PART ICONVENTION ON ROAD TRAFFICDONE AT VIENNA ON 8 NOVEMBER 1968
(Consolidated version*)* Including the amendments to the Convention which entered into force on 3 September 1993 (marked in the margin
with a single line) and the amendments which entered into force on 28 March 2006 (marked in the margin with a doubleline).

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic

3

CONVENTION ON ROAD TRAFFICThe Contracting Parties,
Desiring to facilitate international road traffic and to increase road safety through the
adoption of uniform traffic rules,
Have agreed upon the following provisions:
Chapter I
GENERAL PROVISIONSARTICLE 1
Definitions
For the purpose of this Convention the following expressions shall have the meanings
hereby assigned to them:(a) The “domestic legislation” of a Contracting 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 person 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 refuse 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 thevehicles in the combination conforms to the above definition;(c) “Built-up area” means an area with entries and exits specially signposted as such, orotherwise 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 roadmay 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).

4Part I: Convention on Road Traffic(f)
On carriageways where one or more side lanes or tracks are reserved for use bycertain vehicles, “edge of the carriageway” means, for other road-users, the edge of the remainderof the carriageway;(g) “Lane” means any one of the longitudinal strips into which the carriageway isdivisible, whether or not defined by longitudinal 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 isdistinguished from the rest of the carriageway 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 other roads or other parts of the same road bystructural 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 intersection between a road and a railway or
tramway track with its own track formation;(j)“Motorway” means a road specially designed and built for motor traffic, which does
not serve properties bordering on it, and which:

(k)

(i)

Is provided, except at special points or temporarily, with separate carriageways
for the two directions of traffic, separated 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;

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 tocomply with traffic regulations, and if the period during which the vehicle isstationary is not limited to the time needed to pick up or set down persons or
goods;

Nevertheless, it shall be open to Contracting Parties to regard as “standing” any vehicle which isstationary within the meaning of subparagraph (ii) above for a period not exceeding that fixed bydomestic legislation, and to regard as “parked” any vehicle which is stationary within the meaningof subparagraph (i) above for a period exceeding 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 vehicle, in particular by means of pedals or handcranks;

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic

5(m) “Moped” means any two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle which is fitted with aninternal 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 toregard 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 bypedals, or whose maximum design speed, whose mass, or certain of whose engine characteristics
exceed certain limits. Nothing in this definition 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 isequipped with a propelling engine. Contracting Parties may also treat as motorcycles in theirdomestic legislation three-wheeled vehicles whose unladen mass does not exceed 400 kg. The
term “motorcycle” does not include mopeds, although 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-propelled road vehicle, other than a moped in
the territories of Contracting Parties which do not treat mopeds as motorcycles, and other than arail-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 road, 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 andincludes 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 massof its load is borne by the motor vehicle;(s)“Light trailer” means any trailer of a permissible maximum mass not exceeding 750(t)“Combination of vehicles” means coupled vehicles which travel on the road as a unit;kg;(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 acycle), or who guides cattle, singly or in herds, or flocks, or draught, pack or saddle animals on a
road;

2

Definition completed in the Annex of the European Agreement (see subparagraph (n), Point 3).

6Part 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, butwith 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 andpassengers on board;(z) “Direction of traffic” and “appropriate to the direction of traffic” mean the right-handside if, under domestic legislation, the driver of a vehicle must allow an oncoming vehicle to pass
on his left; otherwise these expressions mean the left-hand side;(aa) The requirement that a driver shall “give 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 ofother 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 ininternational traffic;

Annex 2:

Registration number of motor vehicles and trailers in internationaltraffic;

Annex 3:Distinguishing sign of motor vehicles and trailers in international traffic;

Annex 4:

Identification marks of motor vehicles and trailers in international traffic;

Annex 5:

Technical conditions concerning motor vehicles and trailers;Annex 6:

Domestic driving permit; andAnnex 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 roadin 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 areapplicable to situations that do not arise 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 appropriate measures to ensure that the rules inforce 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 noway contrary to the safety principles governing the provisions of Annex 5, the said rules may
contain provisions not contained in Annex 5. Contracting Parties shall also take appropriate
measures to ensure that motor vehicles and trailers registered in their territories conform to theprovisions of Annex 5 to this Convention when entering international traffic.
(b) The provisions of this paragraph do not 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 thisConvention.
3.
Subject to the exceptions provided for in Annex 1 to this Convention, Contracting Parties
shall be bound to admit to their territories in international traffic motor vehicles and trailers which
fulfil the conditions laid down in Chapter III of this Convention and whose drivers fulfil theconditions laid down in Chapter IV; they shall also be bound to recognize registration certificatesissued in accordance with the provisions of Chapter III as prima facie evidence that the vehicles towhich 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 underbilateral or multilateral agreements, to admit to their territories in international traffic motor
vehicles and trailers that do not satisfy all the conditions stated in Chapter III of this Convention
and to recognize, in cases other than those specified in Chapter IV, the validity in their territories
of driving permits issued in the territory of another Contracting Party shall be deemed to be inconformity 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.

8Part I: Convention on Road Traffic

whose drivers have their normal residence in the territory of another Contracting Party. No
Contracting Party shall require the drivers of cycles or mopeds in international traffic to hold adriving 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 ofmopeds in international traffic to hold a driving permit.
5 bis. Contracting Parties will take the necessary measures to ensure that road safety education beprovided 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 lay down minimum requirements concerning thecurriculum and the qualifications of the personnel responsible for providing such instruction.
6.
Contracting Parties undertake to communicate to any Contracting Party, which may sorequest, the information necessary to ascertain the identity of the person in whose name a powerdriven vehicle, or a trailer coupled to such a vehicle, is registered in their 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 thereby liable to important penalties or disqualificationfrom 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 underbilateral 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 Article shall affect the right of a Contracting Party
to make the admission to its territory in international traffic of motor vehicles, trailers, mopeds andcycles, and of their drivers and occupants, subject to its regulations concerning the commercial
carriage of passengers and goods, to its regulations concerning insurance of drivers against thirdparty risks, to its Customs regulations and, in general, to its regulations on matters other than roadtraffic.
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 the same day as this Convention
undertake that:(a) All road signs, traffic light signals and road markings installed in their territory shallform 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 togive drivers adequate warning;Part I: Convention on Road Traffic(d)9

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 sign 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 toappear on the sign or on its support provided this does not make it less easy tounderstand the sign;(ii)

To install any board, notice, marking or device which might be confused withsigns or other traffic control devices, might render them less visible oreffective, or might dazzle road-users or distract their attention in a way
prejudicial to traffic safety;(iii)

To install on pavements and verges devices or equipment which might
unnecessarily obstruct the movement of pedestrians, 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 signals shall take precedence over those conveyed byroad signs regulating priority.
ARTICLE 6
Instructions given by authorized officials
1.
When they are directing traffic, authorized officials shall be easily identifiable at a distance,at night as well as by day.
2.
Road-users shall promptly obey all instructions given by authorized officials directing
traffic.
3.
It is recommended: 5 that domestic legislation should provide that directions given byauthorized officials directing traffic shall include the following:(a) Arm raised upright; this gesture shall mean “attention, stop” for all road-users except
drivers who are no longer able to stop with sufficient safety; further, if made at an intersection, thisgesture shall not require drivers already on the intersection to stop;5

See also Point 5 of the Annex of the European Agreement.

10Part I: Convention on Road Traffic(b) Arm or arms outstretched horizontally; this gesture shall constitute a stop signal for
all road-users approaching from any direction which would cut across that indicated by theoutstretched arm or arms; after making this gesture, the authorized official directing traffic may
lower his arm or arms; this gesture shall likewise constitute a stop signal for drivers in front of or
behind the official;(c) Swinging red light; this gesture shall constitute a stop signal for road-users towards
whom the light is directed.
4.
The instructions given by authorized officials directing traffic shall take precedence overthose 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 obstructtraffic or risk making it dangerous by throwing, depositing or leaving any object or substance on
the road or by creating any other obstruction on the 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 assoon 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 aspedestrians 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 occupantsof 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 legislation 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. 8678

See also Point 6 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 6).
See also Point 7 of the Annex of the European Agreement.

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic

113.
Every driver shall possess the necessary physical and mental ability and be in a fit physicaland mental condition to drive.
4.
Every driver of a power-driven vehicle shall possess the knowledge and skill necessary for
driving the vehicle; however, this requirement shall not be a bar to driving practice by learnerdrivers in conformity with domestic legislation.
5.
10

Every driver shall at all times be able to control his vehicle or to guide his animals. 9
See footnote.

6.
A driver of a vehicle shall at all times minimize 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 legislation should provide that, save where exceptions are
granted to facilitate their mass movement, flocks and herds should be divided into sections ofmoderate length spaced sufficiently far apart for the convenience of traffic. 11
ARTICLE 10
Position on the carriageway 12
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 thecarriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic.
3.
Without prejudice to the provisions to the contrary of Article 7, paragraph 1, Article 11,
paragraph 6, and to other provisions of this Convention to the contrary, every driver of a vehicle
shall, to the extent permitted by circumstances, keep 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 carriageways, 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.
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (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 Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 9).
10

12Part 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 opposite 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 bya sign, drivers of vehicles moving slowly shall use that lane.
ARTICLE 11
Overtaking and movement of traffic in lines1.
(a)of traffic.

Drivers overtaking shall do so on the side opposite to that appropriate to the direction(b) However drivers shall overtake on the side appropriate to the direction of traffic if thedriver to be overtaken has signalled his intention to turn to the side of the carriageway opposite tothat appropriate to the direction of traffic and has moved his vehicle or animals over towards thatside 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 whichcorresponds to the direction of traffic provided 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 following 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 therelative speed of the two vehicles allows overtaking within a sufficiently short time; and(d) That, except when using a lane closed to oncoming traffic, he will be able, withoutinconvenience 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 paragraph 2 of this Article, overtaking on two-way
carriageways is in particular prohibited when approaching the crest of a hill and, if visibility isinadequate, on bends, unless there are at these points lanes defined by longitudinal road markingsand overtaking is carried out without leaving the 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

135.
(a) On carriageways with at least two lanes reserved for traffic moving in the direction inwhich he is proceeding, a driver who should be obliged, immediately or shortly after moving backto the position prescribed by Article 10, paragraph 3, of this Convention, to overtake again may, inorder to perform that manoeuvre, and provided he makes sure he can do so without undue
inconvenience to the drivers of faster vehicles approaching 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 theprovisions of this paragraph to the drivers of cycles, mopeds, motorcycles and vehicles which are
not motor vehicles within the meaning of this Convention, 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 but also are moving only at a speed which isgoverned by that of the vehicle preceding them in the line:(a) Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 9 of this Article, the movement of
the vehicles in one line at a higher speed than that of those in another shall not be deemed toconstitute overtaking within the meaning of this Article;(b) A driver not in the lane nearest to the edge of the carriageway appropriate to thedirection 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 withdomestic legislation resulting from the application of the provisions of paragraph 5 (b) of this
Article. 15
7.
When moving in lines as described in paragraphs 5 and 6 of this Article, drivers are
forbidden, if the lanes are indicated on the carriageway by longitudinal markings, to straddle thesemarkings.
8.
Without prejudice to the provisions of paragraph 2 of this Article and to other restrictions
which Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof 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)

14
15

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 takes place has priority at the intersection;(iii)

Where traffic is directed at the intersection by an authorized official or bytraffic light signals;

See also Point 10 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
See also Point 10 of the Annex of the European Agreement.

14Part I: Convention on Road Traffic(b) Immediately before or on a level-crossing not equipped with gates or half-gates,
provided however that Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof shall be free to permit suchovertaking 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 thecrossing, otherwise than at a speed low enough to enable it to stop immediately if a pedestrian ison the crossing. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as preventing Contracting Parties or
subdivisions thereof from prohibiting overtaking within a prescribed distance from a pedestriancrossing, 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 following 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 ofthe carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic and refrain from accelerating. If, owing to
the narrowness, profile or condition of the carriageway, taken in conjunction with the density ofoncoming traffic, a vehicle which is slow or bulky or is required to observe a speed limit cannot beeasily and safely overtaken, the driver of such vehicle 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 direction and are indicated by longitudinal markings:(i)

Allow vehicles in one lane to overtake on the side appropriate to the directionof traffic vehicles in another lane; and(ii)

Make inapplicable the provisions of Article 10, paragraph 3, of thisConvention;

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 theprovisions of paragraph 9 of this Article, the manner of driving provided for shall not be deemed
to constitute overtaking within the meaning of this Convention.
ARTICLE 12
Passing of oncoming traffic1.
When passing oncoming traffic, a driver shall leave sufficient lateral space and, if necessary,
move close to the edge of the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic. If in so doing hefinds 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 oncoming road-user or road-users to pass.
2.
On mountain roads and steep roads with characteristics similar to those of mountain roads,
where the passing of oncoming traffic is impossible or difficult, it is the driver of the vehicle
16
17

See also Point 10 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
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 need 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 vehicle proceeding downhill unless it can manifestly bemore easily performed by the driver of the vehicle proceeding uphill. However, Contracting
Parties or subdivisions thereof may prescribe for certain vehicles or certain roads or sections ofroads 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 circumstances have his vehicle under control so as to beable 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 speed of his vehicle, pay constant regard to thecircumstances, 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 traffic, so as to be able to stop his vehicle within
his range of forward vision and short of any foreseeable obstruction. He shall slow down and if
necessary stop whenever circumstances 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 limits 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 ofpriority vehicles referred to in article 34, paragraph 2, or vehicles treated as such in domestic
legislation.
4.
No driver shall impede the normal progress of other vehicles by travelling abnormallyslowly without proper cause.
The driver of a vehicle moving behind another vehicle shall keep at a sufficient distance5.
from that other vehicle to avoid collision if the vehicle in front should suddenly slow down or stop.
[ex paragraph 5 deleted]
6. 20 Outside built-up areas, in order to facilitate overtaking, drivers of vehicles or combinationsof 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 frompower-driven vehicles ahead of them that other vehicles overtaking them can without danger moveinto the space in front of the overtaken vehicle. However, this provision shall not apply in very
dense traffic or in circumstances where overtaking is prohibited. In addition:18

See also Point 11 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
See also Point 12 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
20
See also Point 12 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
19

16Part I: Convention on Road Traffic(a) The competent authorities may exempt certain conveys of vehicles from thisprovision, 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 fromthose 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 such 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 intoanother road or into a property bordering on the road, shall first make sure that he can do so
without risk of endangering other road-users travelling behind or ahead of him or about to passhim, 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 directionindicators 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 recommended 22 that domestic legislation should provide that in built-up areas, in orderto facilitate the movement of regular public-transport service vehicles, the drivers of other vehicles
shall, subject to the provisions of Article 17, paragraph 1, of this Convention, slow down and if
necessary stop in order to allow the public-transport vehicles to perform the manoeuvre required
for moving off from stops marked as such. The provisions 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 theirintention 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 prejudice to the provisions of Article 7, paragraph 1,
and of Article 14, of this Convention:

21
22

See also Point 13 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
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 appropriate to the direction of traffic, keep as close
as possible to the edge of the carriageway appropriate 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 tochange 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 hewishes to enter another two-way road, make his turn so as to enter the carriageway of such otherroad on the side appropriate to the direction of traffic.
2.
While changing direction, the driver shall, without prejudice to the provisions of Article 21of this Convention regarding pedestrians, allow road users to pass on the carriageway, or on otherparts 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 danger, first make sure that he can do so without
danger or undue inconvenience to other drivers. He shall also, unless he has made sure that there isno 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 given 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 intersection shall exercise such extra care as may beappropriate to local conditions. Drivers of vehicles shall, in particular, drive at such a speed as tobe able to stop to allow vehicles having the right of way to pass.
2.
Every driver emerging from a path or an earth-track (dirt road) on to a road other than a pathor an earth-track shall give way to vehicles travelling 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 tovehicles travelling on that road. 23

23

See also Point 15 of the Annex of the European Agreement.

18
4.

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic
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, atintersections other than those specified in paragraph 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 traffic 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 probably be obliged to stop on the intersection, thereby
obstructing or preventing the passage of cross traffic.
6.
A driver who has entered an intersection where traffic is regulated by traffic light signals
may clear the intersection without waiting for the way to be opened in the direction in which hewishes 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 approaching 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 lightsignal or a sound signal, no road-user shall enter a level-crossing at which the gates or half-gatesare across the road or in process of being placed across the road, or at which the half-gates are inprocess of being raised;(c) If a level-crossing is not equipped with gates, 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 tostop, 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
25

See also Point 15 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex 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 forpedestrians, pedestrians shall use them. Nevertheless, if they take the necessary precautions:(a) Pedestrians pushing or carrying bulky objects 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 (sidewalks) 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 shall not obstruct cycle and moped traffic in doingso.
4.
Pedestrians walking on the carriageway in accordance with paragraphs 2 and 3 of this
Article shall keep as close as possible 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 person in charge or forming a procession shall in
all cases keep to the side of the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic. Unless they
form a procession, pedestrians walking on the carriageway shall, by night or when visibility ispoor and, by day, if the density of vehicular traffic so requires, walk in single file wherever
possible. 29
6.
(a) Pedestrians wishing to cross a carriageway shall not step on to it without exercisingcare; they shall use a pedestrian crossing whenever there is one nearby;(b) In order to cross the carriageway at a pedestrian crossing signposted as such orindicated by markings on the carriageway:(i)26

If the crossing is equipped with light signals for pedestrians, the latter shallobey the instructions given by such lights;

See also Point 16 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (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.
27

20Part I: Convention on Road Traffic(ii)

If the crossing is not equipped with such lights, but vehicular traffic isregulated by traffic light signals or by an authorized official, pedestrians shallnot step onto the carriageway while the traffic light signal or the signal givenby the authorized official indicates that vehicles may proceed along it;(iii)

At other pedestrian crossings, pedestrians 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 elsewhere than at a pedestrian crossing signposted
as such or indicated by markings on the carriageway, pedestrians shall not step on to thecarriageway without first making sure that they can do so without impeding vehicular traffic. 30(d) Once they have started to cross a carriageway, pedestrians shall not take anunnecessarily long route, and shall not linger or stop on the carriageway unnecessarily.
7.
However, Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may impose stricter requirements onpedestrians 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, andArticle 13, paragraph 1, of this Convention, where there is on the carriageway a pedestriancrossing 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 anauthorized official, drivers forbidden to proceed shall stop short of the crossing or the transverse
markings preceding it and, when they are permitted to proceed, shall not prevent or obstruct thepassage of pedestrians who have stepped on to it; drivers turning into another road at the entrance
to which there is a pedestrian crossing shall do so slowly and give way, if necessary stopping forthis purpose, to pedestrians already using, or about to use, the crossing;(b) If vehicular traffic is not regulated at that crossing by traffic light signals or by anauthorized 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 allow such pedestrians tocross.
3.
No provision of this Article shall be construed as preventing Contracting Parties or
subdivisions thereof from: 31

30
31

See also Point 16 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
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 indicated by markings on the carriageway in theconditions laid down in Article 20 of this Convention, orProhibiting 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 pedestriancrossing signposted as such or indicated by markings on the carriageway.
4.
Drivers intending to overtake, on the side appropriate 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 other devices set up on the carriageway on which he istravelling, except in the following cases:(a)Where the side on which the island, post or device shall be passed is indicated by asign;(b) Where the island, post or device is on the centre-line of a two-way carriageway; inthis case the driver shall keep to the side of the island, post or device corresponding to thedirection 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 carriageway. Both in and outside built-up areas theyshall not be stationed on cycle tracks, cycle lanes, bus lanes, tracks for horseback riders, footpaths,
pavements or on verges specially provided for pedestrian 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 acarriageway save on the side appropriate, for him, to the direction of traffic; nevertheless, standingor parking on the other side shall be permitted where standing or parking on the side appropriate to
the direction of traffic is prevented by the presence 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 parking on one side or the other incertain conditions, for instance where standing on the side appropriate to thedirection 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 provides otherwise, vehicles other than two-wheeled
cycles, two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without side-car shall not stand or beparked two abreast on the carriageway. Standing or parked vehicles shall, unless the layout of thearea permits otherwise, be placed parallel to the edge of the carriageway. 33
3.

35

(a)

The standing or parking of a vehicle on the carriageway shall be prohibited: 34(i)

On pedestrian crossings, on crossings 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 thepossibility for Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof to provide otherwise,on pavements and cycle tracks;

See footnote.

(b) The standing or parking of a vehicle at any point where it would constitute a danger
shall be prohibited, more particularly:

33

(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 overtaken in complete safety, having regard
to the speed of vehicles on the section of the road in question;(iii)

On a carriageway beside a longitudinal 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 thatvehicles 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;

See also Point 18 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
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).
34

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic(c)23

The parking of a vehicle on the carriageway shall be prohibited:(i)

On approaches to level-crossings, to intersections 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 vehicle would prevent access to another vehicle
properly parked or prevent such other vehicle from moving out;(iv)

On the central carriageway of three-carriageway roads and, outside built-up
areas, on the carriageways of roads marked as priority roads by appropriate
signs.

(v)[deleted]4.
A driver shall not leave his vehicle or his animals without having taken all suitableprecautions to avoid any accident and, in the case of a motor vehicle, to prevent its unauthorizeduse.
5. 37 It is recommended that domestic legislation 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 stationary on the carriageway outside a built-up area besignalled to approaching drivers at a sufficient distance 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 thatapproaching 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 parking 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 vehicle, to leave it open, or to alight from thevehicle 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.
See also Point 18 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
38
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 18).
37

24Part 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 andexit roads from motorways:(a) The use of the road shall be prohibited to pedestrians, animals, cycles, mopeds unlessthey 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)

40

Drivers shall be forbidden:(i)

To have their vehicles standing or parked 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 verge 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 reverse, and to drive on to the central dividing
strip, including the crossovers linking the two carriageways.

See footnote.

2.
Drivers emerging on to a motorway shall give way to vehicles travelling on it. If there is anacceleration 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 deceleration lane, if there is one, as soon as he can.
41

See footnote.

4.
For the purpose of the application of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article, other roads
reserved for motor vehicle traffic, duly signposted as such and not affording access to or fromproperties alongside, shall be treated as motorways. 42
ARTICLE 25 bis
Special regulations for tunnels indicated by special road signs
In tunnels indicated by the special road signs, the following rules shall apply:
1.

39

All drivers are forbidden:

See also Point 19 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
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.
40

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic

2.

(a)

to reverse;(b)to make a U-turn;(c)[deleted]25

Even if the tunnel is lit, all drivers must switch on the driving or passing lamps.

3.
Drivers are permitted to stop or park a vehicle 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 andhandicapped persons

1.
It shall be prohibited for road-users to cut across troop columns, files of schoolchildren
accompanied by a person in charge, and other processions.
2.
Handicapped persons travelling in invalid chairs propelled by themselves or moving at awalking 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 moreabreast.
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 whichhamper their cycling or endanger other road-users. The same provisions shall apply to moped
drivers and motorcyclists; in addition, however, moped drivers and motorcyclists shall hold thehandlebars with both hands except when signalling the manoeuvre described in Article 14,
paragraph 3, of this Convention. 43
3.
It shall be prohibited for cyclists 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 passengers on such additional saddle or saddles as may
be fitted on the vehicle. Motorcyclists shall not be permitted to carry passengers except in the sidecar, if there is one, and on the additional saddle (pillion), if any, fitted behind the driver.
4.
Where cycle lanes or cycle tracks exist, Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may
forbid cyclists to use the rest of the carriageway. 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.

26Part 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 track 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 shall not be prolonged more than necessary.
2.
Motor-vehicle drivers may give the luminous warnings specified in Article 32, paragraph 3,of this Convention, instead of audible warnings, between nightfall and dawn. They may also do soin daylight hours for the purpose indicated in paragraph 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 inbuilt-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 orother rail-borne vehicle clear the track as soon as possible to allow the rail-borne vehicle to pass.
2.
Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may adopt special rules, differing from those laid
down in this Chapter, for the movement of rail-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 Article 18, paragraph 7, of this Convention. 47
48

44

See footnote.

See also Point 20 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
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 Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 21).
45

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, moreparticularly 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 creating any other nuisance which can be avoided;(d) Masking lights, including stop lights and direction-indicators, reflex reflectors,
registration numbers and the distinguishing sign of the State of registration with which, under thisConvention or under domestic legislation, the vehicle is required to be equipped, or masking
signals given by arm in accordance with Article 14, paragraph 3, or Article 17, paragraph 2, of thisConvention.
3.
All accessories, such as cables, chains and sheets, used to secure or protect the load shall bedrawn tight around the load and be firmly fastened. All accessories used to protect the load shallsatisfy 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 allcases where their projection might not be noticed by the drivers of other vehicles; at night, a whitelight 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 the 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 from the outer edge of the vehicle’s front position(side) light shall be marked at the front at night, and loads projecting in such a way that theirlateral outer edge is more than 0.40 m from the outer 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 shall 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.

28Part 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 toassist the injured, every driver or other road-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 traffic safety at the site of the accident and, if a person has been
killed or seriously injured in the accident, to prevent, insofar as such action does not affect traffic
safety, any change in conditions at the site, including the disappearance of traces which might beuseful 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 may, under their domestic legislation, refrainfrom 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 and in any other circumstances when visibility is inadequate on
account, for example, of fog, snowfall or heavy rain, 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 therear position lamp(s), according to the equipment prescribed by the present Convention for thevehicle 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 Traffic2.

29

Driving lamps shall be switched off and replaced by passing lamps:(a) In built-up areas where the road is adequately lighted and outside built-up areas where
the carriageway is continuously lighted and the lighting 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 another vehicle, so as to prevent dazzle far enoughaway to enable the driver of the other vehicle 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, asregards front fog maps, as a substitute for passing lamps. Domestic legislation may authorize thesimultaneous use of front fog lamps and passing lamps 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 thedriving 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 runninglamps 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 and in any other circumstances when visibility is inadequate,
the presence of power-driven vehicles and their trailers 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 thefront and rear position lamps may be replaced 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 thecarriageway edge alongside which the 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 vehicle 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 notequipped 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 ofthis 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)
14.

When indicating to other road-users the risk of an imminent danger.

Special warning lamps:(a) Displaying a blue light may be used only on priority vehicles when carrying out anurgent mission or when in other cases it is necessary to give warning to other road-users of thepresence of the vehicle;(b) Displaying an amber light may be used only when the vehicles genuinely assigned tothe specific tasks for which they were equipped with the special warning lamp or when thepresence of such vehicles on the road constitutes a danger or inconvenience to other road-users.
The use of warning lamps displaying other colours may be authorized by domestic legislation.
15. In no circumstances shall a vehicle display a red 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 orlamps added to it in a way which could 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 thisConvention 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 least 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 thevehicle 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 beemitted 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 legislation 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 therear. The lamps shall in both cases be placed on the side opposite to that corresponding to thedirection 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. Furthermore, 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 appropriate to the direction of traffic, atleast 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 theside 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 lightin 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 priority vehicle by its special luminous and audible
warning devices every road-user shall leave room clear 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 vehicle’s special warning devices, and provided thatthey do not endanger other road-users, 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 drivers of equipment used for such work, shall not
be bound, provided they take the necessary precautions, to observe the provisions of this Chapter
II during their work.
4.
For the purpose of overtaking or passing the equipment referred to in paragraph 3 of this
Article while it is engaged in work on the road, the drivers of other vehicles may, to the extent
necessary and on conditions that they take all due precautions, disregard the requirements ofArticles 11 and 12 of this Convention.
51

See also Point 26 of the Annex of the European Agreement.

32Part I: Convention on Road Traffic
Chapter III
CONDITIONS FOR THE ADMISSION OF MOTOR VEHICLESAND TRAILERS TO INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC
ARTICLE 35
Registration

1.
(a) In order to be entitled to the benefits of this Convention, every motor vehicle ininternational 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 shallcarry a valid certificate of such registration issued either by a competent authority of such
Contracting Party or subdivision thereof or on behalf 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 known as the registration certificate, shall bear thefollowing particulars at least:
A serial number, to be known as the registration number, composed in the manner indicatedin 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 shall either be in Latin characters or so-called
English cursive script only, or be repeated in that form.
(b) Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may, however, decide that the year of
manufacture, instead of the date of first registration, shall be entered on certificates issued in theirterritories.
(c) In the case of motor vehicles of categories A and B as defined in Annexes 6 and 7 tothis Convention and, if possible, for other motor vehicles:(i)

The certificate shall be headed with the distinguishing sign of the State ofregistration as defined in Annex 3 to this Convention;(ii)

The letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H respectively shall be placed before orafter 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
(iii)

33

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 thecountry of registration.

(d) For trailers, including semi-trailers, imported temporarily into a country by a mode oftransport other than road transport, a photocopy of the registration certificate, certified as a true
copy by the authority which issued the certificate, 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 registration and a single certificate for the drawing
vehicle and semi-trailer composing it.
3.
Nothing in this Convention shall be construed as limiting the right of Contracting Parties or
subdivisions thereof to require, in the case of a vehicle in international traffic which is notregistered 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 should set up, if they have not already done so, aservice 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 eachcertificate 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 traffic shall display its registration number at therear. Where a motor vehicle draws one or more trailers, the sole trailer or the last trailer, if notregistered, shall display the registration number of the drawing vehicle.
3.
The composition of the registration number referred to in this Article, and the manner ofdisplaying 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 traffic 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 beincorporated into the registration plate.
(c) When the distinguishing sign is incorporated 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 Traffic2.
Every trailer coupled to a motor vehicle and required under Article 36 of this Convention todisplay a registration number at the rear shall also display at the rear, either separately from its
registration plate or incorporated into it, the distinguishing 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 Stateother than the State of registration of the motor vehicle to which it is coupled; if the trailer is notregistered, it shall display at the rear the distinguishing sign of the State of registration of thedrawing vehicle except when it is travelling in that State.
3.
The composition of the distinguishing sign, and the manner of displaying it or its
incorporation into the registration plate, shall conform to the conditions laid down in Annexes 2
and 3 to this Convention.

ARTICLE 38
Identification marks
Every motor vehicle and every trailer in international 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 combination 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 persons and having more than eight seats inaddition to the driver’s seat;(b) Motor vehicles used for the carriage of goods whose permissible maximum massexceeds 3,500 kg and trailers designed to be coupled to such vehicles.
3.
Domestic legislation shall, as far as possible, extend the provision of paragraph 2 to theother categories of vehicles.
52

See footnote.
ARTICLE 40
Transitional provision

For a period of 10 years from the entry into force of this Convention in accordance with
1.
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 duringthat period shall be mutually recognized until the expiry date inscribed therein.
53

See footnote.
Chapter IV
DRIVERS OF MOTOR VEHICLESARTICLE 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 dark 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 andskill;(c)

Domestic legislation must lay down requirements for obtaining a driving permit;(d) Nothing in this Convention shall be construed 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 national language or in one of their national
languages, or, if not drawn up in such a language, accompanied by a certified translation;(b)

Any domestic permit conforming to the provisions of Annex 6 to this Convention;(c)

Any international permit conforming to the provisions of Annex 7 to this Convention;andas valid for driving in their territories a vehicle coming within the categories covered by thepermit, provided that the permit is still valid and that 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 shall 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).

36Part I: Convention on Road Traffic3.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph:(a) Where the validity of the driving permit is made subject by special endorsement tothe condition that the holder shall wear certain devices or that the vehicle shall be equipped in acertain way to take account of the driver’s disability, 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 recognize the validity in their territories, for thedriving of motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles in categories C, D and E referred to in
Annexes 6 and 7 to this Convention, of driving permits held by persons under twenty-one years ofage.
4.
Contracting Parties may introduce in their domestic legislation a subdivision of thecategories of vehicles referred to in Annexes 6 and 7 of this Convention. If the driving permit isrestricted to certain vehicles within a category, a numeral shall be added to the letter of thecategory and the nature of the restriction shall be indicated in the driving permit.
5.

For the purpose of the application of paragraph 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 tobelong to category C or category D.
6.
An international permit shall be issued only to the holder of a domestic permit for the issueof which the minimum conditions laid down in this Convention have been fulfilled. It shall not bevalid after the expiry of the corresponding domestic permit, the number of which shall be enteredin the international permit.
7.

The provisions of this Article shall not require Contracting Parties:(a) To recognize the validity of domestic or international permits issued in the territory of
another Contracting Party to persons who had their normal residence in their territories at the timeof such issue or whose normal residence has been transferred to their territories 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 the territory in which the permit was issued or who
since such issue have transferred their 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 andskills; the persons authorized to check if drivers have the necessary knowledge and skills musthave appropriate qualifications; the contents and procedure of both theoretical and practical exams
are regulated by national legislation;(c) Domestic legislation must lay down requirements 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 construed 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 thisConvention;(ii)

Any international permit conforming to the provisions of Annex 7 to thisConvention, on condition that it is presented with the corresponding domestic
driving permit,

as valid for driving in their territories a vehicle coming within the categories covered by thepermits, provided that the permits are still valid and that they were issued by another Contracting
Party or subdivision thereof or by an association 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 becomes the place of normal residence of their holder;(c)

The provisions of this paragraph shall 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 dateof 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 tothe condition that the holder shall wear certain devices or that the vehicle shall be equipped in acertain way to take account of the driver’s disability, the permit shall not be recognized as valid
unless those conditions are observed;

38Part 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 recognize the validity in their territories, for thedriving 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 permits held by persons under twenty-one years ofage.
5.
An international permit shall be issued only to the holder of a domestic permit for the issueof which the minimum conditions laid down in this Convention have been fulfilled. Aninternational driving permit shall only be issued by the Contracting Party in whose territory theholder 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 shall not require Contracting Parties:(a) To recognize the validity of domestic permits issued in the territory of another
Contracting Party to persons who had their normal residence in their territories at the time of such
issue or whose normal residence has been transferred 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 the territory in which the permit was issued or who
since such issue have transferred their 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 hisdomestic or international driving permit in their territories if he commits in their territories a
breach of their regulations rendering him liable under 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 oruntil 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 ofwhich 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 permit 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 communication referred to in subparagraph (b) by requesting
the authority which issued the permit, or on behalf 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 notify the persons concerned of the decisions
communicated to them in accordance with the procedure laid down in paragraph 1 (d) of this
Article.

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic

39

3.
Nothing in this Convention shall be construed as prohibiting Contracting Parties or
subdivisions thereof from preventing a driver holding a domestic or international driving permit
from driving if it is evident or proved that his condition is such that he is unable to drive safely orif 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 newprovisions of Annex 6 at the latest five years after their entry into force. Domestic driving permits
issued in accordance with the earlier provisions of Article 41, Article 43 and Annex 6 to thisConvention prior to the expiry of this period shall be recognized as long as they are valid.
2.
Contracting Parties shall issue international driving permits in accordance with the newprovisions of Annex 7 at the latest five years after their entry into force. International driving
permits issued in accordance with the earlier provisions of Article 41, Article 43 and Annex 7 tothis Convention prior to the expiry of this period shall be valid according to the conditions definedin 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 noother audible warning device;(c) Be equipped with a red reflecting device at the rear and with devices such that thecycle 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 which 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 white or selective-yellow light to the front and a
red light and a red reflex-reflector to the rear; 55(e)56

Display the identification mark specified in Annex 4 to this Convention.

See footnote.

3.
In the territories of Contracting Parties which have, in accordance with Article 54,
paragraph 2, of this Convention, declared that they treat mopeds as motorcycles, the conditions to
be fulfilled by mopeds in order to be admitted to international traffic shall be those laid down formotorcycles in Annex 5 to this Convention.
Chapter VI
FINAL PROVISIONSARTICLE 45
1.
This Convention shall be open at United Nations Headquarters, New York, until 31
December 1969 for signature by all States Members of the United Nations or of any of thespecialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency or Parties to the Statute of theInternational Court of Justice, and by any other State invited by the General Assembly of theUnited 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 accession by any of the States referred to inparagraph 1 of this Article. The instruments of accession shall be deposited with the SecretaryGeneral.
4.
On signing this Convention or on depositing its instrument of ratification or accession, eachState shall notify the Secretary-General of the distinguishing sign it has selected for display ininternational 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 ratifying this Convention, or of acceding thereto, orat any time thereafter, declare by notification addressed to the Secretary-General that theConvention shall become applicable to all or any of the territories for the international relations ofwhich it is responsible. The Convention shall become applicable to the territory or territories

55
56

See also Point 27 of the Annex of the European Agreement.
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 receipt of the notification by the Secretary-Generalor 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 the Secretary-General that the Convention shallcease 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 thenotification.
3.
A State making a notification under paragraph 1 of this Article shall notify the SecretaryGeneral of the distinguishing sign or signs it has selected for display in international traffic onvehicles registered in the territory or territories concerned, in accordance with Annex 3 to thisConvention. 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 twelve 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 Convention 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 shall terminate and replace, in relations between
the Contracting Parties, the International Convention relative to Motor Traffic and theInternational Convention relative to Road Traffic, both signed at Paris on 24 April 1926, theConvention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automotive Traffic, opened for signature at
Washington on 15 December 1943, and the Convention 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 transmitted to the Secretary-General, who shallcommunicate it to all Contracting Parties. The Contracting Parties shall have the opportunity of
informing him within a period of twelve months following the date of its circulation whether they(a) accept the amendment; or (b) reject the amendment; or (c) wish that a conference be convened
to consider the amendment. The Secretary-General 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 paragraphshall 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 theyeither reject the amendment or wish that a conference be convened to consider it. The SecretaryGeneral shall notify all Contracting Parties of each acceptance or rejection of any proposed
amendment and of requests that a conference be convened. 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 thetotal number of Contracting Parties, the Secretary-General shall notify all Contracting Parties thatthe amendment will enter into force six months after the expiry of the period of twelve months
referred to in the preceding paragraph for all Contracting Parties except those which, during theperiod specified, have rejected the amendment or requested the convening of a conference toconsider it.
(b) Any Contracting Party which, during the said period of twelve months, has rejected a
proposed amendment or requested the convening of a conference to consider it may at any timeafter the end of such period notify the Secretary-General that it accepts the amendment, and theSecretary-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 theiracceptance, six months after receipt by the Secretary-General of their notification.
3.
If a proposed amendment has not been accepted in accordance with paragraph 2 of this
Article and if within the period of twelve months specified in paragraph 1 of this Article less thanhalf 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 the total number of Contracting Parties, but notless than ten, inform him that they accept it or wish a conference to be convened to consider it, theSecretary-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 4of this Article.
4.
If a conference is convened in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article, the SecretaryGeneral 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 the conference to consider in addition to the
proposed amendment and shall communicate such proposals, at least three months before theopening 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 suchmajority 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 theamendment 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 thatthey reject the amendment.
(b) A Contracting Party which has rejected an amendment during the said period of
twelve months may at any time notify the Secretary-General that it accepts the amendment, andthe Secretary-General shall communicate such notification 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 months, 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 paragraph 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 Convention by written notification addressed to
the Secretary-General. The denunciation shall take effect 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 orapplication of this Convention and which the Parties are unable to settle by negotiation or othermeans of settlement may be referred, at the request of any of the Contracting Parties concerned, tothe International Court of Justice for decision.
ARTICLE 53
Nothing in this Convention shall be construed as preventing a Contracting Party from taking
such action, compatible with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and limited to theexigencies of the situation, as it considers necessary 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 thisConvention. 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, declare that for the purposes of the application of
the Convention it treats mopeds as motorcycles (Article 1 (n)).
By notification addressed to the Secretary-General, 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 force for the State making the declaration, whichever is the later.
4.
Any modification of a previously selected distinguishing sign notified in conformity with
Article 45, paragraph 4, or Article 46, paragraph 3 of this Convention, shall take effect threemonths after the date on which the Secretary-General receives notification thereof.
5.
Reservations to this Convention and its annexes, other than the reservation provided for inparagraph 1 of this Article, shall 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 Traffic6.
Any Contracting Party which has formulated a reservation or made a declaration underparagraphs 1 or 4 of this Article may withdraw it at any time by notification addressed to theSecretary-General.
7.

A reservation made in accordance with paragraph 5 of this Article:(a) Modifies for the Contracting Party which made the reservation the provisions of theConvention to which the reservation relates, to the extent of the reservation;(b) Modifies those provisions to the same extent for the other Contracting Parties in theirrelations with the Contracting Party 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 this Convention in accordance with Article 47;(d) The date of entry into force of amendments 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 which the Chinese, English, French, Russian andSpanish texts done in a single copy are equally authentic, shall be deposited with the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations, who shall send certified 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 bytheir 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

45Annex 1EXCEPTIONS TO THE OBLIGATION TO ADMIT MOTOR VEHICLESAND 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 legislations for vehicles registered in their territories.
Contracting Parties in whose territories there is international 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 massand dimensions do not exceed the figures specified in these agreements.
2.
For the purposes of paragraph 1 of this Annex, the lateral projection of the following shallnot 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 yield both forwards and backwards under moderatepressure so that they no longer project beyond the permissible maximum width;(d) Side direction-indicators and marker lights, provided that such projection does notexceed a few centimetres;(e)

Customs seals affixed to the load, and devices for the securing and protection of suchseals.
3.
Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to their territories in international traffic thefollowing combinations of vehicles insofar as the use of such combinations is prohibited by theirdomestic 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 their territories in international traffic the motor
vehicles and trailers to which the exceptions specified in paragraph 60 of Annex 5 to thisConvention are applicable.
5.
Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to their 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 condition for the admission to their territories ininternational 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 tocertain areas of difficult terrain in their territories in international traffic of motor vehicles with apermissible maximum mass exceeding 3,500 kg, that such vehicles shall comply with the special
requirements laid down in their domestic legislations concerning the admission to such roads orareas of vehicles of the same permissible maximum mass registered by them.
57

See footnote

8.
Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to their territories in international traffic any motor
vehicle equipped with passing lamps with asymmetric 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 their territories in international traffic any motor
vehicle, or any trailer coupled to a motor vehicle, 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 platein conformity with the provisions of this Convention substituting a distinguishing sign which isincorporated into the registration plate and which is not in conformity with the provisions of thisConvention.

________________________
57

Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 28).

Part I - Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 2

47

Annex 2REGISTRATION NUMBER AND PLATE OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND
TRAILERS IN INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC
1.
The registration number referred to in Articles 35 and 36 of this Convention shall becomposed either of numerals or of numerals and 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 repeated in Arabic numerals and in capital Latincharacters.
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 observer 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 onwhich 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 plate, 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 displayedor painted shall be flat and vertical, or nearly flat 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, thebackground of the registration plate on which the registration number and, where applicable, thedistinguishing sign of the State in which the vehicle is registered, possibly completed by the flagor emblem according to the conditions defined in Annex 3, is displayed, may be of a retroreflective material.
5.
The background of the part of the registration plate on which the distinguishing sign isincorporated shall be of the same material as that used for the background of the part on which theregistration number is marked.

48Part I - Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 3
Annex 3
DISTINGUISHING SIGN OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERSIN INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC

1.
The distinguishing sign referred to in Article 37 of this Convention shall consist of one tothree 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 confusedwith the registration number or impair its legibility;(d) On motorcycles and their trailers, the dimensions of the axes of the ellipse shall be atleast 0.175 m and 0.115 m. On other motor vehicles and their trailers, the dimensions of the axesof 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 distinguishing 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 besupplemented where applicable by the flag or emblem of the State or theemblem of the regional economic integration 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 aflag and/or a regional or local emblem is displayed on the registration plate, thedistinguishing 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 theState 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 349(d) The distinguishing sign of the State of registration shall be positioned so as to beeasily identifiable and so that it cannot be confused with the registration number or impair its
legibility. The distinguishing sign shall therefore be at least of a different colour from theregistration 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 motorcycles and their trailers and/or for registration
plates taking up two lines, the size of the letters of the distinguishing sign as well as, whereapplicable, the size of the national flag or emblem of the State of registration or the symbol of theregional economic integration organization which the country belongs to may be appropriately
modified;(f)
The provisions of this paragraph shall apply according to the same principles to thefront registration plate of the vehicle when this plate is obligatory.
4.

The relevant provisions of Annex 2, paragraph 3, shall apply to the distinguishing sign.

50Part I - Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 4
Annex 4IDENTIFICATION MARKS OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERSIN 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 referred 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 this Annex shall be placed in accessible positions
and shall be easily legible; in addition, they shall be such that they cannot be easily altered or
removed. The letters and figures included in the marks shall be either in Latin characters or in
English cursive script and in Arabic numerals only, or be repeated in that form.

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 551

Annex 5TECHNICAL CONDITIONS CONCERNING MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAILERS
1.
Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph 2 (a) and Article 39, paragraph 1of this Convention any Contracting Party may, with respect to motor vehicles which it registers
and to trailers which it allows on the road under its domestic legislation, lay down rules which
supplement, or are stricter than, the provisions of this Annex. All vehicles in international trafficmust meet the technical requirements in force in their country of registration when they firstentered into service.
2.
For the purposes of this Annex, the term “trailer” applies only to a trailer designed to becoupled to a motor vehicle.
Contracting Parties which, in conformity with Article 1, subparagraph (n), of this3.
Convention, have declared that they wish to treat as motorcycles three-wheeled vehicles theunladen 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 notplaced on the same axle (a tandem axle is counted as two axles);(b)vehicle;The term “service brake” means the device normally used to slow down and stop the(c) The term “parking brake” means the device used to hold the vehicle stationary in thedriver’s absence, or, in the case of trailers, when the trailer is uncoupled;(d) The term “secondary (emergency) brake” 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 driving position. These brakes shall be capable of performing thefollowing 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 loading and whatever the upward or downward gradientof the road on which it is moving;(b) A parking brake capable of holding the vehicle stationary, whatever its conditions ofloading, on a noticeable upward or downward gradient, the operative surfaces of the brake being
held in the braking position by a device whose action is purely mechanical;

52Part 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 reasonable distance, even in the event of failure of theservice 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 eachside of the vehicle’s median longitudinal plane; the same provision shall apply to the parking
brake.
9.
The service brake and the parking brake shall act on braking surfaces permanently
connected to the wheels through components of adequate strength.
10. No braking surface shall be capable of being 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 brake, it can be effected only by the action of thedriver; 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 and constructed that theefficacy of the service brake is ensured after prolonged and repeated use.
10 ter. The service braking action shall be properly distributed and synchronized among thevarious axles of the vehicle.
10 quater. If the control of the service brake is assisted, partially or totally, by an energy source
other than the muscular energy of the driver, it shall be possible to stop the vehicle within areasonable 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 loading and whatever the upward or downward gradientof the road on which it is moving;(b) A parking brake capable of holding the vehicle stationary, whatever its conditions ofloading, on a noticeable upward or downward gradient, the operative surfaces of the brake being
held in the braking position by a device whose action is purely mechanical. This provision shallPart I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 553

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 incommon.
13. The service brake shall act on all the wheels of the trailer. The braking action shall beproperly 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 controlof 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, onlyby the trailer moving up on the drawing vehicle (overrun braking).
15. The service brake and the parking brake 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-trailers, that they are fitted, in addition to thecoupling device, with a secondary attachment.
C.

Braking of combinations of vehicles

17. In addition to the provisions of parts A and B of this Chapter relating to separate vehicles(motor vehicles and trailers), the following provisions shall apply to combinations of suchvehicles:(a)

The braking devices on each of the component vehicles shall be compatible;(b) The service braking action shall be properly distributed and synchronized between thevarious 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 therear wheel or wheels and the other at least on the front wheel or wheels; if a side-car is attached toa motorcycle, braking of the side-car wheel shall not be required. These braking devices shall becapable 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 onwhich it is moving;(b) In addition to the provisions of subparagraph (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 thisAnnex.

54

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5
CHAPTER II
Vehicle lighting and light-signalling devices

19.

For the purposes of this chapter, the term:“Driving lamp” means the lamp used to illuminate the road over a long distance ahead of thevehicle;“Passing lamp” means the lamp used to illuminate the road ahead of the vehicle withoutcausing 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 thevehicle when viewed from the front;“Rear position lamp” means the lamp used to indicate the presence and the width of thevehicle 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 caseof thick fog, falling snow, heavy rain or similar conditions;“Reversing lamp” means the lamp used to illuminate the road to the rear of the vehicle andprovide 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 thedriver intends to change direction to the right or to the left;“Parking lamp” means the lamp used to indicate 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 asnear as possible to the top of the vehicle for the purpose of clearly indicating the overall
width. This signal complements the position lamps for some motor vehicles and trailers bydrawing particular attention to their size;“Hazard warning signal” means the signal given 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 intended to indicate either priority vehicles or avehicle or a group of vehicles whose presence on the road requires other road-users to takespecial 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 555“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 intended to improve the daytime conspicuity andvisibility of the front of a vehicle in running use;
“Reflex-reflector” means a device used to indicate the presence of a vehicle by reflection oflight emanating from a light source unconnected with that vehicle;“Illuminating surface” means the orthogonal projection, in a transverse vertical plane, of theeffective 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 chapter should, as far as possible, be in accordancewith the definitions given in the appendix to this Annex.
21. With the exception of motorcycles, every motor vehicle capable of exceeding 40 km (25miles) per hour on level road shall be equipped in front with an even number of white or selectiveyellow 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 ofthe passing lamps.
22. With the exception of motorcycles, every motor vehicle capable of exceeding 10 km (6miles) per hour on level road shall be equipped in front with an even number of white or selectiveyellow passing lamps capable of adequately illuminating 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-wheeled motorcycle without side-car shall beequipped in front with two white front position lamps; however, selective yellow shall bepermitted for front position lamps incorporated in driving lamps or passing lamps which emit aselective-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 orinconvenience to other road-users.
24. (a) Every motor vehicle other than a two-wheeled motorcycle without side-car shall beequipped 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 rear with an even number of red rear position
lamps visible at night in clear weather without causing undue dazzle or inconvenience to otherroad-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 the 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 equippedwith a lighting device such that the number is legible at night in clear weather.

56Part 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 thelighting device referred to in paragraph 25 above cannot be switched 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 areused 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 vehicle, the reflex-reflectors shall be visible to thedriver 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 equilateral triangle with one vertex uppermost and one
side horizontal. No signal lamp shall be placed inside the triangle. These reflex-reflectors shallmeet 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 arecoupled 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 with two white front position lamps if its width
exceeds 1.60 m. The front position lamps thus prescribed shall be fitted as near as possible to theextreme 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) per hour on a level road shall be equipped at therear with at least two red stop lamps, the luminous intensity of which is markedly higher than thatof 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 Parties which, in conformity with Article 54,
paragraph 2, of the Convention, have declared that they treat mopeds as motorcycles:(a) Every two-wheeled motorcycle with or without side-car shall be equipped with one or
two passing lamps satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in paragraph
22 above;

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 557(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 downin paragraph 23 above. If such a motorcycle has two front position (side) lamps, these lamps shallbe 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 conditions regarding colour and visibility laid downin paragraph 27 above.
36. Subject to the possibility for Contracting Parties which, in conformity with Article 54,
paragraph 2, have declared that they treat mopeds as motorcycles, to exempt two-wheeled mopeds
with or without side-cars from this obligation, every two-wheeled motorcycle with or without sidecar 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 twowheeled motorcycles without side-car, any side-car attached to a two-wheeled motorcycle shall beequipped at the front with a front position (side) lamp satisfying the conditions regarding colour
and visibility laid down in paragraph 23 above, and at the rear with a rear position (side) lamp
satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in paragraph 24 (a) above andwith a reflex-reflector satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down inparagraph 27 above. The electrical connections shall be such that the front position (side) lamp andrear 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 symmetrically in relation to the vehicle’s medianlongitudinal plane, which are treated as motorcycles pursuant to Article 1, subparagraph (n), of theConvention, shall be equipped with the devices prescribed in paragraphs 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, fitted on the vehicle in even numbers and visibleby day and by night to road-users affected 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 nopoint on their illuminating surface is above the highest point on the illuminating surface of thepassing lamps.

58Part 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 awinking 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 every trailer shall be so equipped that theycan 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 amberside 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 lighttowards the front and red light towards the rear.
42 septies. Every motor vehicle and trailer may be fitted with side lamps. If such lamps are fitted
they shall emit amber light.
43.

For the purposes of the provisions of this Annex:(a) Any combination of two or more lamps, whether identical or not, but having the samefunction 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 aneven 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, shallbe 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 anasymmetrical external shape. The intensity of the lamps in each pair shall be substantially thesame.
45. Lamps of different kinds, and, subject to the provisions of other paragraphs of this Chapter,lamps and reflex-reflectors, may be grouped or incorporated in the same device, provided that eachof these lamps and reflectors complies with the applicable provisions of this Annex.

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 559

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; thenumber, 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 shall 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 drivercannot 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 thewindscreen and any interior partition, shall be such that in case of breakage, the risk of physicalinjury will be minimized;(b) The transparent parts of the windscreen shall be made of a substance whosetransparency does not deteriorate; they shall be such that they do not cause any appreciable
distortion of objects seen through the windscreen, and 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 relation to the vehicle’s median longitudinal plane
unless their permissible maximum mass exceeds 400 kg.
Exhaust silencer
53. Every internal combustion engine used for propelling a motor vehicle shall be equippedwith an efficient exhaust silencer.
Tyres
54. The wheels of motor vehicles and of their trailers 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 tothose obtained with pneumatic tyres.
Speedometer
55. Every motor vehicle capable of exceeding 40 km (25 miles) per hour on a level road shall beequipped with a speedometer; Contracting Parties may, however, exempt certain categories ofmotorcycles 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 ofAnnex 1 thereto shall be either:(a) A signplate consisting of an equilateral triangle 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 besuch that it can be stood firmly in a vertical position; or(b) Some other equally effective device, prescribed by the legislation of the country inwhich 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 forward-facing seats of vehicles of category B as
referred to in Annexes 6 and 7 of this Convention, with the exception of vehicles constructed orused 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 canpossibly 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 ignition device of a motor vehicle shall not cause
excessive radio interference.
(c) Every motor vehicle shall be so constructed that the driver’s field of vision ahead, andto 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 other road-users in case of accident. In particular,
they shall have no ornaments or other objects, inside or outside, with unnecessary projections orridges which may be dangerous to the occupants or other road-users.
(e) Vehicles of which the maximum permitted 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 virtue of their design, cannot exceed a speed of
30 km (19 miles) per hour on a level road of whose speed is limited by domestic legislation to 30
km per hour;(b) Invalid carriages, i.e. small motor vehicles specially designed and constructed - andnot merely adapted - for use by a person suffering from some physical defect or disability andnormally 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 respectof vehicles which they register and which may enter international traffic:(a) By authorizing the use of the colour amber for the front position lamps of motor
vehicles and trailers;62Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 5(b) As regards the position of lamps on special-purpose vehicles whose external shape issuch that the said provisions could not be observed without the use of mounting devices which
could easily be damaged or torn off;(c) As regards trailers, carrying long loads (tree trunks, pipes, etc.), which are notcoupled to the drawing vehicle when in movement, 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 red retro-reflective or fluorescent and white retroreflective strips;(g) By authorizing the emission towards the rear of white or coloured light reflected by
figures or letters or by the background of rear registration plates, by distinctive signs or by otherdistinctive marks required by domestic legislation;(h)lamps.

By authorizing the use of the colour red for rearmost lateral reflex-reflectors and side

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 Convention or within the two years following such entry
into force shall not be subject to the provisions of this Annex, provided that they satisfy therequirements of parts I, II and III of Annex 6 of the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic.
62 bis. Motor vehicles first registered and trailers put into service in the territory of a Contracting
Party before the entry into force of the amendments to this Convention or within the two years
following such entry into force should not be subject to the provisions of this Annex, provided thatthey 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 REFERREDTO IN THIS ANNEX (TRICHROMATIC COORDINATES)
Red ...................................... limit towards yellow .................................
limit towards purple 1 ................................

y ≤ 0.335
z ≤ 0.008

White ................................... limit towards blue .....................................
limit towards yellow .................................
limit towards green ...................................
limit towards green ...................................
limit towards purple .................................
limit towards red ......................................

x ≥ 0.310
x ≤ 0.500y ≤ 0.150 + 0.640x
y ≤ 0.440y ≥ 0.050 + 0.750x
y ≥ 0.382

Amber 2 . ............................... limit towards yellow1 ...............................
limit towards red1 .....................................
limit towards white1 ..................................

y ≤ 0.429
y ≥ 0.398
z ≤ 0.007

Selective yellow 3 ................. limit towards red1 .....................................
limit towards green1 .................................
limit towards white1 .................................
limit towards spectral value1 ....................

y ≥ 0.138 + 0.580x
y ≤ 1.29x - 0.100
y ≥ -x + 0.966
y ≤ -x + 0.992

Blue ..................................... limit towards green ...................................
limit towards white ...................................
limit towards purple .................................

y = 0.065 + 0.805x
y = 0.400 -x
x = 0.133 + 0.600y

For verifying the colorimetric characteristics of these filters, a source of white light at acolour 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 commonly called “orange” or orange-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, the selectivity of the colour shall beconsidered satisfactory if the purity factor is not less than 0.820, the limit towards white y ≥ -x + 0.966, being in thatcase y ≥ -x + 0.940 and y = 0.440.

64Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 6
Annex 6DOMESTIC 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 orwithout the same title in other languages, and the name and/or distinctive sign of the country inwhich 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 driving permit; they shall be preceded or followedby the numbers 1 to 11.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

SurnameFirst names 1
Date and place of birth 2
Address 3
Authority issuing the permit
Date and place of issue of the permit
Date of expiry of the validity of the permit 4
Number of the permit
Signature and/or stamp or seal of the authority issuing the permit
Holder’s signature 5
Category or categories of vehicle and any sub-categories for which the permit is valid
with indication of the date of issue of the 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 amatter for domestic legislation to determine any additional 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 approximate age on date of issue of permit. If place of birth is unknown, leave blank.
Place of birth may be replaced by other particulars determined by domestic legislation.

3

The address is optional.

4This is optional if the validity of the permit is unlimited.

5

Or thumbprint.

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 6
5.

65

The categories of vehicles for which the driving permit may be valid are the following:A.

Motorcycles;

B.

Motor vehicles, other than those in category A, having a permissible maximum mass
not exceeding 3,500 kg and not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat;C.

Motor vehicles, other than those in category D, whose permissible maximum massexceeds 3,500 kg;

D.

Motor vehicles used for the carriage of passengers and having more than eight seatsin addition to the driver’s seat;

E.

Combination of vehicles of which the driving vehicle is in a category or categories forwhich the driver is licensed (B, and/or C and/or D), but which are not themselves inthat category or those categories.

6.
Domestic legislations may introduce additional categories of vehicles not belonging to theabove-mentioned categories A to E, subcategories within categories and combination of
categories, which shall be clearly identified in the driving permit.

66Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 6
Annex 6DOMESTIC 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 paper. 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 ofparagraphs 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 incoded form.

5.
If additional information is required by domestic legislation, it shall be entered on thedriving permit under the numbers given below:
4.(d) Identification number for the purposes of registration, other than the number under 5of paragraph 4;
8.
Place of normal residence;
10. Date of issue for each category (subcategory) of vehicles;
11. Expiry date for each category (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 areused, the entries shall also be transliterated 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 paragraphs 4 and 5 should preferably be on the sameside of the permit. The spaces for other data under numbers 8-14 in paragraphs 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 category 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 ofwhich 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 theunladen mass of the motor vehicle, where the combined permissible maximum massof the vehicles so coupled does not exceed 3,500 kg;

C.

Motor vehicles, other than those in category D, having a permissible maximum massexceeding 3,500 kg; or motor vehicles of category C coupled to a trailer thepermissible maximum mass of which does not exceed 750 kg;

D.

Motor vehicles used for the carriage of passengers and having more than eight seatsin addition to the driver’s seat; or motor vehicles of category D coupled to a trailer thepermissible maximum mass of which does not exceed 750 kg;

BE.

Motor vehicles of category B coupled to a trailer the permissible maximum mass ofwhich exceeds 750 kg and exceeds the unladen mass 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 massexceeds 750 kg;

DE. Motor vehicles of category D coupled to a trailer whose permissible maximum massexceeds 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 those in category D, the permissible maximum
mass of which exceeds 3,500 kg but does not exceed 7,500 kg; or motor vehicles ofsubcategory C1 coupled to a trailer, the permissible maximum mass of which does
not exceed 750 kg;

68Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 6
D1.

Motor vehicles used for the carriage of passengers and having more than 8 seats inaddition 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 coupled to a trailer the permissible maximum massof which exceeds 750 kg but does not exceed the unladen mass of the motor vehicle,
where the combined permissible maximum mass of the vehicles so coupled does notexceed 12,000 kg;
D1E. Motor vehicles of subcategory D1 coupled to a trailer, not used for the carriage of
persons, the permissible maximum mass of which exceeds 750 kg but does notexceed the unladen mass of the motor vehicle, 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 thoselisted above. The designations of such categories and subcategories should not resemble thesymbols used in the Convention to designate categories and subcategories of vehicles; anothertype of print should also be used.
11. The categories (subcategories) of vehicles for which the permit is valid shall be represented
by the pictograms in the table below.

Category code/Pictogram

A
B
C
D
BE
CE
DE

Subcategory code/Pictogram

A1
B1
C1
D1
C1E
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 andthe inside pages white.
2.
The outside and inside of the front cover shall conform, respectively, to model pages Nos. 1
and 2 below; they shall be printed in the national language, or in at least one of the national
languages, of the issuing State. The last two inside pages shall be facing pages conforming tomodel No. 3 below; they shall be printed in French. The inside pages preceding these two pages
shall repeat the first of them in several languages, which must include English, Russian andSpanish.
3.
Handwritten or typed entries made on the permit shall be in Latin characters or in English
cursive script.
4.
Contracting Parties issuing or authorizing the issuance of international driving permits ofwhich the cover is printed in a language other than English, French, Russian or Spanish shallcommunicate to the Secretary-General of the United Nations the translation into that language ofthe text of model page No. 3 below.

70Part 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

4........................................................................................ 3

1

Name of the issuing State and its distinguishing 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 domestic driving permit, whicheveris earlier.
3

Signature of the authority or association issuing the permit.

4

Seal or stamp of the authority or association issuing the permit.

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 article43)). The new one applicable from 29 March 2011 is reproduced in dark blue thereafter.

This permit is not valid for the territory of: ........................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................... 1
It is valid for the territories of all the 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 residence and to the exercise of a profession ineach State through which he travels. In particular, it shall cease to be valid in a State
if its holder establishes his normal residence there.

(New Model page No. 2 applicable from 29 March 2011, (see new Article 43))
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 ofvehicles 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.

1Enter here the name of the Contracting Party in which the holder is normally resident.

2Space reserved for a list of the States which are Contracting Parties (optional).

72Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 7
MODEL 3
Left hand page

(The present Model 3 (Left hand page) 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 ..................................................................................................................................
Other names1 ...........................................................................................................................
Place of birth2 ..........................................................................................................................
Date of birth3 ...........................................................................................................................

1.
2.
3.
4.

Home address .............................................................................................................. 5.
CATEGORIES OF VEHICLES FOR WHICH THE PERMIT IS VALID
Motor cycles
A
Motor vehicles, other than those in category A, having a permissible maximum
mass not exceeding 3,500 kg and not more than eight seats in addition to thedriver’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 carriage of passengers and having more than eight seatsin 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 notthemselves in that category or categories.

E

RESTRICTIVE CONDITIONS OF USE5

1

Father’s or husband’s name may be inserted here.
If the place of birth is unknown, leave blank.
3
If date of birth is unknown, state approximate age on date of issue of permit.
4
Seal or stamp of the authority or association issuing the permit. This seal or stamp shall be affixed against categories,
A, B, C, D and E only if the holder is licensed to drive vehicles in the category in question.
5
For example, “Must wear corrective lenses”, “Valid only for driving vehicle No. ...”, “Vehicle must be equipped to be
driven by a one-legged person”.
2

73

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 7
MODEL 3Right hand page

(The present Model 3 (Right hand page) 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.)
1. ..................................................................................................................................................
2. ..................................................................................................................................................
3. ..................................................................................................................................................
4. ..................................................................................................................................................
5. ..................................................................................................................................................

A4

B4

Photograph

C4

D4

E4

4

Signature of holder6 ..........................................................

DISQUALIFICATIONS:

6

The holder is deprived of the right to drive in the
territory of ............................................................ 7
At .........................................................................

until ............................... 8
on ..................................

8

The holder is deprived of the right to drive in the
territory of ............................................................ 7
At .........................................................................

until ............................... 8
on ..................................

8

Or thumbprint.
Name of State.
8Signature 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 disqualifications should be entered overleaf.
774Part 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: ...........................................................................................................................
Given name, other names: .......................................................................................................
Place of birth:1 .........................................................................................................................
Date of birth: ...........................................................................................................................
Place of normal residence:2 .....................................................................................................
CATEGORIES AND SUBCATEGORIES OF VEHICLES, WITH THE
CORRESPONDING CODES, FOR WHICH THE PERMIT IS VALID
Category code/Pictogram
Subcategory code/Pictogram

A
B
C
D
BE
CE
DE

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

A1
B1
C1
D1
C1E
D1E

RESTRICTIVE CONDITIONS OF USE3

1

The place of birth may be replaced by other particulars defined by domestic legislation.
To be completed when required 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”.
2

75

Part I: Convention on Road Traffic - Annex 7
MODEL 3Right hand page
(New Model 3 (Right hand page) applicable from 29 March 2011, (see new Article 43))
1. ...................................................................................................................................................
2. ...................................................................................................................................................
3. ...................................................................................................................................................
4. ...................................................................................................................................................
5. ...................................................................................................................................................
STAMP4

A
B
C
D
BE
CE
DE

STAMP4

A1
B1
C1
D1
C1E
D1E

photograph

4Signature of the holder .............................

DISQUALIFICATIONS:The holder is deprived of the right to drive inthe territory of ....................................................... 5 until ..........................................
6
At ..........................................................................
on ............................................. 6------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The holder is deprived of the right to drive inthe territory of ...................................................... 5 until ..........................................
6
At ..........................................................................
on ............................................. 6
4

Seal or stamp of the authority or association issuing the permit. This seal or stamp shall be affixed against thedesignation of the categories or subcategories only if the holder is licensed to drive 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 disqualifications should be entered overleaf.