With the implementation of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals in 1978, many members of the European Union now utilize a standard set of signs and signals to make travel easier for both visitors and residents alike. You will see signs and advisements that will be only valid in a particular country, such as London's congestion charge; however a majority of the signs in European destinations will be standardized.
The standard priority signs adopted internationally will differ in shape, color, and border, depending on the sign's function. Areas that require giving way or yielding to oncoming traffic will be marked with an inverted equilateral triangle with a yellow or white background and red border. Stop signs, requiring a full stop at an intersection, have little variation around the world, with a vast majority of countries using an eight sided sign with white lettering and a red background. Priority road signs indicate that the road is a priority at intersections, which allows for traffic on the priority road to flow freely. Starting points for priority roads are indicated by a white, diamond shaped sign with a yellow diamond, with priority road termination indicated with the same sign and "tire marks" or lines over the sign.
![]() Similar to signage in the United States, indicating that priority is given to oncoming traffic when entering. Text may or may not be included in yield signs. |
![]() Yield signs will sometimes include specific instructions to give way. An example of yield signs in Ireland with text. |
![]() Stop signs indicate that a full stop is needed at an approaching intersection. |
![]() Stop signs will be the same shape and color, with language variants depending on the country. |
![]() Road is a priority at approaching intersections, other lanes of travel will yield. |
![]() Road is no longer a priority road, normal traffic rules apply for approaching intersections. |
Signatories of the Vienna Convention define the mandatory sign design as circular in shape with a blue or white background. White signs will have a red border, while blue signs will completely blue with no border. You will see mandatory signs as you approach roads that only allow certain types of vehicles, roads that require equipment, or signs that point the way around road work or traffic islands. When approaching any of these areas, be sure to only follow the signs that are appropriate for your vehicle.
![]() Winter equipment in the form of snow tires or snow chains are required, vehicles without this equipment are subject to fines or citations. |
![]() Approaching the pass by on right sign indicates that passing a work zone or traffic island on the right hand side is mandatory. |
![]() Only pedestrians and bicycles may use the route, no motorized vehicles are allowed. |
![]() There is no passing or overtaking of vehicles for the duration of the no passing zone. |
The convention backed rules for danger warning signs are simple and very uniform in design, with little variation. Danger warning signs are either a diamond or an equilateral triangle shape, with a white or yellow background, and a red or black border. You will see danger warning signs as you approach a narrowing road, a train crossing without barrier, or an upcoming pedestrian zone. When approaching an area marked with a danger warning, proceed with caution.
![]() Approaching road will become narrower with little to no breakdown lane, sometimes leading to bridge or causeway. |
![]() Approaching intersection with train tracks will have no barrier or gate to prevent traffic movement. |
![]() Approaching a high foot-traffic area, including schools, shopping districts and landmarks. Use extreme caution. |
![]() Approaching turn may be hazardous without first reducing speed. |
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![]() Road ahead will be hazardous with winding roads and a reduced ability to see oncoming traffic. |
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![]() Approaching overpass will have a maximum height allowance, which is advised on the sign in either feet or meters. Prohibitive or Restrictive SignsProhibitive and restrictive signs will be circular in shape with a white, yellow, or blue background. The signs will mark maximum speed limits, prohibited entry, no-parking zones, and cases where certain vehicle types are not allowed. These signs will also post restrictions to driving including no overtaking or passing as well as no-entry one way streets. In cases where a travel zone is defined, such as a zone prohibiting a certain vehicle type, you will see the same sign with a line crossing it, to note the end of the restricted travel zone. It is important to follow the instructions of the signs to avoid accidents, fines, and blocking traffic.
Information, Facility & Service SignsThe Vienna Convention has relatively few guidelines for the format of information and service signs. Signs are often blue or green, with no specified border color. These signs will indicate upcoming gasoline service stations, parking areas, restaurants, as well as indicators for tourism offices. These serve to assist when a particular facility is needed while driving.
Direction, Position & Indication SignsThe convention has little or no definition for the format of direction and indication signs. They are rectangular in shape and will vary in color. Motorway indicators fall into this sign category, and are usually colored blue or green. Any temporary directional sign, as involving a detour, will be yellow or orange in color. These signs serve as additional information for navigation.
Additional PanelsThese signs, as defined by the Vienna Convention, can vary greatly in color and shape. The signs serve as a supplement to danger, priority, restrictive, mandatory, information, and directional signs. The additional panel notes approximate distance until the approaching obstacle, distance until the advised service, or the length of the restricted travel zone.
Special Regulation SignsThe Vienna Convention has little definition and standardization for special regulation signs. Most signing countries will utilize a rectangular shape with a blue or light background color and varying text colors. These signs will regulate the types of vehicles allowed in certain areas, note the start and end of any urban areas, and note any change to the type of road that is being used.
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