B of this Chapter relating to separate vehicles 
(motor vehicles and trailers), the following provi sions shall apply to combinations of such 
vehicles:  (a) The braking devices on each of the component vehicles shall be compatible;  (b) The service braking action shall be proper ly distributed and synchronized between the 
various axles of the combination; 
 (c) The permissible maximum mass  of a trailer without a service brake shall not exceed 
half of the sum of the unladen mass  of the drawing vehicle and the mass  of the driver. 
D. Braking of motorcycles  
18. (a) Every motorcycle shall be equipped with two brakes, one of which acts at least on the 
rear wheel or wheels and the other at least on the front  wheel or wheels; if a side-car is attached to 
a motorcycle, braking of the side-car wheel shall not be required. These braking devices shall be 
capable of slowing down the motorcycle and of  stopping it safely, rapidly and effectively, 
whatever its conditions of loading and whatever the upward or downward gradient of the road on 
which it is moving; 
 (b) In addition to the provisions of subp aragraph (a) of this paragraph, motorcycles 
having three wheels symmetrically arranged in relation to the vehicle’s median longitudinal plane  
shall be equipped with a parking brake that fulfils the conditions stated in paragraph 5 (b) of this 
Annex. 54 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 
CHAPTER II 
Vehicle lighting and light-signalling devices  
19. For the purposes of th is chapter, the term: 
 “Driving lamp” means the lamp used to illumina te the road over a long distance ahead of the 
vehicle; 
 “Passing lamp” means the lamp used to illumina te the road ahead of the vehicle without 
causing undue dazzle or inconvenience to oncoming drivers and other road-users; 
 “Front position lamp” means the lamp used to  indicate the presence and the width of the 
vehicle when viewed from the front; 
 “Rear position lamp” means the lamp used to indicate the presence and the width of the 
vehicle when viewed from the rear; 
 “Stop lamp” means the lamp used to indicate to  other road-users to the rear of the vehicle 
that the driver is applying the service brake; 
 “Front fog lamp” means the lamp used to improve the illumination of the road in case of 
thick fog, falling snow, heavy rain or similar conditions; 
 “Rear fog lamp” means the lamp used to make the vehicle more visible from the rear in case 
of thick fog, falling snow, heavy rain or similar conditions; 
 “Reversing lamp” means the lamp used to illumina te the road to the rear of the vehicle and 
provide a warning signal to other road-users that  the vehicle is reversing or about to reverse; 
 “Direction-indicator lamp” means the lamp used  to indicate to other road-users that the 
driver intends to change direction to the right or to the left; 
 “Parking lamp” means the lamp used to indi cate the presence of a parked vehicle; it may 
replace the front and rear position lamps; 
 “Marker lamp” means the lamp positioned near the outer edge of the overall width and as 
near as possible to the top of the vehicle fo r the purpose of clearly indicating the overall 
width. This signal complements the position la mps for some motor vehicles and trailers by 
drawing particular attention to their size; 
 “Hazard warning signal” means the signal give n by the simultaneous functioning of all the 
direction-indicator lamps; 
 “Side lamp” means the lamp installed on the side  of the vehicle so as to indicate its presence 
when viewed from the side; 
 “Special warning lamp” means the lamp intende d to indicate either priority vehicles or a 
vehicle or a group of vehicles whose presence on the road requires other road-users to take 
special precautions, in particular, convoys of vehicles, vehicles of exceptional size and road 
construction or maintenance vehicles or equipment;  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 55 
 “Rear registration plate illuminating device” means the device ensuring the illumination of 
the rear registration plate; it may be made up of several optical elements; 
 “Daytime (running) lamp” means a lamp intende d to improve the daytime conspicuity and 
visibility of the front of a vehicle in running use; 
 “Reflex-reflector” means a device used to i ndicate the presence of a vehicle by reflection of 
light emanating from a light source unconnected with that vehicle; 
 “Illuminating surface” means the orthogonal projection, in a transverse vertical plane, of the 
effective surface from which the light is emitted.  For a reflex-reflector, the effective surface 
is the visible surface of the reflex-reflecting optical unit. 
20. The colours of lights mentioned in this ch apter should, as far as possible, be in accordance 
with the definitions given in the appendix to this Annex. 
21. With the exception of motorcycles, every motor vehicle capable of exceeding 40 km (25 
miles) per hour on level road shall be equipped in front with an ev en number of white or selective-
yellow driving lamps  capable of adequately illuminating the road at night in clear weather [words 
deleted].  The outer edges of the illuminating surfaces of the driving lamps shall in no case be 
closer to the extreme outer edge of the vehicle than the outer edges of the illuminating surfaces of 
the passing lamps. 
22. With the exception of motorcycles, every motor vehicle capable of exceeding 10 km (6 
miles) per hour on level road shall be equipped in front with an ev en number of white or selective-
yellow passing lamps capable of adequately illumin ating the road at night in clear weather. A 
motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device such  that no more than two passing lamps may be lit 
simultaneously. Passing lamps shall be so adjusted as to comply with the definition in paragraph 
19 of this Annex. 
23. Every motor vehicle other than a two-wheel ed motorcycle without side-car shall be 
equipped in front with two white front pos ition lamps; however, selective yellow shall be 
permitted for front position lamps incorporated in  driving lamps or passing lamps which emit a 
selective-yellow beam. These front position lamps, when they are the only lamps switched on at 
the front of the vehicle, shall be visible at night in clear weather without causing undue dazzle or 
inconvenience to other road-users. 
24. (a) Every motor vehicle other than a two-wh eeled motorcycle without side-car shall be 
equipped at the rear with an even number of red rear position lamps visible at night in clear 
weather without causing undue dazzle or  inconvenience to other road-users; 
 (b) Every trailer shall be equipped at the r ear with an even number of red rear position 
lamps visible at night in clear weather without causing undue dazzle or inconvenience to other 
road-users. It shall, however, be permissible for a trailer whose overall width does not exceed 0.80 
m to be equipped with only one such lamp if th e trailer is coupled to a two-wheeled motorcycle 
without side-car. 
25. Every motor vehicle or trailer displaying a registration number at the rear shall be equipped 
with a lighting device such that the number is legible at night in clear weather. 56 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 
26. The electrical connections on all motor vehicles (including motorcycles) and on all 
combinations consisting of a motor vehicle and one or  more trailers shall be such that the driving 
lamps, passing lamps, front fog lamps and front  position lamps of the motor vehicle and the 
lighting device referred to in pa ragraph 25 above cannot be switche d on unless the rearmost rear 
position lamps of the motor vehicle or combination of vehicles are switched on as well. 
 Rear fog lamps shall be able to be switched on only if the driving lamps, the passing lamps 
or the front fog lamps are switched on. 
 However, this provision shall not apply to driving lamps or passing lamps when they are 
used to give the luminous warning referred to in Article 32, paragraph 3, of this Convention. In 
addition, the electrical connections shall be such that the front position lamps of the motor vehicle 
are always switched on when the passing lamps, driving lamps or fog lamps are on. 
27. Every motor vehicle other than two-wheeled motorcycles without side-car shall be equipped 
at the rear with at least two red reflex-reflectors of other than triangular form. When illuminated by 
the driving, passing or fog lamps of another vehicl e, the reflex-reflectors shall be visible to the 
driver of that vehicle at night in clear weather. 
28. Every trailer shall be equipped at the rear  with at least two red reflex-reflectors. These 
reflex-reflectors shall have the shape of an equ ilateral triangle with one vertex uppermost and one 
side horizontal. No signal lamp shall be placed inside the triangle. These reflex-reflectors shall 
meet the requirements for visibility laid down in  paragraph 27 above. However, trailers with an 
overall width not exceeding 0.80 m may be equipped  with only one reflex-reflector if they are 
coupled to a two-wheeled motorcycle without side-car. 
29. Every trailer shall be equipped at the front with two white reflex-reflectors of other than 
triangular form. These reflex -reflectors shall meet the [words deleted]  visibility requirements laid 
down in paragraph 27 above. 
30. A trailer shall be equipped at the front w ith two white front position lamps if its width 
exceeds 1.60 m. The front position lamps thus prescrib ed shall be fitted as near as possible to the 
extreme outer edge of the trailer. 
31. With the exception of two-wheeled motorcycles with or without side-car, every motor 
vehicle capable of exceeding 25 km (15 miles) pe r hour on a level road shall be equipped at the 
rear with at least two red stop lamps, the luminous intensity of which is markedly higher than that 
of the rear position lamps. The same provision shall apply to every trailer which is the last vehicle 
in a combination of vehicles. 
32. Subject to the possibility that exemption from all or some of these obligations may be 
granted in respect of mopeds by Contracting Pa rties which, in conformity with Article 54, 
paragraph 2, of the Convention, have declar ed that they treat mopeds as motorcycles: 
 (a) Every two-wheeled motorcycle with or w ithout side-car shall be  equipped with one or 
two passing lamps satisfying the conditions regardin g colour and visibility laid down in paragraph 
22 above;  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 57 
 (b) Every two-wheeled motorcycle with or without side-car capable of exceeding 40 km 
(25 miles) per hour on a level road shall be  equipped, in addition to the passing lamp , with at least 
one driving lamp  satisfying the conditions regarding colour  and visibility laid down in paragraph 
21 above. If such a motorcycle has more than one driving lamp , these lamps  shall be situated as 
close together as possible. 
 (c) [deleted]  
33. Every two-wheeled motorcycle without side-car  may be equipped at the front with one or 
two front position (side) lamps  satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down 
in paragraph 23 above. If such a motorcyc le has two front position (side) lamps , these lamps  shall 
be situated as close together as possible. 
34. Every two-wheeled motorcycle without side-car  shall be equipped at the rear with one rear 
position side lamp  satisfying the conditions regarding colour  and visibility laid down in paragraph 
24 (a) above. 
35. Every two-wheeled motorcycle without side -car shall be equipped at the rear with a 
non-triangular reflex-reflector satisfying the cond itions regarding colour and visibility laid down 
in paragraph 27 above. 
36. Subject to the possibility for Contracting Pa rties which, in conformity with Article 54, 
paragraph 2, have declared that they treat mope ds as motorcycles, to exempt two-wheeled mopeds 
with or without side-cars from this obligation, ev ery two-wheeled motorcycle with or without side-
car shall be equipped with a stop lamp  conforming to the provisions of paragraph 31 above. 
37. Without prejudice to the provisions concerning lamps  and devices prescribed for two-
wheeled motorcycles without side-car, any side-car attached to a two-wheeled motorcycle shall be 
equipped at the front with a front position (side) lamp  satisfying the conditions regarding colour 
and visibility laid down in paragr aph 23 above, and at the rear with a rear position (side) lamp  
satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid dow n in paragraph 24 (a) above and 
with a reflex-reflector satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in 
paragraph 27 above. The electrical connections sha ll be such that the front position (side) lamp  and 
rear position (side) lamp  of the side-car are switched on at the same time as the rear position (side) 
lamp  of the motorcycle. [Last sentence deleted]  
38. Motor vehicles with three wheels placed symm etrically in relation to  the vehicle’s median 
longitudinal plane, which are treated as motorcycles pursuant to Article 1, subparagraph (n), of the 
Convention, shall be equipped with  the devices prescribed in paragr aphs 21, 22, 23, 24 (a), 27 and 
31 above. However, on an electric vehicle the width of which does not exceed 1.30 m and the 
speed of which does not exceed 40 km (25 miles)  per hour a single driving lamp and a single 
passing lamp are sufficient. 
39. Every motor vehicle, except a moped, and every trailer shall be equipped with fixed 
direction-indicators with flashing amber lights, fi tted on the vehicle in even numbers and visible 
by day and by night to road-users a ffected by the vehicle’s movements. 
40. If front fog lamps are fitted on a motor vehicle they shall emit white or selective-yellow 
light, be two or, in the case of a motorcycle, one in number and be placed in such a way that no 
point on their illuminating surface is above the hi ghest point on the illuminating surface of the 
passing lamps. 58 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 
41. No reversing lamp shall cause undue dazzle or inconvenience to other road-users. If 
reversing lamps are fitted on a motor vehicle they  shall emit white or selective-yellow light. These 
lamps shall be lit only when the reverse gear is engaged.  
42. No lamps, other than direction-indicator lamps and special warning lamps, shall emit a 
winking or flashing light. Side lamps may wink at the same time as direction-indicator lamps. 
42 bis .  Special warning lamps shall emit a winking  or flashing light. Colours of these lights 
should conform to the provisions of Article 32, paragraph 14. 
42 ter .  Every motor vehicle except motorcycles and ev ery trailer shall be so equipped that they 
can emit a hazard warning signal. 
42 quater .  If rear fog lamps are fitted on a motor vehicle or a trailer they shall be red. 
42 quinquies .  Every motor vehicle and every trailer more than 6 m long shall be fitted with amber 
side reflex-reflectors. 
42 sexties .  Every motor vehicle and trailer more than 1.80 m wide may be fitted with marker 
lamps. Such lamps shall be mandatory if the width of a motor vehicle or trailer exceeds 2.10 m. If 
these lamps are used, there shall be at least two of them and they shall emit white or amber light 
towards the front and red light towards the rear. 
42 septies .  Every motor vehicle and trailer may be fitte d with side lamps. If such lamps are fitted 
they shall emit amber light. 
43. For the purposes of the pr ovisions of this Annex: 
 (a) Any combination of two or more lamps, whether identical or not, but having the same 
function and the same colour of light, shall be deemed to be a single lamp; 
 (b) A single illuminating surface in the shape of  a band shall be deemed to be two or an 
even number of lamps if it is placed symmetrically to the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle. 
The illumination of such a surface shall be provided by at least two light sources placed as close as 
possible to its ends. 
44. Lamps  on a given vehicle having the same function and facing in the same direction, shall 
be of the same colour. Lamps  and reflex-reflectors which are of even number shall be placed 
symmetrically in relation to the vehicle’s median  longitudinal plane, except on vehicles with an 
asymmetrical external shape. The intensity of the lamps  in each pair shall be substantially the 
same. 
45. Lamps  of different kinds, and, subject to the provis ions of other paragraphs of this Chapter, 
lamps  and reflex-reflectors, may be grouped or incorp orated in the same device, provided that each 
of these lamps  and reflectors complies with the applicable provisions of this Annex.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 59 
CHAPTER III  
Other requirements  
Steering mechanism  
46. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with  a strong steering mechanism which will allow 
the driver to change the direction of the vehicle, easily, quickly and surely. 
Driving (rear-view) mirror  
47. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with one or more driving (rear-view) mirrors; the 
number, dimensions and arrangement of these mirrors shall be such as to enable the driver to see 
the traffic to the rear of his vehicle. 
Audible warning device  
48. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with at  least one audible warning device of sufficient 
power. The sound emitted by the warning device shal l be continuous and uniform, but not strident. 
Priority vehicles and public passenger-transport vehicles may have additional audible warning 
devices which are not subject to these requirements. Windscreen-wiper
 
49. Every motor vehicle having a windscreen of such dimensions and shape that the driver 
cannot normally see the road ahead  from his driving position except through the transparent part of 
the windscreen, shall be equipped with at least one efficient and strongly built windscreen-wiper in 
an appropriate position, the functioning of which does not require constant action by the driver. 
Windscreen-washer  
50. Every motor vehicle required to be equipped with at least one windscreen-wiper shall also 
be equipped with a windscreen-washer. 
Windscreen and windows  
51. On all motor vehicles and on all trailers: 
 (a) Transparent substances forming part of the vehicle’s bodywork, including the 
windscreen and any interior partition, shall be such  that in case of breakage, the risk of physical 
injury will be minimized; 
 (b) The transparent parts of the windscr een shall be made of a substance whose 
transparency does not deteriorate; they shall be  such that they do not cause any appreciable 
distortion of objects seen through the windscreen, a nd that, in case of breakage, the driver still has 
a sufficiently clear view of the road. 60 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 
Reversing device  
52. Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with  a reversing device controlled from the driving 
position. This device shall not, however, be compulsory on motorcycles or on motor vehicles 
having three wheels arranged symmetrically in rela tion to the vehicle’s median longitudinal plane 
unless their permissible maximum mass  exceeds 400 kg. 
Exhaust silencer  
53. Every internal combustion engine used fo r propelling a motor vehicle shall be equipped 
with an efficient exhaust silencer. 
Tyres  
54. The wheels of motor vehicles and of their tr ailers shall be fitted with pneumatic tyres 
ensuring a good adhesion, even on a wet road . This provision shall not, however, prevent 
Contracting Parties from authorizing the use of devices producing results at least equivalent to 
those obtained with pneumatic tyres. 
Speedometer  
55. Every motor vehicle capable of exceeding 40 km  (25 miles) per hour on a level road shall be 
equipped with a speedometer; Contracting Parties may, however, exempt certain categories of 
motorcycles and other light vehicles from this requirement. 
Warning device to be carried on motor vehicles  
56. The device referred to in Article 23, paragraph 5, of this Convention, and in paragraph 6 of 
Annex 1 thereto shall be either: 
 (a) A signplate consisting of an equilateral tr iangle with a red border and with its interior 
part either hollow or of a light colour; the red border shall be fitted with a reflectorized strip. It 
may also have a red fluorescent area and/or be illuminated by transparency; the signplate shall be 
such that it can be stood firmly in a vertical position; or 
 (b) Some other equally effective device, prescribed by the legislation of the country in 
which the vehicle is registered. 
Anti-theft device  
57. Every motor vehicle shall be fitted with an anti-theft device by means of which one of its 
essential components can be put out of action or blocked when the vehicle is parked. 
Restraining devices  
58. Wherever technically practicable all forw ard-facing seats of vehicles of category B as 
referred to in Annexes 6 and 7 of this Conventio n, with the exception of vehicles constructed or 
used for special purposes as defined by domestic legislation, shall be equipped with approved 
safety belts or similarly effective approved devices.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 61 
General provisions  
59. (a) The mechanical parts and equipment of a motor vehicle shall not, so far as this can 
possibly be avoided, give rise to any danger of fire or explosion; nor shall they cause excessive 
emission of noxious gases, opaque fumes, smells or noise. 
 (b) So far as possible, the high-tension igni tion device of a motor vehicle shall not cause 
excessive radio interference. 
 (c) Every motor vehicle shall be so constructe d that the driver’s field of vision ahead, and 
to both right and left, is sufficient to enable him to drive safely. 
 (d) Motor vehicles and trailers shall, as far as possible, be so constructed and equipped as 
to reduce the danger to their occupants and to ot her road-users in case of acc ident. In particular, 
they shall have no ornaments or other objects, in side or outside, with unnecessary projections or 
ridges which may be dangerous to the occupants or other road-users. 
 (e) Vehicles of which the maximum permitte d mass exceeds 3.5 t shall be equipped, as 
far as possible, with side and rear-under run devices. 
CHAPTER IV 
Exemptions  
60. For domestic purposes, Contracting Parties may grant exemptions from the provisions of 
this Annex in respect of: 
 (a) Motor vehicles and trailers which, by vi rtue of their design, cannot exceed a speed of 
30 km (19 miles) per hour on a level road of who se speed is limited by domestic legislation to 30 
km per hour; 
 (b) Invalid carriages, i.e. small motor vehi cles specially designed and constructed - and 
not merely adapted - for use by a person sufferi ng from some physical defect or disability and 
normally used by that person only; 
 (c) Vehicles used for experiments whose purpose is to keep up with technical progress 
and improve road safety; 
 (d) Vehicles of a special form or type, or which are used for particular purposes under 
special conditions;  (e) Vehicles adapted for use by handicapped persons.
 
61. Contracting Parties may also grant exemptions  from the provisions of this Annex in respect 
of vehicles which they register and wh ich may enter international traffic: 
 (a) By authorizing the use of the colour amber for the front position lamps of motor 
vehicles and trailers; 62 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 
 (b) As regards the position of lamps on special-purpose vehicles whose external shape is 
such that the said provisions could not be ob served without the use of mounting devices which 
could easily be damaged or torn off; 
 (c) As regards trailers, carrying long load s (tree trunks, pipes, etc.), which are not 
coupled to the drawing vehicle when in moveme nt, but merely attached to it by the load; 
 (d) By authorizing the emission towards the rear of white light and towards the front of 
red light for the following equipment: 
 – Revolving of flashing lamps of priority vehicles;  
 – Fixed lamps for exceptional loads; 
 – Side lamps and reflex-reflectors; 
 – Professional lighted signs on the roof; 
 (e) By authorizing the emission of blue light towards the front and towards the rear for 
revolving or flashing lamps; 
 (f) By authorizing on any side of a vehicle of a special shape or kind or used for special 
purposes and in special conditions, alternating re d retro-reflective or fluorescent and white retro-
reflective strips; 
 (g) By authorizing the emission towards the r ear of white or coloured light reflected by 
figures or letters or by the background of rear regi stration plates, by distinctive signs or by other 
distinctive marks required by domestic legislation; 
 (h) By authorizing the use of the colour red for rearmost lateral reflex-reflectors and side 
lamps. 
CHAPTER V 
Transitional provisions  
62. Motor vehicles first registered and trailers put  into service in the territories of a Contracting 
Party before the entry into force of this Conven tion or within the two years following such entry 
into force shall not be subject to the provisions of this Annex, provided that they satisfy the 
requirements of parts I, II and III of Annex 6 of the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic. 
62 bis .  Motor vehicles first registered and trailers pu t into service in the territory of a Contracting 
Party before the entry into force of the amendmen ts to this Convention or within the two years 
following such entry into force should not be subject  to the provisions of this Annex, provided that 
they satisfy the provisions of Annex 5 of the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic in the wording 
prior to these amendments or other provisions referred to in Chapter V of the said Annex.  
  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5 - Appendix 63 
Appendix  
DEFINITION OF COLOUR FILTERS FOR OBTAINING THE COLOURS REFERRED 
TO IN THIS ANNEX (TRICHROMATIC COORDINATES) 
Red ......................................  limit towards yellow ................................. y ≤ 0.335 
   limit towards purple1 ................................ z ≤ 0.008 
White ...................................  limit towards blue ..................................... x ≥ 0.310 
   limit towards yellow ................................. x ≤ 0.500 
   limit towards green ................................... y ≤ 0.150 + 0.640x 
   limit towards green ................................... y ≤ 0.440 
   limit towards purple ................................. y ≥ 0.050 + 0.750x 
   limit towards red ...................................... y ≥ 0.382 
Amber2 . ...............................  limit towards yellow1 ............................... y ≤ 0.429 
   limit towards red1 ..................................... y ≥ 0.398 
   limit towards white1 .................................. z ≤ 0.007 
Selective yellow3 .................  limit towards red1 ..................................... y ≥ 0.138 + 0.580x 
   limit towards green1 ................................. y ≤ 1.29x - 0.100 
   limit towards white1 ................................. y  ≥ -x + 0.966 
   limit towards spectral value1 .................... y ≤ -x + 0.992 
Blue .....................................  limit towards green ................................... y = 0.065 + 0.805x 
   limit towards white ................................... y = 0.400 -x 
   limit towards purple ................................. x = 0.133 + 0.600y 
 For verifying the colorimetric  characteristics of these filters, a source of white light at a 
colour temperature of 2,854°K (corresponding to illuminant A of the International Commission on 
Illumination [CIE]) shall be used. 
 
 
                                                 
1  In these cases, different limits have been adopted from those recommended by the CIE, since the supply voltages at 
the terminals of the lamps with which the lights are fitted vary very considerably.  
2  Applies to the colour of motor vehicle signs hitherto co mmonly called “orange” or ora nge-yellow. Corresponds to a 
specific part of the “yellow” zone of the triangle of CIE colours.  
3  Applies only to passing and driving lights. In the particular case of fog-lights, th e selectivity of the colour shall be 
considered satisfactory if the purity factor is  not less than 0.820, the limit towards white y ≥ -x + 0.966, being in that 
case y ≥ -x + 0.940 and y = 0.440.  64 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 6 
Annex 6 
DOMESTIC DRIVING PERMIT 
(NOTE: The present Annex is applicable until 28 March 2011 at the latest (see new article 43). 
The new text of the Annex applicable from 29 March 2011 is reproduced in dark blue following 
the present Annex) 
1. The domestic driving permit shall take the form of a document. 
2. The permit shall be printed in the language or  languages prescribed by the authority issuing 
it or empowered to issue it; it shall, however, bear  the title “permis de conduire” in French, with or 
without the same title in other languages, and the name and/or distinctive sign of the country in 
which the permit is issued. 
3. Entries made on the permit shall either be in  Latin characters or English cursive script only, 
or be repeated in that form. 
4. The following particulars appear on the driv ing permit; they shall be preceded or followed 
by the numbers 1 to 11. 
 1. Surname 
 2. First names1 
 3. Date and place of birth2 
 4. Address3 
 5. Authority issuing the permit 
 6. Date and place of issue of the permit 
 7. Date of expiry of the validity of the permit4 
 8. Number of the permit 
 9. Signature and/or stamp or seal of the authority issuing the permit 
 10. Holder’s signature5 
 11. Category or categories of vehicle and a ny sub-categories for which the permit is valid 
  with indication of the date of issue of th e permit and the dates of expiry of the validity 
  for each of those categories. 
 In addition, the holder’s photograph shall be affixed to the driving permit. It shall be a 
matter for domestic legislation to determine any add itional particulars to be included in the driving 
permit as well as the format and the material  on which the driving permit is printed. 
                                                 
1  Father’s or husband’s name may be inserted here.  
2  If date of birth is unknown, state appr oximate age on date of issue of permit. If  place of birth is unknown, leave blank. 
Place of birth may be replaced by other pa rticulars determined by domestic legislation.  
3  The address is optional.  
4  This is optional if the validity of the permit is unlimited.  
5  Or thumbprint.   Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 6  65 
5. The categories of vehicles for which the driving permit may be valid are the following: 
 A. Motorcycles; 
 B. Motor vehicles, other than those in cat egory A, having a permissible maximum mass 
not exceeding 3,500 kg and not more than ei ght seats in addition to the driver’s seat; 
 C. Motor vehicles, other than those in category D, whose permissible maximum mass 
exceeds 3,500 kg; 
 D. Motor vehicles used for the carriage of  passengers and having more than eight seats 
in addition to the driver’s seat; 
 E. Combination of vehicles of which the driv ing vehicle is in a category or categories for 
which the driver is licensed (B, and/or C and/or D), but which are not themselves in 
that category or those categories. 
6. Domestic legislations may introduce additional categories of vehicles not belonging to the 
above-mentioned categories A to E, subcategor ies within categories and combination of 
categories, which shall be clearly identified in the driving permit. 66 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 6 
Annex 6 
 
DOMESTIC DRIVING PERMIT 
(New Annex is applicable from 29 March 2011, (see new Article 43)) 
1. A domestic driving permit shall take the form of a document. 
2. The permit may be made of plastic or pape r. The preferred format for the plastic permit 
shall be 54 x 86 mm in size. The preferred colour of the permit shall be pink; the print and spaces 
for the entries to be made shall be defined by domestic legislation subject to the provisions of 
paragraphs 6 and 7. 
3. On the front side of the permit is the title “Driving Permit” in the domestic language 
(domestic languages) of the country issuing the permit, as well as the name and/or the 
distinguishing sign of the country which issued the permit. 
4. It is compulsory to indicate in the permit the data listed under the numbers given below: 
 1. Family name; 
 2. Given name, other names; 
 3. Date and place of birth;1 
 4.(a) Date of issue; 
 4.(b) Expiry date; 
 4.(c) Name or stamp of the authority which issued the permit; 
 5. Number of the permit; 
 6. Photograph of the holder; 
 7. Signature of the holder; 
 9. Categories (subcategories) of vehicles for which the permit is valid; 
 12. Additional information or  limitations for each category (subcategory) of vehicles in 
coded form. 
5. If additional information is required by dome stic legislation, it shall be entered on the 
driving permit under the numbers given below: 
 4.(d) Identification number for the purposes of registration, other than the number under 5 
of paragraph 4; 
 8. Place of normal residence; 
 10. Date of issue for each cate gory (subcategory)  of vehicles; 
 11. Expiry date for each categ ory (subcategory) of vehicles; 
 13. Information for purposes of registration in  the case of a change in country of normal 
residence; 
 14. Information for purposes of registration or  other information related to road traffic 
safety. 
6. All the entries on the permit shall be made only in Latin characters. If other characters are 
used, the entries shall also be tran sliterated into the Latin alphabet. 
                                                 
1  The place of birth may be replaced by other particulars defined by domestic legislation.   Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 6  67 
7. The information under numbers 1-7 in paragr aphs 4 and 5 should preferably be on the same 
side of the permit. The spaces for other data unde r numbers 8-14 in paragr aphs 4 and 5 should be 
set by domestic legislation. Domestic legislation may also allocate a space on the permit for the 
inclusion of electronically stored information. 
8. The categories of vehicles for which the driving permit may be valid are the following: 
 A. Motorcycles; 
 B. Motor vehicles, other than those in cat egory A, having a permissible maximum mass 
not exceeding 3,500 kg and not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat;  
or motor vehicles of category B coupled to a trailer the permissible maximum mass of 
which does not exceed 750 kg; or motor vehicles of category B coupled to a trailer 
the permissible maximum mass of which exceeds 750 kg but does not exceed the 
unladen mass of the motor vehicle, wher e the combined permissible maximum mass 
of the vehicles so coupled does not exceed 3,500 kg; 
 C. Motor vehicles, other than those in cat egory D, having a permissible maximum mass 
exceeding 3,500 kg; or motor vehicles of category C coupled to a trailer the 
permissible maximum mass of which does not exceed 750 kg; 
 D. Motor vehicles used for the carriage of  passengers and having more than eight seats 
in addition to the driver’s seat;  or motor vehicles of category D coupled to a trailer the 
permissible maximum mass of which does not exceed 750 kg; 
 BE. Motor vehicles of category B coupled to a trailer the permissible maximum mass of 
which exceeds 750 kg and exceeds the unladen ma ss of the motor vehicle; or motor 
vehicles of category B coupled to a trailer the permissible maximum mass of which 
exceeds 750 kg, where the combined permissible maximum mass of the vehicles so 
coupled exceeds 3,500 kg; 
 CE. Motor vehicles of category C coupled to  a trailer whose permissible maximum mass 
exceeds 750 kg; 
 DE. Motor vehicles of category D coupled to  a trailer whose permissible maximum mass 
exceeds 750 kg. 
9. Under categories A, B, C, CE, D and DE, domestic legislation may introduce the following 
subcategories of vehicles for which the driving permit may be valid: 
 A1. Motorcycles with a cubic capacity not exceeding 125 cm3 and a power not exceeding 
11 kW (light motorcycles); 
 B1. Motor tricycles and quadricycles; 
 C1. Motor vehicles, with the exception of t hose in category D, the permissible maximum 
mass of which exceeds 3,500 kg but does not exceed 7,500 kg; or motor vehicles of 
subcategory C1 coupled to a trailer, th e permissible maximum mass of which does 
not exceed 750 kg; 68 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 6 
 D1. Motor vehicles used for the carriage of  passengers and having more than 8 seats in 
addition to the driver’s seat but not more than 16 seats in addition to the driver’s seat; 
or motor vehicles of subcategory D1 coupled to a trailer, the permissible maximum 
mass of which does not exceed 750 kg; 
 C1E. Motor vehicles of subcategory C1 couple d to a trailer the permissible maximum mass 
of which exceeds 750 kg but does not exceed the unladen mass of the motor vehicle, 
where the combined permissible maximum ma ss of the vehicles so coupled does not 
exceed 12,000 kg; 
 D1E. Motor vehicles of subcategory D1 couple d to a trailer, not used for the carriage of 
persons, the permissible maximum mass of which exceeds 750 kg but does not 
exceed the unladen mass of the motor ve hicle, where the combined permissible 
maximum mass of the vehicles so coupled does not exceed 12,000 kg. 
10. Domestic legislation may introduce categories and subcategories of vehicle other than those 
listed above. The designations of such categor ies and subcategories should not resemble the 
symbols used in the Convention to designate cat egories and subcategories of vehicles; another 
type of print should also be used. 
11. The categories (subcategories) of vehicles fo r which the permit is valid shall be represented 
by the pictograms in the table below. 
Category code/Pictogram  Subcategory code/Pictogram 
A 
  A1   
 
B 
 B1     
  
C 
 C1  
 
D 
 D1  
 
BE   
   
CE  
 C1E  
 
DE  
 D1E  
  
  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 7  69 
Annex 7 
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT 
1. The permit shall be a booklet in format A 6 (148 x 105 mm). The cover shall be grey and 
the inside pages white. 
2. The outside and inside of the front cover sha ll conform, respectively, to model pages Nos. 1 
and 2 below; they shall be printed in the nati onal language, or in at least one of the national 
languages, of the issuing State. The last two in side pages shall be facing pages conforming to 
model No. 3 below; they shall be printed in French. The inside pages preceding these two pages 
shall repeat the first of them in several langua ges, which must include English, Russian and 
Spanish. 3. Handwritten or typed entries made on the perm it shall be in Latin characters or in English 
cursive script. 
4. Contracting Parties issuing or authorizing th e issuance of international driving permits of 
which the cover is printed in a language other th an English, French, Russian or Spanish shall 
communicate to the Secretary-General of the United Nations the translation into that language of 
the text of model page No. 3 below. 70 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 7 
 MODEL PAGE No. 1 
(Outside of front cover) 
 
............................................................................................................................... .......................1 
International Motor Traffic 
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT 
 No. ............................ 
Convention on Road Traffic of 8 November 1968 
Valid until ................................................................................................................... .................2 
Issued by ..................................................................................................................... .................  
At ............................................................................................................................ .....................  
Date .......................................................................................................................... ....................  
Number of domestic driving permit 
 
 
                                                              ................................................................. .......................3 
 
1  Name of the issuing State and its di stinguishing sign as defined in Annex 3. 
2  Either no more than three years after the date of issue or  the date of expiry of the dom estic driving permit, whichever 
is earlier. 
3  Signature of the authority or association issuing the permit. 
4  Seal or stamp of the authority or association issuing the permit.  4  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 7  71 
MODEL PAGE No. 2 
(Inside of front cover) 
(The present Model page No. 2 is applicable until 28 March 2011 at the latest (see new article 
43)). The new one  applicable from 29 March 2011 is reproduced in dark blue thereafter.  
 
 
  
 
    
 
 
(New Model page No. 2 applicable from  29 March 2011, (see new Article 43)) 
   
 
    
 
 
1  Enter here the name of the Contracting Party in which the holder is normally resident. 
2  Space reserved for a list of the States which are Contracting Parties (optional). This permit is not valid for the territory of: ........................................................ 
............................................................................................................................... ........... 
............................................................................................................................... ........... 
............................................................................................................................... ...........1 
It is valid for the territories of all th e other Contracting Parties. The categories 
of vehicles for the driving of which it is valid are stated at the end of the booklet. 
2 
This permit shall in no way affect the obligation of the holder to conform to 
the laws and regulations relating to reside nce and to the exercise of a profession in 
each State through which he travels. In par ticular, it shall cease to be valid in a State 
if its holder establishes his normal residence there . 
This permit is not valid for the territory of: ........................................................ 
............................................................................................................................... ........... 
............................................................................................................................... ........... 
............................................................................................................................... ...........1 
It is valid for the territories of all the other Contracting Parties on condition 
that it is presented with the corresponding domestic driving permit.  The categories of 
vehicles for which the permit is valid are stated at the end of the booklet. 
2 
This permit shall cease to be valid in the territory of  another Contracting 
Party if its holder establishes his normal residence there.  72 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 7 
 MODEL 3 
Left hand page 
(The present Model 3 (Left hand p age) is applicable until 28 March 2011 at the latest (see new 
article 43). The new one  applicable from 29 March 2011 is reproduced in dark blue following 
    this page.)  
PARTICULARS CONCERNING THE DRIVER 
Surname ....................................................................................................................... ...........  1. 
Other names1 ...........................................................................................................................  2. 
Place of birth2 ..........................................................................................................................  3. 
Date of birth3 ...........................................................................................................................  4.  
Home address ..............................................................................................................  5.
CATEGORIES OF VEHICLES FOR WHICH THE PERMIT IS VALID 
Motor cycles 
A 
Motor vehicles, other than those in cat egory A, having a permissible maximum 
mass  not exceeding 3,500 kg and not more than eight seats in addition to the 
driver’s seat. B 
Motor vehicles used for the carriage of  goods and whose permissible maximum 
mass  exceeds 3,500 kg. C 
Motor vehicles used for the ca rriage of passengers and having more than eight seats 
in addition to the driver’s seat. D 
Combinations of vehicles of which the drawing vehicle is in a category or 
categories for which the driver is licensed (B and/or C and/or D), but which are not 
themselves in that category or categories. E 
RESTRICTIVE CONDITIONS OF USE5  
 
 
 
 
 
1  Father’s or husband’s name may be inserted here. 
2  If the place of birt h is unknown, leave blank. 
3  If date of birth is unknown, state appr oximate age on date of issue of permit. 
4  Seal or stamp of the authority or asso ciation issuing the permit. This seal or stamp shall be affixed against categories, 
A, B, C, D and E only if the hol der is licensed to drive vehicles in the category in question. 
5  For example, “Must wear corrective lenses”, “Valid only fo r driving vehicle No. ...”, “Veh icle must be equipped to be 
driven by a one-legged person”.  Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 7  73 
MODEL 3 
Right hand page 
(The present Model 3 (Right hand page) is applic able until 28 March 2011 at the latest (see new 
article 43). The new one  applicable from 29 March 2011 is reproduced in dark blue following 
 this page.)  
 
1. ............................................................................................................................ ......................  
2. ............................................................................................................................ ......................  
3. ............................................................................................................................ ......................  
4. ............................................................................................................................ ......................  
5. ............................................................................................................................ ......................  
 
  
   
 
  
 Photograph  
 
  
   
 
  
  
  
 
  
Signature of holder6 ..........................................................  
DISQUALIFICATIONS :  
The holder is deprived of the right to drive in the 
territory of ............................................................  7 
At .........................................................................  
The holder is deprived of the right to drive in the 
territory of ............................................................  7 
At .........................................................................   
until ............................... 8 
on .................................. 
 
until ............................... 8 
on ..................................  
6  Or thumbprint. 
7  Name of State. 
8  Signature and seal or stamp of the authority which has inva lidated the permit in its territory. If the spaces provided for 
disqualifications on this page have already been used, any further disqualifications  should be entered overleaf. A4 
B4 
C4 
D4 
E4 4 
8 
8 74 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 7 
 MODEL 3 
Left hand page 
(New Model 3 (Left hand page)  applicable from 29 March 2011, (see new Article 43))  
PARTICULARS CONCERNING THE DRIVER 
Family name: .................................................................................................................. .........  1. 
Given name, ot her names: ...................................................................................................... . 2 .  
Place of birth:1 .........................................................................................................................  3. 
Date of birth: ................................................................................................................ ...........  4. 
Place of normal residence:2 .....................................................................................................  5.  
CATEGORIES AND SUBCATEGORIES OF VEHICLES, WITH THE 
CORRESPONDING CODES, FOR WHICH THE PERMIT IS VALID  
Category code/Pictogram Subc ategory code/Pictogram 
A  
 A1  
 
B  
 B1 
 
C  
 C1 
 
D  
 D1  
 
BE  
   
CE  
 C1E  
DE  
 D1E  
 
RESTRICTIVE CONDITIONS OF USE3 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
1  The place of birth may be replaced by other particulars defined by domestic legislation. 
2  To be completed when requi red by domestic legislation. 
3  For example: “Must wear corrective lenses”, “Valid only for driving vehicle No. .…”, “Vehicle must be equipped 
to be driven by a one-legged person”.   Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 7  75 
MODEL 3 
Right hand page 
(New Model 3 (Right hand page) applicable from 29 March 2011, (see new Article 43)) 
1. ............................................................................................................................ ....................... 
2. ............................................................................................................................ ....................... 
3. ............................................................................................................................ ....................... 
4. ............................................................................................................................ ....................... 
5. ............................................................................................................................ ....................... 
STAMP4 STAMP4 
A A1  
B B1  
C C1  
D D1  
BE   
CE  C1E   
DE  D1E  Signature of the holder .............................  
DISQUALIFICATIONS: 
The holder is deprived of the right to drive in 
the territory of .......................................................5 until .......................................... 
At ..........................................................................  on .............................................6 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
The holder is deprived of the right to drive in 
the territory of  ......................................................5 until .......................................... 
At ..........................................................................  on .............................................6 
4  Seal or stamp of the authority or association issuing th e permit. This seal or stamp shall be affixed against the 
designation of the categories or subcategories only if th e holder is licensed to driv e the appropriate vehicles. 
5  Name of State. 
6  Signature and seal or stamp of the authority which has invalidated the permit in its territory. If the spaces provided 
for disqualifications on this page have  already been used, any further disqua lifications should be entered overleaf.  photograph 
6 
6 4