Convention on Road Traffic [*]
Done at: Vienna
Date enacted: 1968-11-08
In force: 1977-05-21
Content
- Chapter I - General provisions
- Chapter II - Rules of the Road
- Chapter III - Conditions for the admission of motor vehicles and trailers to international traffic
- Chapter IV - Drivers of motor vehicles
- Chapter V - Conditions for the admission of cycles and mopeds to international traffic
- Chapter VI - Final provisions
The 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 provisions
Article 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; |
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b. |
A vehicle is said to be “in international traffic” in the territory of a State if:
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 the vehicles in the combination conforms to the above definition; |
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c. |
“Built-up area” means an area with entries and exits specially signposted as such, or otherwise defined in domestic legislation;[1] |
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d. |
“Road” means the entire surface of any way or street open to public traffic; |
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e. |
“Carriageway” means the part of a road normally used by vehicular traffic; a road may comprise several carriageways clearly separated from one another by, for example, a dividing strip or a difference of level; |
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f. |
On carriageways where one or more side lanes or tracks are reserved for use by certain vehicles, “edge of the carriageway” means, for other road-users, the edge of the remainder of the carriageway; |
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g. |
“Lane” means any one of the longitudinal strips into which the carriageway is divisible, whether or not defined by longitudinal road markings, which is wide enough for one moving line of motor vehicles other than motorcycles; |
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gbis. |
“Cycle lane” means a part of a carriageway designated for cycles. A cycle lane is distinguished from the rest of the carriageway by longitudinal road markings; |
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gter. |
“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 by structural means; |
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h. |
“Intersection” means any level crossroad, junction or fork, including the open areas formed by such crossroads, junctions or forks; |
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i. |
“Level-crossing” means any level intersection between a road and a railway or tramway track with its own track formation; |
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j. |
“Motorway” means a road specially designed and built for motor traffic, which does not serve properties bordering on it, and which:
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k. |
A vehicle is said to be:
Nevertheless, it shall be open to Contracting Parties to regard as “standing” any vehicle which is stationary within the meaning of subparagraph (ii) above for a period not exceeding that fixed by domestic legislation, and to regard as “parked” any vehicle which is stationary within the meaning of subparagraph (i) above for a period exceeding that fixed by domestic legislation; |
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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; |
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m. |
“Moped” means any two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle which is fitted with an internal combustion engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cc and a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km (30 miles) per hour. Contracting Parties are free, however, not to regard as mopeds, under their domestic legislation, vehicles which do not have the characteristics of a cycle with respect to their use, in particular the characteristic that they can be propelled by pedals, or whose maximum design speed, whose mass, or certain of whose engine characteristics exceed certain limits. Nothing in this 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; |
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n. |
“Motorcycle” means any two-wheeled vehicle, with or without a side-car, which is equipped with a propelling engine. Contracting Parties may also treat as motorcycles in their domestic legislation three-wheeled vehicles whose unladen mass does not exceed 400 kg. The term “motorcycle” does not include mopeds, 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] |
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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 a rail-borne vehicle; |
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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; |
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q. |
“Trailer” means any vehicle designed to be drawn by a power-driven vehicle and includes semi-trailers; |
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r. |
“Semi-trailer” means any trailer designed to be coupled to a motor vehicle in such a way that part of it rests on the motor vehicle and that a substantial part of its mass and of the mass of its load is borne by the motor vehicle; |
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s. |
“Light trailer” means any trailer of a permissible maximum mass not exceeding 750 kg; |
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t. |
“Combination of vehicles” means coupled vehicles which travel on the road as a unit; |
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u. |
“Articulated vehicle” means a combination of vehicles comprising a motor vehicle and semi-trailer coupled to the motor vehicle; |
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v. |
“Driver” means any person who drives a motor vehicle or other vehicle (including a cycle), or who guides cattle, singly or in herds, or flocks, or draught, pack or saddle animals on a road; |
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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; |
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x. |
“Unladen mass” means the mass of the vehicle without crew, passengers or load, but with a full supply of fuel and with the tools which the vehicle normally carries; |
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y. |
“Laden mass” means the actual mass of the vehicle as loaded, with the crew and passengers on board; |
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z. |
“Direction of traffic” and “appropriate to the direction of traffic” mean the right-hand side if, under domestic legislation, the driver of a vehicle must allow an oncoming vehicle to pass on his left; otherwise these expressions mean the left-hand side; |
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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 of other vehicles to change the direction or speed of their vehicle abruptly. [3] |
[1] |
Definition completed in the Annex of the European Agreement (see subparagraph (c), Point 3). |
[2] |
Definition completed in the Annex of the European Agreement (see subparagraph (n), Point 3). |
[3] |
Additional definitions introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 3). |
Article 2
Annexes to the Convention
The Annexes to this Convention, namely,
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Annex 1: Exceptions to the obligation to admit motor vehicles and trailers in international traffic; |
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Annex 2: Registration number of motor vehicles and trailers in international traffic; |
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Annex 3: Distinguishing sign of motor vehicles and trailers in international traffic; |
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Annex 4: Identification marks of motor vehicles and trailers in international traffic; |
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Annex 5: Technical conditions concerning motor vehicles and trailers; |
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Annex 6: Domestic driving permit; and |
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Annex 7: International driving permit; |
are integral parts of this Convention.
Article 3
Obligations of the Contracting Parties
1. |
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2. |
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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 the conditions laid down in Chapter IV; they shall also be bound to recognize registration certificates issued in accordance with the provisions of Chapter III as prima facie evidence that the vehicles to which they refer fulfil the conditions laid down in the said Chapter III. |
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4. |
Measures which the Contracting Parties have taken or may take, either unilaterally or under bilateral or multilateral agreements, to admit to their territories in international traffic motor vehicles and trailers that do not satisfy all the 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 in conformity with the object of this Convention.[4] |
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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 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 a driving permit; however, Contracting Parties which have declared in conformity with Article 54, paragraph 2, of this Convention that they treat mopeds as motorcycles may require the drivers of mopeds in international traffic to hold a driving permit. |
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5bis. |
Contracting Parties will take the necessary measures to ensure that road safety education be provided on a systematic and continuous basis, particularly in schools at all levels. |
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5ter. |
Whenever driving instruction for learner drivers is provided by professional driving establishments, domestic legislation shall lay down minimum requirements concerning the curriculum and the qualifications of the personnel responsible for providing such instruction. |
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6. |
Contracting Parties undertake to communicate to any Contracting Party, which may so request, 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 disqualification from driving in the territory of the Contracting Party submitting the request. |
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7. |
Measures which the Contracting Parties have taken or may take either unilaterally or under bilateral or multilateral agreements to facilitate international road traffic by simplifying Customs, police, health and other similar formalities or to ensure that Customs offices and posts at a given frontier point have the same competence and are kept open during the same hours shall be deemed to be in conformity with the object of this Convention. |
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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 and cycles, 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 road traffic. |
[4] |
See also Point 4 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
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 shall form a coherent system and shall be designed and placed in such a way as to be easily recognizable; |
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b. |
The number of types of sign shall be limited and signs shall be placed only at points where they are deemed useful; |
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c. |
Danger warning signs shall be installed at a sufficient distance from obstructions to give drivers adequate warning; |
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d. |
It shall be prohibited:
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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 by road 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. |
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2. |
Road-users shall promptly obey all instructions given by authorized officials directing traffic. |
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3. |
It is recommended:[5] that domestic legislation should provide that directions given by authorized officials directing traffic shall include the following:
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4. |
The instructions given by authorized officials directing traffic shall take precedence over those conveyed by road signs, traffic light signals and road markings, and over traffic regulations. |
[5] |
See also Point 5 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
Article 7
General rules
1. |
Road-users shall avoid any behaviour likely to endanger or obstruct traffic, to endanger persons, or to cause damage to public or private property. |
2. |
It is recommended that domestic legislation should provide that road-users shall not obstruct traffic or risk making it dangerous by throwing, depositing or leaving any object or substance on the road or by creating any other obstruction on 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 as soon as possible and, if they cannot remove it immediately, to warn other road-users of its presence.[6] |
3. |
Drivers shall show extra care in relation to the most vulnerable road-users, such as pedestrians and cyclists and in particular children, elderly persons and the disabled. |
4. |
Drivers shall take care that their vehicles do not inconvenience road-users or the occupants of properties bordering on the road, for example, by causing noise or raising dust or smoke where they can avoid doing so. |
5. |
The wearing of safety belts is compulsory for drivers and passengers of motor vehicles, occupying seats equipped with such belts, save where exceptions are granted by domestic legislation. [7] |
[6] |
See also Point 6 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[7] |
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 6). |
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.[8] |
3. |
Every driver shall possess the necessary physical and mental ability and be in a fit physical and mental condition to drive. |
4. |
Every driver of a power-driven vehicle shall possess the 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. |
Every driver shall at all times be able to control his vehicle or to guide his animals.[9] [10] |
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. |
[8] |
See also Point 7 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[9] |
See also Point 7 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[10] |
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 7). |
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 of moderate length spaced sufficiently far apart for the convenience of traffic.[11]
[11] |
See also Point 8 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
Articlr 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] |
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2. |
Animals moving along the carriageway shall be kept as close as possible to the edge of the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic. |
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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. |
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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. |
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5. |
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6. |
Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 11 and when an additional lane is indicated by a sign, drivers of vehicles moving slowly shall use that lane. |
[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). |
Article 11
Overtaking and movement of traffic in lines
1. |
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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:
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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 is inadequate, on bends, unless there are at these points lanes defined by longitudinal road markings and overtaking is carried out without leaving the lanes marked as closed to oncoming traffic. |
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4. |
When overtaking, a driver shall give the road-user or road-users overtaken a sufficiently wide berth. |
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5. |
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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 is governed by that of the vehicle preceding them in the line:
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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 these markings. |
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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:
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9. |
A vehicle shall not overtake another vehicle which is approaching a pedestrian crossing marked on the carriageway or signposted as such, or which is stopped immediately before the crossing, otherwise than at a speed low enough to enable it to stop immediately if a pedestrian is on the crossing. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as preventing Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof from prohibiting overtaking within a prescribed distance from a pedestrian crossing, or from imposing stricter requirements on a driver of a vehicle proposing to overtake another vehicle stopped immediately before such a crossing. |
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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 of the 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 of oncoming traffic, a vehicle which is slow or bulky or is required to observe a speed limit cannot be easily and safely overtaken, the driver of such 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. |
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11. |
[17]
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[14] |
See also Point 10 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[15] |
See also Point 10 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[16] |
See also Point 10 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[17] |
See also Point 10 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
Article 12
Passing of oncoming traffic
1. |
When passing oncoming traffic, a driver shall leave sufficient lateral space and, if necessary, move close to the edge of the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic. If in so doing he finds his progress impeded by an obstruction or by the presence of other road-users, he shall slow down and if necessary stop to allow the 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 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 be more 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 of roads special rules differing from those laid down in this paragraph.[18] |
[18] |
See also Point 11 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
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 be able to exercise due and proper care and to be at all times in a position to perform all manoeuvres required of him. He shall, when adjusting the speed of his vehicle, pay constant regard to the circumstances, in particular the lie of the land, the state of the road, the condition and load of his vehicle, the weather conditions and the density of 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] |
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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. |
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3. |
The provisions set out in the first sentence of paragraph 2 may not apply to drivers of priority vehicles referred to in article 34, paragraph 2, or vehicles treated as such in domestic legislation. |
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4. |
No driver shall impede the normal progress of other vehicles by travelling abnormally slowly without proper cause. |
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5. |
The driver of a vehicle moving behind another vehicle shall keep at a sufficient distance from that other vehicle to avoid collision if the vehicle in front should suddenly slow down or stop. |
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6. |
[20] Outside built-up areas, in order to facilitate overtaking, drivers of vehicles or combinations of vehicles of more than 3,500 kg permissible maximum mass, or of more than 10 m overall length, shall, except when they are overtaking or preparing to overtake, keep at such distance from power-driven vehicles ahead of them that other vehicles overtaking them can without danger move into 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:
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[19] |
See also Point 12 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[20] |
See also Point 12 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
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 into another 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 pass him, having regard to their position, direction and speed.[21] |
2. |
Any driver wishing to make a U-turn or to reverse shall first make sure that he can do so without endangering or impeding other road-users. |
3. |
Before turning or before a manoeuvre which involves moving laterally, the driver shall give clear and sufficient warning of his intention by means of the direction-indicator or 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. |
[21] |
See also Point 13 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
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 order to 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 their intention to move off, the precautions necessary to avoid any risk of accident.
[22] |
See also Point 14 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
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:
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2. |
While changing direction, the driver shall, without prejudice to the provisions of Article 21 of this Convention regarding pedestrians, allow road users to pass on the carriageway, or on other parts of the same road he is preparing to leave. |
Article 17
Slowing down
1. |
No driver of a vehicle shall brake abruptly unless it is necessary to do so for safety reasons. |
2. |
Every driver intending to slow down to an appreciable extent shall, except where his slowing down is in response to an imminent 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 is no vehicle following him or that any following vehicle is a long way behind, give clear and timely warning of his intention by making an appropriate signal with his arm. However, this provision shall not apply if warning of slowing down is 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 be appropriate to local conditions. Drivers of vehicles shall, in particular, drive at such a speed as to be able to stop to allow vehicles having the right of way to pass. |
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2. |
Every driver emerging from a path or an earth-track (dirt road) on to a road other than a path or 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. |
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3. |
Every driver emerging on to a road from a property bordering thereon shall give way to vehicles travelling on that road.[23] |
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4. |
Subject to the provisions of paragraph 7 of this Article:
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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. |
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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 he wishes to proceed, provided that this does not impede the progress of other road-users moving in the open direction. |
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7. |
Drivers of vehicles not moving on rails shall give way to rail-borne vehicles. [25] |
[23] |
See also Point 15 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[24] |
See also Point 15 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[25] |
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 15). |
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 light signal or a sound signal, no road-user shall enter a level-crossing at which the gates or half-gates are across the road or in process of being placed across the road, or at which the half-gates are in process 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 to stop, its driver shall endeavour to move it off the track, and, if he is unable to do so, immediately do everything he can to ensure that the drivers of rail-borne vehicles are warned of the danger in time. |
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] |
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2. |
If, at the side of the carriageway, there are pavements (sidewalks) or suitable verges for pedestrians, pedestrians shall use them. Nevertheless, if they take the necessary precautions:
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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 doing so. |
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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] |
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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 is poor and, by day, if the density of vehicular traffic so requires, walk in single file wherever possible.[29] |
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6. |
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7. |
However, Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may impose stricter requirements on pedestrians crossing the carriageway. |
[26] |
See also Point 16 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[27] |
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. |
[30] |
See also Point 16 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
Article 21
Behaviour of drivers towards pedestrians
1. |
Every driver shall avoid behaviour likely to endanger pedestrians. |
||||
2. |
Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 7, paragraph 1, Article 11, paragraph 9, and Article 13, paragraph 1, of this Convention, where there is on the carriageway a pedestrian crossing signposted as such or indicated by markings on the carriageway:
|
||||
3. |
No provision of this Article shall be construed as preventing Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof from:[31]
|
||||
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] |
[31] |
See also Point 17 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[32] |
Additional paragraphs introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 17). |
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 is travelling, except in the following cases:
a. |
Where the side on which the island, post or device shall be passed is indicated by a sign; |
b. |
Where the island, post or device is on the centre-line of a two-way carriageway; in this case the driver shall keep to the side of the island, post or device corresponding to the direction of traffic. |
Article 23
Standing and parking
1. |
Outside built-up areas, standing or parked vehicles and halted animals shall so far as possible be stationed elsewhere than on the carriageway. Both in and outside built-up areas they shall not be stationed on cycle tracks, cycle lanes, bus lanes, tracks for horseback riders, footpaths, pavements or on verges specially provided for pedestrian traffic, save where applicable domestic legislation so permits. |
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2. |
|
||||||||||
3. |
|
||||||||||
b. |
The standing or parking of a vehicle at any point where it would constitute a danger shall be prohibited, more particularly:
|
||||||||||
c. |
The parking of a vehicle on the carriageway shall be prohibited:
|
||||||||||
4. |
A driver shall not leave his vehicle or his animals without having taken all suitable precautions to avoid any accident and, in the case of a motor vehicle, to prevent its unauthorized use. |
||||||||||
5. |
[37]It is recommended that domestic 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 be signalled 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:
|
||||||||||
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] |
[33] |
See also Point 18 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[34] |
See also Point 18 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[35] |
Additional text introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 18) |
[36] |
See also Point 18 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[37] |
See also Point 18 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[38] |
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 18). |
Article 24
Opening of doors
It shall be prohibited to open the door of a vehicle, to leave it open, or to alight from the vehicle without having made sure that to do so cannot endanger other road-users.
Article 25
Motorways and similar roads
1. |
[39] On motorways and, if so provided in domestic legislation, on special approach roads to and exit roads from motorways:
|
||||||||
2. |
Drivers emerging on to a motorway shall give way to vehicles travelling on it. If there is an acceleration lane, they shall use it. |
||||||||
3. |
A driver leaving a motorway shall move into the traffic lane appropriate to the motorway exit in good time and enter the deceleration lane, if there is one, as soon as he can.[41] |
||||||||
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 from properties alongside, shall be treated as motorways.[42] |
[39] |
See also Point 19 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[40] |
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 19). |
[41] |
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 19). |
[42] |
See also Point 19 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
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. |
All drivers are forbidden:
|
||||
2. |
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 and handicapped 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 a walking pace may use pavements (sidewalks) and suitable verges. |
Article 27
Special rules applicable to cyclists, moped drivers and motorcyclists
1. |
Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 10, paragraph 3, of this Convention, Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof shall be free not to prohibit cyclists from travelling two or more abreast. |
2. |
It shall be prohibited for cyclists to ride without holding the handlebars with at least one hand, to allow themselves to be towed by another vehicle, or to carry, tow or push objects which hamper their cycling or endanger other road-users. The same provisions shall apply to moped drivers and motorcyclists; in addition, however, moped drivers and motorcyclists shall hold the handlebars with both hands except when 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 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][46] |
[43] |
See also Point 20 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[44] |
See also Point 20 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[45] |
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 20). |
[46] |
Additional articles (Articles 27 bis to 27 quarter) introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 20 bis). |
Article 28
Audible and luminous warnings
1. |
Audible warning devices may be used only:
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 so in 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 in built-up areas also for the purpose referred to in paragraph 1 (b) of this Article. |
Article 29
Rail-borne vehicles
1. |
Where a railway uses a carriageway, every road-user shall, on the approach of a tram or other rail-borne vehicle clear the track as soon as possible to allow the rail-borne vehicle to pass. |
2. |
Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof 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] |
[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). |
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:
|
||||||||
3. |
All accessories, such as cables, chains and sheets, used to secure or protect the load shall be drawn tight around the load and be firmly fastened. All accessories used to protect the load shall satisfy the requirements laid down for the load in paragraph 2 of this Article. |
||||||||
4. |
[49] Loads projecting beyond the front, rear or sides of the vehicle shall be clearly marked in all cases where their projection might not be noticed by the drivers of other vehicles; at night, a white light and a white reflecting device shall be used for such marking at the front and a red light and a red reflecting device at the rear. More particularly, on power-driven vehicles:
|
||||||||
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. 28 Part I: Convention on Road Traffic |
Article 30 bis
Carriage of passengers
Passengers shall not be carried in such numbers or in such a way as to interfere with driving or obstruct the driver’s view.
Article 31
Behaviour in case of accident
1. |
Without prejudice to the provisions of domestic legislation concerning the obligation to assist the injured, every driver or other road-user involved in a traffic accident shall:
|
||||||||
2. |
Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may, under their domestic legislation, refrain from imposing the provision of paragraph 1 (d) of this Article in cases where no serious injury has been caused and none of the persons involved requests that the police should be notified. |
[50] |
Additional subparagraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 24). |
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:
|
||||||
2. |
Driving lamps shall be switched off and replaced by passing lamps:
|
||||||
3. |
When, however, a vehicle is following closely behind another vehicle, driving lamps may be used to give a luminous warning as referred to in Article 28, paragraph 2, of the intention to overtake. |
||||||
4. |
Fog lamps may be lit only in thick fog, falling snow, heavy rain or similar conditions and, as regards front fog maps, as a substitute for passing lamps. Domestic legislation may authorize the simultaneous use of front fog lamps and passing 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 the driving lamps, the passing lamps or the front fog lamps. |
||||||
6. |
During the day, a motorcycle moving on the road shall display at least one passing lamp to the front and a red lamp to the rear. Domestic legislation may permit the use of daytime running lamps instead of passing lamps. |
||||||
7. |
Domestic legislation may make it compulsory for drivers of motor vehicles to use during the day either passing lamps or daytime running lamps. Rear position lamps shall in this case be used together with the front lamps. |
||||||
8. |
Between nightfall and dawn 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 the front and rear position lamps may be replaced by parking lamps, provided that:
|
||||||
10. |
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 8 and 9 of this Article, a vehicle may be standing or parked without any lamps lit:
|
||||||
11. |
Domestic legislation may grant exemptions from the provisions of paragraphs 8 and 9 of this Article for vehicles standing or parked in streets in built-up areas where there is very little traffic. |
||||||
12. |
Reversing lamps may be used only when the vehicle is reversing or about to reverse. |
||||||
13. |
Hazard warning signal may be used only to warn other road-users of a particular danger:
|
||||||
14. |
Special warning lamps:
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 or lamps 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 this Convention do not apply shall, when on a road between nightfall and dawn, show at least one white or selective-yellow light to the front and at 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 the vehicle or on the side opposite to that corresponding to the direction of traffic.
|
||||||||
2. |
|
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 that they 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 of Articles 11 and 12 of this Convention. |
[51] |
See also Point 26 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
Chapter III - Conditions for the admission of motor vehicles and trailers to international traffic
Article 35
Registration
1. |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 not registered in the name of a person travelling in it, proof of the driver’s right to be in possession of the vehicle. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4. |
It is recommended that Contracting Parties should set up, if they have not already done so, a service responsible for keeping, at the national or regional level, a record of motor vehicles brought into use and a centralized record, for each vehicle, of the particulars entered in each certificate of registration. |
Article 36
Registration number
1. |
Every motor vehicle in international traffic shall display its registration number at the front and at the rear; motorcycles, however, shall only be required to display this number at the rear. |
2. |
Every registered trailer in international traffic shall display its registration number at the rear. Where a motor vehicle draws one or more trailers, the sole trailer or the last trailer, if not registered, shall display the registration number of the drawing vehicle. |
3. |
The composition of the registration number referred to in this Article, and the manner of displaying it, shall conform to the provisions of Annex 2 to this Convention. |
Article 37
Distinguishing sign of the State of registration
1. |
|
||||||
2. |
Every trailer coupled to a motor vehicle and required under Article 36 of this Convention to display a registration number at the rear shall also display at the rear, either separately from its registration plate or incorporated into it, the 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 State other than the State of registration of the motor vehicle to which it is coupled; if the trailer is not registered, it shall display at the rear the distinguishing sign of the State of registration of the drawing vehicle except when it is travelling in that State. |
||||||
3. |
The composition of the distinguishing 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:
|
||||
3. |
Domestic legislation shall, as far as possible, extend the provision of paragraph 2 to the other categories of vehicles. [52] |
[52] |
Additional paragraphs introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 26 bis). |
Article 40
Transitional provision
1. |
For a period of 10 years from the entry into force of this Convention in accordance with Article 47, paragraph 1, trailers in international traffic, whatever their permissible maximum mass, shall be entitled to the benefits of the provisions of this Convention even if they are not registered. |
2. |
The registration certificate shall conform with the provisions of the amendment to Article 35, paragraph 1 within five years from the date of its entry into force. Certificates issued during that period shall be mutually recognized until the expiry date inscribed therein. [53] |
[53] |
Additional paragraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 26 ter). |
Chapter IV - Drivers of motor vehicles
Article 41
Driving permits
(The present text is applicable until 28 March 2011 at the latest (see new article 43), the new text is reproduced in dark blue following the present Article)
1. |
|
||||||||
2. |
Contracting Parties shall recognize:
as valid for driving in their territories a vehicle coming within the categories covered by the permit, 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. |
||||||||
3. |
Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph:
|
||||||||
4. |
Contracting Parties may introduce in their domestic legislation a subdivision of the categories of vehicles referred to in Annexes 6 and 7 of this Convention. If the driving permit is restricted to certain vehicles within a category, a numeral shall be added to the letter of the category and the nature of the restriction shall be indicated in the driving permit. |
||||||||
5. |
For the purpose of the application of paragraph 2 and subparagraph 3 (c) of this Article:
|
||||||||
6. |
An international permit shall be issued only to the holder of a domestic permit for the issue of which the minimum conditions laid down in this Convention have been fulfilled. It shall not be valid after the expiry of the corresponding domestic permit, the number of which shall be entered in the international permit. |
||||||||
7. |
The provisions of this Article shall not require Contracting Parties:
|
Article 41
Driving permits
(Provisions applicable from 29 March 2011 (see new article 43))
1. |
|
||||||||||
2. |
|
||||||||||
3. |
Domestic legislation may limit the period of validity of a domestic driving permit. The period of validity of an international permit shall be either no more than three years after the date of issue or until the date of expiry of the domestic driving permit, whichever is earlier. |
||||||||||
4. |
Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2:
|
||||||||||
5. |
An international permit shall be issued only to the holder of a domestic permit for the issue of which the minimum conditions laid down in this Convention have been fulfilled. An international driving permit shall only be issued by the Contracting Party in whose territory the holder has his normal residence and which issued the domestic driving permit or which recognized the driving permit issued by another Contracting Party; it shall not be valid for use in that territory. |
||||||||||
6. |
The provisions of this Article shall not require Contracting Parties:
|
Article 42
Suspension of the validity of driving permits
1. |
Contracting Parties or subdivisions thereof may withdraw from a driver the right to use his domestic or international driving permit in their territories if he commits in their territories a breach of their regulations rendering him liable 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:
|
||||||||
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. |
||||||||
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 or if the right to drive has been withdrawn from him in the State in which he has his normal residence. |
Article 43
Transitional provisions
1. |
Contracting Parties shall issue domestic driving permits in accordance with the new provisions of Annex 6 at the latest five years after their entry into force. Domestic driving permits issued in accordance with the earlier provisions of Article 41, Article 43 and Annex 6 to this Convention prior to the expiry of this period shall be recognized as long as they are valid. |
2. |
Contracting Parties shall issue international driving permits in accordance with the new provisions 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 to this Convention prior to the expiry of this period shall be valid according to the conditions defined in Article 41, paragraph 3. |
Chapter V - Conditions for the admission of cycles and mopeds to international traffic
Article 44
1. |
Cycles without an engine in international traffic shall:
|
||||||||||
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:
|
||||||||||
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 for motorcycles in Annex 5 to this Convention. |
[54] |
Additional subparagraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 27). |
[55] |
See also Point 27 of the Annex of the European Agreement. |
[56] |
Additional subparagraph introduced in the Annex of the European Agreement (see Point 27). |
Chapter VI - Final provisions
Article 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 the specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency or Parties to the Statute of the International Court of Justice, and by any other State invited by the General Assembly of the United Nations to become a Party to the Convention. |
2. |
This Convention is subject to ratification. The instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. |
3. |
This Convention shall remain open for accession by any of the States referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article. The instruments of accession shall be deposited with the Secretary- General. |
4. |
On signing this Convention or on depositing its instrument of ratification or accession, each State shall notify the Secretary-General of the distinguishing sign it has selected for display in international traffic on vehicles registered by it, in accordance with Annex 3 to this Convention. By a further notification addressed to the Secretary-General, any State may change a distinguishing sign it has previously selected. |
Article 46
1. |
Any State may, at the time of signing or ratifying this Convention, or of acceding thereto, or at any time thereafter, declare by notification addressed to the Secretary-General that the Convention shall become applicable to all or any of the territories for the international relations of which it is responsible. The Convention shall become applicable to the territory or territories named in the notification thirty days after the receipt of the notification by the Secretary-General or on the date of entry into force of the Convention for the State making the notification, whichever is the later. |
2. |
Any State which has made a declaration under paragraph 1 of this Article may at any time thereafter declare by notification addressed to the Secretary-General that the Convention shall cease to be applicable to the territory named in the notification and the Convention shall cease to be applicable to such territory one year from the date of receipt by the Secretary-General of the notification. |
3. |
A State making a notification under paragraph 1 of this Article shall notify the Secretary- General of the distinguishing sign or signs it has selected for display in international traffic on vehicles registered in the territory or territories concerned, in accordance with Annex 3 to this Convention. By a further notification addressed to the Secretary-General, any State may change a distinguishing sign it has previously selected. |
Article 47
1. |
This Convention shall enter into force 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 the International Convention relative to Road Traffic, both signed at Paris on 24 April 1926, the Convention on the Regulation of Inter-American Automotive Traffic, opened for signature at Washington on 15 December 1943, and the 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 shall communicate 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
|
||||||
2. |
|
||||||
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 than half of the total number of the Contracting Parties inform the Secretary-General that they reject the proposed amendment and if at least one third of the total number of Contracting Parties, but not less than ten, inform him that they accept it or wish a conference to be convened to consider it, the Secretary-General shall convene a conference for the purpose of considering the proposed amendment or any other proposal which may be submitted to him in accordance with paragraph 4 of this Article. |
||||||
4. |
If a conference is convened in accordance with paragraph 3 of this Article, the Secretary- General shall invite to it all States referred to in Article 45, paragraph 1 of this Convention. He shall request all States invited to the conference to submit to him, at least six months before its opening date, any proposals which they may wish the conference to consider in addition to the proposed amendment and shall communicate such proposals, at least three months before the opening date of the conference, to all States invited to the conference. |
||||||
5. |
|
||||||
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. |
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 or application of this Convention and which the Parties are unable to settle by negotiation or other means of settlement may be referred, at the request of any of the Contracting Parties concerned, to the International Court of Justice for decision.
Article 53
Nothing in this Convention shall be construed as preventing a Contracting Party from taking such action, compatible with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations and limited to the exigencies 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 this Convention. Other Contracting Parties shall not be bound by Article 52 with respect to any Contracting Party which has made such a declaration. |
||||
2. |
At the time of depositing its instrument of ratification or accession, any State may, by notification addressed to the Secretary-General, 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 three months 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 in paragraph 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. |
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6. |
Any Contracting Party which has formulated a reservation or made a declaration under paragraphs 1 or 4 of this Article may withdraw it at any time by notification addressed to the Secretary-General. |
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7. |
A reservation made in accordance with paragraph 5 of this Article:
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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 and Spanish texts done in a single copy are equally authentic, shall be deposited with the Secretary- General of the United Nations, who shall send 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 by their respective Governments, have signed this Convention.
Done at Vienna this eighth day of November, one thousand nine hundred and sixty-eight.
Annex 1
Exceptions to the obligation to admit motor vehicles and trailers in international traffic
1. |
Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to their territories in international traffic motor vehicles, trailers or combinations of vehicles whose over-all weight or weight per axle or dimensions exceed the limits fixed by their domestic legislation 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 weight and dimensions do not exceed the figures specified in these agreements. |
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2. |
For the purposes of paragraph 1 of this Annex; the lateral projection of the following shall not be regarded as projection beyond the permissible maximum width: |
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3. |
Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to their territories in international traffic the following combinations of vehicles insofar as the use of such combinations is prohibited by their domestic legislation: |
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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 this Convention are applicable. |
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5. |
Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to their territories in international traffic mopeds and motor cycles whose drivers and passengers, if any, are not equipped with protective helmets. |
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6. |
Contracting Parties may make it a condition for the admission to their territories in international traffic of any motor vehicle other than a two-wheeled moped or a two-wheeled motor cycle 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. |
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7. |
Contracting Parties may make it a condition for the admission to certain difficult roads or to certain areas of difficult terrain in their territories in international traffic of motor vehicles with a permissible maximum weight exceeding 3,500 kg (7,700 lb), that such vehicles shall comply with the special requirements laid down in their domestic legislation concerning the admission to such roads or areas of vehicles of the same permissible maximum weight registered by them. |
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8. |
Contracting Parties may refuse to admit to their territories in international traffic any motor vehicle equipped with passing lights with asymmetric beams if such beams have not been adapted to suit the direction of traffic in their territories. |
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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 that prescribed in Article 37 of this Convention. |
Annex 2
Registration number of motor vehicles and trailers in international traffic
1. |
The registration number referred to in Articles 35 and 36 of this Convention shall be composed 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 capital Latin characters. |
2. |
The registration number shall be so composed and displayed as to be legible in normal daylight at a distance of at least 40 m (130 feet) 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 motor cycles and for special categories of motor vehicle on which it would be difficult to fit registration numbers of sufficient size to be legible at 40 m (130 feet). |
3. |
When the registration number is displayed on a special 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 displayed or painted shall be flat and vertical, or nearly flat and vertical, and at right angles to the vehicle's median longitudinal plane. |
4. |
Subject to the provisions of Article 32, paragraph 5, the plate or surface on which the registration number is displayed or painted may be of a reflecting material. |
Annex 3
Distinguishing sign of motor vehicles and trailers in international traffic
1. |
The distinguishing sign referred to in Article 37 of this Convention shall consist of one to three letters in capital Latin characters. The letters shall have a height of at least 0.08 m (3.l inches) and their strokes a width of at least 0.01 m (0.4 inches). The letters shall be painted in black on a white ground having the shape of an ellipse with the major axis horizontal. |
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2. |
When the distinguishing sign consists of only one letter, the major axis of the ellipse may be vertical. |
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3. |
The distinguishing sign shall not be incorporated in the registration number, or be affixed in such a way that it could be confused with that number or impair its legibility. |
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4. |
On motor cycles and their trailers, the dimensions of the axes of the ellipse shall be at least 0.175 m (6.9 inches) and 0.115 m (4.5 inches). On other motor vehicles and their trailers, the dimensions of the axes of the ellipse shall be at least: |
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5. |
The provisions of Annex 2, paragraph 3, shall apply to the display of the distinguishing sign on vehicles. |
Annex 4
Identification marks of motor vehicles and trailers in international traffic
1. |
The identification marks shall comprise: |
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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. |
Annex 5
Technical conditions concerning motor vehicles and trailers
1. |
Contracting Parties which, in conformity with Article 1, sub-paragraph (a), of this Convention, have declared that they wish to treat as motor cycles three-wheeled vehicles the unladen weight of which does not exceed 400 kg (900 lb), shall make such vehicles subject to the rules laid down in this Annex either for motor cycles or for other motor vehicles. |
2. |
For the purposes of this Annex, the term "trailer" applies only to a trailer designed to be coupled to a motor vehicle. |
3. |
Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 3, paragraph 2 (a) of 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. |
Chapter 1 - Braking
For the purposes of this chapter,
a. |
the term "wheels of one axle" means wheels which are arranged symmetrically or largely symmetrically, in relation to the vehicle's median longitudinal plane, even if they are not placed on the same axle (a tandem axle is counted as two axles); |
b. |
the term "service brake" means the device normally used to slow down and stop the vehicle; |
c. |
the term "parking brake" means the device used to hold the vehicle stationary in the driver's absence, or, in the case of 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 motor cycles |
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b. |
Every motor vehicle other than a motor cycle shall have brakes which can be easily operated by the driver when in his driving position. These brakes shall be capable of performing the following three braking functions: |
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c. |
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. |
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d. |
The service brake shall act on all the wheels of the vehicle; nevertheless, on vehicles having more than two axles, it shall be permissible for the wheels of one axle not to be braked. |
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e. |
The secondary (emergency) brake shall be capable of acting on at least one wheel on each side of the vehicle's median longitudinal plane; the same provision shall apply to the parking brake. |
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f. |
The service brake and the parking brake shall act on braking surfaces permanently connected to the wheels through components of adequate strength. |
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g. |
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: |
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h. |
Breaking of trailers |
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i. |
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: |
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j. |
The devices providing the two braking functions (service and parking) may have parts in common. |
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k. |
The service brake shall act on all the wheels of the trailer. |
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l. |
The service brake shall be capable of being brought into action by the service brake control of the drawing vehicle; if, however, the permissible maximum weight of the trailer does not exceed 3,500 kg (7,700 lb), the brakes may be such as to be brought into action, while the trailer is in motion, only by the trailer moving up on the drawing vehicle (overrun braking). |
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m. |
The service brake and the parking brake shall act on braking surfaces permanently connected to the wheels through components of adequate strength. |
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n. |
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 (40 inches) apart, provided that their permissible maximum weight does not exceed I,500 kg (3,300 lb) and, except for semi-trailers, that they are fitted, in addition to the coupling device, with the secondary attachment provided for in paragraph 58 of this Annex. |
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o. |
Braking of combinations of vehicles |
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p. |
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 such vehicles: |
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q. |
Braking of motor cycles |
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r. | |||||||
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Chapter II - Lights and reflecting devices
For the purposes of this chapter, the term:
"driving light" means the vehicle light used to illuminate the road over a long distance ahead of the vehicle; |
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"passing light" means the vehicle light used to illuminate the road ahead of the vehicle without causing undue dazzle or Inconvenience to oncoming drivers and other road users; |
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"front position (side) light" means the vehicle light used to indicate the presence and the width of the vehicle when viewed from the front; |
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"rear position (side) light" means the vehicle light used to indicate the presence and the width of the vehicle when viewed from the rear; |
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"stop light" means the vehicle light used to indicate to other road users to the rear of the vehicle that the driver is applying the service brake; |
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"fog light" means the vehicle light used to improve the illumination of the road in case of fog, snow fall, rain storms or dust clouds; |
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"reversing light" means the vehicle light used to illuminate the road to the rear of the vehicle and provide a warning signal to other road users that the vehicle is reversing or about to reverse; |
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"direction-indicator light" means the vehicle light used to indicate to other road users that the driver intends to change direction to the right or to the left; |
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"reflex reflector" means a device used to indicate the presence of a vehicle by reflection of light emanating from a light source unconnected with that vehicle, the observer being placed near this source; |
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"illuminating surface" means for lights, the visible surface from which light is emitted and, for reflex reflectors, the visible surface from which light is reflected. |
The colours of lights mentioned in this chapter should, as far as possible, be in accordance with the definitions given in the appendix to this Annex.
With the exception of motor cycles, every motor vehicle capable of exceeding 40 km (25 miles) per hour on level road shall be equipped in front with an even number of white or selective-yellow driving lights capable of adequately illuminating the road at night in clear weather over a distance of at least 100 m (325 feet) ahead of the vehicle. The outer edges of the illuminating surfaces of the driving lights shall in no case be closer to the extreme outer edge of the vehicle than the outer edges of the illuminating surfaces of the passing lights.
With the exception of motor cycles every motor vehicle capable of exceeding 10 km (6 miles) per hour on level road shall be equipped in front with two white or selective-yellow passing lights capable of adequately illuminating the road at night in clear weather for a distance of at least 40 m (130 feet) ahead of the vehicle. On either side, that point of the illuminating surface which is furthest from the vehicle's median longitudinal plane shall not be more than 0.40 m (16 inches) from the extreme outer edge of the vehicle. A motor vehicle shall not be equipped with more than two passing lights. Passing lights shall be so adjusted as to comply with the definition in paragraph 19 of this Annex.
Every motor vehicle other than a two-wheeled motor cycle without side-car shall be equipped in front with two white front position (side) lights; however, selective yellow shall be permitted for front position (side) lights incorporated in driving lights or passing lights which emit a selective yellow beam. These front position (side) lights, when they are the only lights switched on at the front of the vehicle, shall be visible at night in clear weather at a distance of at least 300 m (1,000 feet) without causing undue dazzle or inconvenience to other road-users. On either side, that point on the illuminating surface which is furthest from the vehicle's median longitudinal plane shall not be more than 0.40 m (16 inches) from the extreme outer edge of the vehicle.
a. |
Every motor vehicle other than a two-wheeled motor cycle without side-car shall be equipped at the rear with an even number of red rear position (side) lights visible at night in clear weather at a distance of at least 300 m ( 1,000 feet) without causing undue dazzle or inconvenience to other road-users. On either side, that point on the illuminating surface which is furthest from the vehicle's median longitudinal plane shall not be more than 0.40 m ( 16 inches) from the extreme outer edge of the vehicle. |
b. |
Every trailer shall be equipped at the rear with an even number of red rear position (side) lights visible at night in clear weather at a distance of at least 300 m (1 000 feet) without causing undue dazzle or inconvenience to other road users. On either side, that point on the illuminating surface which is furthest from the trailer's median longitudinal plane shall not be more than 0.40 m (16 inches) from the extreme outer edge of the trailer. It shall, however, be permissible for a trailer whose over-all width does not exceed 0.80 m (32 inches) to be equipped with only one such light if the trailer is coupled to a two-wheeled motor cycle without side-car. |
Every motor vehicle or trailer displaying a registration number at the rear shall be equipped with a device for lighting that number, such that the number, when lighted by the device, is legible at night in clear weather, when the vehicle is stationary, at a distance of 20 m (65 feet) from the rear; any Contracting Party may, however, reduce this minimum-legibility distance at night in the same proportion as, and in respect of the same vehicles for which it has reduced the minimum legibility distance by day in accordance with paragraph 2 of Annex 2 to this Convention.
The electrical connexions on all motor vehicles (including motor cycles) and on all combinations consisting of a motor vehicle and one or more trailers shall be such that the driving lights, passing lights, fog lights and front position (side) lights of the motor vehicle and the lighting device referred to in paragraph 25 above can not be switched on unless the rearmost rear position (side) lights of the motor vehicle or combination of vehicles are switched on as well.
However, this provision shall not apply to driving lights or passing lights when they are used to give the luminous warning referred to in Article 33, paragraph 5, of this Convention. In addition, the electrical connexions shall be such that the front position (side) lights of the motor vehicle are always switched on when the passing lights, driving lights or fog lights are on. |
Every motor vehicle other than a two-wheeled motor cycle without side-car shall be equipped at the rear with at least two red reflex reflectors of other than triangular form. On either side, the outer edge of the illuminating surface furthest from the vehicle's median longitudinal plane shall not be more than 0.40 m (16 inches) from the extreme outer edge of the vehicle. The reflex reflectors shall be visible to the driver of a vehicle at night in clear weather at a distance of at least 150 m (500 feet) when illuminated by the driving lights of that vehicle.
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, and with sides not less than 0.15 m (6 inches) or more than 0.20 m (8 inches) long; no signal light shall be placed inside the triangle. These reflex reflectors shall meet the requirements for visibility laid down in paragraph 27 above. On either side, the outer edge of the illuminating surface furthest from the trailer's median longitudinal plane shall not be more than 0.40 m (16 inches) from the extreme outer edge of the trailer. However, trailers with an over-all width not exceeding 0.80 m (32 inches) may be equipped with only one reflex reflector if they are coupled to a two-wheeled motor cycle without side-car.
Every trailer shall be equipped at the front with two white reflex reflectors of other than triangular form. These reflex reflectors shall meet the positioning and visibility requirements laid down in paragraph 27 above.
A trailer shall be equipped at the front with two white front position (side) lights if its width exceeds 1.60 m (5 feet 4 inches). The front position (side) lights thus prescribed shall be fitted as near as possible to the extreme outer edges of the trailer and in any case in such a way that the outer edges of the illuminating surface that is furthest from the trailer's median longitudinal plane are not more than 0.15 m (6 inches) from these edges.
With the exception of two-wheeled motor cycles with or without side-car, every motor vehicle capable of exceeding 25 km (15 miles) per hour on level road shall be equipped at the rear with two red stop lights, the luminous intensity of which is markedly higher than that of the rear position (side) lights. The same provision shall apply to every trailer which is the last vehicle in a combination of vehicles; no stop light shall, however, be required on small trailers whose dimensions are such that the stop lights of the drawing vehicle remain visible.
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 motor cycles:
a. |
every two-wheeled motor cycle with or without side-car shall be equipped with a passing light satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in paragraph 22 above; |
b. |
every two-wheeled motor cycle with or without side-car capable of exceeding 40 km (25 miles) per hour on level road shall be equipped, in addition to the passing light, with at least one driving light satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in paragraph 21 above. If such a motor cycle has more than one driving light, these lights shall be situated as close together as possible; |
c. |
a two-wheeled motor cycle with or without side-car shall not be equipped with more than one passing light and more than two driving lights. |
Every two-wheeled motor cycle without side-car may be equipped at the front with one or two front position (side) lights satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in paragraph 23 above. If such a motor cycle has two front position (side) lights, these lights shall be situated as close together as possible. A two-wheeled motor cycle without side-car shall not be equipped with more than two front position lights.
Every two-wheeled motor cycle without side-car shall be equipped at the rear with one rear position light satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in paragraph 24 (a) above.
Every two-wheeled motor cycle without side-car shall be equipped at the rear with a reflex reflector satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in paragraph 27 above.
Subject to the possibility for Contracting Parties which, in conformity with Article 54, paragraph 2, have declared that they treat mopeds as motor cycles, to exempt two-wheeled mopeds with or without side-cars from this obligation, every two-wheeled motor cycle with or without side-car shall be equipped with a stop light conforming to the provisions of paragraph 31 above.
Without prejudice to the provisions concerning lights and devices prescribed for two-wheeled motor cycles without side-car, any side-car attached to a two-wheeled motor cycle shall be equipped at the front with a front position (side) light satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in paragraph 23 above, and at the rear with a rear position light satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in paragraph 24 (c) above and with a reflex reflector satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in paragraph 27 above. The electrical connexions shall be such that the front position (side) light and rear position (side) light of the side-car are switched on at the same time as the rear position (side) light of the motor cycle. In any case, a side-car may not be equipped with a driving light or passing light.
Motor vehicles with three wheels placed symmetrically in relation to the vehicle's median longitudinal plane, which are treated as motor cycles pursuant to Article 1, sub-paragraph (n), of the Convention, shall be equipped with the devices prescribed in paragraphs 21, 22, 23, 24 (a), 27 and 31 above. However, if the width of such a vehicle does not exceed 1.30 m (4 feet 3 inches), a single driving light, and a single passing light are sufficient. The provisions relating to the distance of the illuminating surface from the outer edge of the vehicle are not applicable in this case.
Every motor vehicle, except a vehicle whose driver can indicate his changes of direction by arm signals visible to other road-users from all angles, shall be equipped with fixed direction-indicators with flashing amber lights, fitted on the vehicle in even numbers and visible by day and by night to road-users affected by the vehicle's movements. The flashing-frequency of the light shall be 90 flashes per minute, with a tolerance of 30.
If fog lights are fitted on a motor vehicle other than a two-wheeled motor cycle with or without side-car, they shall be white or selective yellow, be two in number and be placed in such a way that no point on their illuminating surface is above the highest point on the illuminating surface of the passing lights and that, on either side, that point on the illuminating surface which is furthest from the vehicle's median longitudinal plane is not more than 0.40 m ( 16 inches) from the extreme outer edge of the vehicle.
No reversing fight shall cause undue dazzle or inconvenience to other road-users. If a reversing light is fitted on a motor vehicle it shall emit white, amber or selective yellow light. The device controlling the light shall be such that the light can be lit only when the reverse gear is engaged.
No lights fitted on a motor vehicle or a trailer, other than direction-indicator lights, shall be flashing lights, with the exception of those which are used, in accordance with the domestic legislation of the Contracting Parties, to mark vehicles or combinations of vehicles which are not required to observe the general rules of traffic or whose presence on the road makes it necessary for other road-users to take special precautions, in particular vehicles which have priority, convoys of vehicles, vehicles of exceptional size, and construction or road maintenance vehicles or equipment. However, the Contracting Parties may permit or require certain lights, other than those emitting a red light, to be such that all or some of them give a flashing signal to indicate that for the time being the vehicle represents a special danger.
For the purposes of the provisions of this Annex:
a. |
any combination of two or more lights, whether identical or not, but having the same function and the same colour, shall be deemed to be a single light if the projections of their illuminating surfaces on a vertical plane perpendicular to the vehicles median longitudinal plane occupy not less than 50% of the smallest rectangle circumscribing the projections of the said illuminating surfaces; |
b. |
a single illuminating surface in the shape of a band shall be deemed to be two or an even number of lights if it is placed symmetrically to the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle and, if it extends to within at least 0.40 m (16 (inches) of the extreme outer edge of the vehicle and if it has a length of at least 0.80 m 132 inches). |
The illumination of such a surface shall be provided by at least two light sources placed as close as possible to its ends. The illuminating surface may consist of a number of elements so arranged that the projections of the illuminating surfaces of the different elements on a vertical plane perpendicular to the median longitudinal plane of the vehicle occupy not less than 50% of the smallest rectangle circumscribing the projections of the said illuminating surfaces of the elements. |
Lights on a given vehicle having the same function and facing in the same direction, shall be of the same colour. Lights and reflex reflectors which are of even number shall be placed symmetrically in relation to the vehicle's median longitudinal plane, except on vehicles with an asymmetrical external shape. The intensity of the lights in each pair shall be substantially the same.
Lights of different kinds, and, subject to the provisions of other paragraphs of this Chapter, lights and reflex reflectors, may be grouped or incorporated in the same device, provided that each of these lights and reflectors complies with the applicable provisions of this Annex.
Chapter III - Other requirements
Steering mechanism
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
Every motor vehicle other than a two-wheeled motor cycle with or without side-car shall be equipped with one or more driving (rear-view) mirrors; the number, dimensions and arrangement of these mirrors shall be such as to enable the driver to see the traffic to the rear of his vehicle.
Audible warning device
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
Every motor vehicle having a windscreen of such dimensions and shape that the driver cannot normally see the road ahead from his driving position except through the transparent part of the windscreen, shall be equipped with at least one efficient and strongly built windscreen-wiper in an appropriate position, the functioning of which does not require constant action by the driver.
Windscreen-washer
Every motor vehicle required to be equipped with at least one windscreen wiper shall also be equipped with a windscreen-washer.
Windscreen and windows
On all motor vehicles and on all trailers:
a. |
transparent substances forming part of the vehicle's bodywork, including the wind-screen and any interior partition, shall be such that in case of breakage, the risk of physical injury will be minimized; |
b. |
the transparent parts of the windscreen shall be made of a substance whose transparency does not deteriorate; they shall be such that they do not cause any appreciable distortion of objects seen through the windscreen, and that, in case of breakage, the driver still has a sufficiently clear view of the road. |
Reversing device
Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a reversing device controlled from the driving position. This device shall not, however, be compulsory on motor cycles or on motor vehicles having three wheels arranged symmetrically in relation to the vehicle's median longitudinal plane unless their permissible maximum weight exceeds 400 kg (900 lb).
Exhaust silencer
Every internal combustion engine used for propelling a motor vehicle shall be equipped with an efficient exhaust silencer; this device shall be such that it cannot be rendered inoperative by the driver from his driving position.
Tyres
The wheels of motor vehicles and of their trailers shall be fitted with pneumatic tyres, the state of which shall be such as to ensure conditions of safety, including adhesion, even on a wet road. This provision shall not, however, prevent Contracting Parties from authorizing the use of devices producing results at least equivalent to those obtained with pneumatic tyres.
Speedometer
Every motor vehicle capable of exceeding 40 km (25 miles) per hour on a level road shall be equipped with a speedometer; Contracting Parties may, however, exempt certain categories of motor cycles and other light vehicles from this requirement.
Warning device to be carried on motor vehicles
When, in accordance with article 23, paragraph 5 of this Convention and paragraph 6 of Annex 1 thereto certain motor vehicles are required to carry a device to indicate if necessary, their presence on the carriageway, this device shall be either:
a. |
a signplate consisting of an equilateral triangle with sides not less than 0.40 m (16 inches) long and a red border not less than 0.05 m (2 inches) wide, and with its interior part either hollow or of a light colour; the red border shall be illuminated by transparency or fitted with a reflectorized strip; the signplate shall be such that it can be stood firmly in a vertical position; or |
b. |
some other equally effective device prescribed by the legislation of the country in which the vehicle is registered. |
Anti-theft device
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.
Attachment device for light trailers
Trailers, other than semi-trailers, which are not equipped with the automatic brake referred to in paragraph 16 of this Annex, shall be equipped in addition to the coupling device, with a secondary attachment (chain cable, etc.) which if the coupling device breaks, can prevent the drawbar from touching the ground and provide some residual steering action on the trailer.
General provisions
a. |
The mechanical parts and equipment of a motor vehicle shall not, so far as this can possibly be avoided, give rise to any danger of fire or explosion; nor shall they cause excessive emission of noxious gases, opaque fumes, smells or noise. |
b. |
So far as possible, the high tension ignition device of a motor vehicle shall not cause a perceptible nuisance by excessive emission of radio interference. |
c. |
Every motor vehicle shall be so constructed that the driver's field of vision ahead, and to both right and left, is sufficient to enable him to drive safely. |
d. |
Motor vehicles and trailers shall, as far as possible be so constructed and equipped as to reduce the danger to their occupants and to other road-users in case of accident. In particular, they shall have no ornaments or other objects, inside or outside, with unnecessary projections or ridges which may be dangerous to the occupants or other road-users. |
Chapter IV - Exemptions
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 25 km (15 miles) per hour on a level road or whose speed is limited by domestic legislation to 25 km per hour; |
b. |
invalid carriages i.e. small motor vehicles specially designed and constructed - and not merely adapted - for use by a person suffering from some physical defect or disability and normally used by that person only; |
c. |
vehicles used for experiments whose purpose is to keep up with technical progress and improve road safety; |
d. |
vehicles of a special form or type, or which are used for particular purposes under special conditions. |
Contracting Parties may also grant exemptions from the provisions of this Annex in respect of vehicles which they register and which may enter international traffic:
a. |
by authorizing the use of the colour amber for the position (side) lights referred to in paragraphs 23 and 30 of this Annex and for the reflex reflectors referred to in paragraph 29 of this Annex; |
b. |
by authorizing the use of the colour red for those of the direction-indicator lights referred to in paragraph 39 of this Annex which are placed at the rear of the vehicle; |
c. |
by authorizing the use of the colour red for those of the lights referred to in the last sentence of paragraph 42 of this Annex which are placed at the rear of the vehicle; |
d. |
as regards the position of lights on special-purpose vehicles whose external shape is such that the said provisions could not be observed without the use of mounting devices which could easily be damaged or torn off; |
e. |
by authorizing the use of an odd number, greater than two, of driving lights on motor vehicles it registers; and |
f. |
as regards trailers, carrying long loads (tree-trunks, pipes etc.) which are not coupled to the drawing vehicle when in movement, but merely attached to it by the load. |
Chapter V - Transitional provisions
Motor vehicles first registered and trailers put into service in the territory 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 the requirements of parts I, II and III of Annex 6 of the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic.
Annex 6
Domestic driving permit
1. |
The domestic driving permit shall consist either of a sheet in format A7 (74 x 105 mm - 2.91 x 4.13 inches), or of a double (148 x 105 mm - 5.82 x 4.13 inches) or triple 222 x 105 mm - 8.78 x 4.13 inches) sheet which can be folded to that format. The colour shall be pink. |
2. |
The permit shall be printed in the language or languages prescribed by the authority issuing it or empowered to issue it; it shall, however bear the title " Permis de conduire " in French, with or without the same title in other languages. |
3. |
Handwritten or typed entries made on the permit shall either be in Latin characters or English cursive script only, or be repeated in that form. |
4. |
Two of the pages of the permit shall conform to model pages Nos. 1 and 2 below. Provided that no changes are made in the definitions of categories A, B, C D and E taking into account Article 41, paragraph 4 of this Convention, or in their reference letters, or in the substance of the items relating to the identity of the holder of the permit, this provision shall be deemed to be satisfied even if departures are made from these models in matters of detail. In particular, domestic driving permits conforming to the model in Annex 9 to the Convention on Road Traffic done at Geneva on 19 September 1949 shall be considered as satisfying the provisions of this Annex. |
5. |
It shall be a matter for domestic legislation to determine whether model page N . 3 shall or shall not be included in the permit and whether the permit shall contain further entries; if a space is provided to indicate changes of address, it shall, except on permits conforming to the model in Annex 9 to the 1949 Convention, be at the top of the reverse side of page 3 of the permit. |
Annex 7
International driving permit
1. |
The permit shall be a booklet in format A6 (148 x l05 mm, 5.82 x 4.13 inches). The cover shall be grey and the 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 to model No. 3 below; they shall be printed in French. The inside pages preceding these two pages shall repeat the first of them in several languages, which must include English, Russian and Spanish. |
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 of which the cover is printed in a language other than English, French, Russian or Spanish shall communicate to the Secretary-General of the United Nations the translation into that language of the text of model page No. 3 below. |
Ratifications as of May 2016
Number of ratifications: 74
Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hungary, Iran, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liberia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, Niger, Norway, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Viet Nam, Zimbabwe
[*] |
See document E/CONF.56/16/Rev.1. |
[*] |
As amended 1992-03-03, in force 1993-09-03; and 2005-09-29, in force 2006-03-28. This Convention replaces among the parties the Convention on Road Traffic 1949-09-19. |