Information package on cars and motorcycles

Driving a car and riding a motorcycle

• The law specifies that the driver of the vehicle being overtaken must not in any way impede the overtaking.
• On roads whose speed limit is at most 60 km/h, buses leaving a bus stop must be given way even if there is a bicycle lane next to the stop. 
• In addition to motorways, U-turns and reversing are prohibited on express roads.
• A demountable camper may be transported on an open bed of a van or a truck even if the camper is wider than the car. However, the demountable camper may not be occupied when mobile, and the width of the camper may not exceed the width permitted in normal road traffic for the vehicle in question. If required, additional mirrors, for example, must be installed to allow the driver to monitor traffic behind them. The part of the demountable camper extending outside the load compartment must be equipped with lights and reflectors such that the camper loaded onto the vehicle does not cause any hazards.
• If there are two or more lanes in the direction of travel on an intersecting carriageway, vehicles may exit the intersection using the most suitable lane. In that case, other traffic must be taken into account.
• When driving on a cycle street marked with a traffic sign, cyclists must be given unobstructed access, and the

Using lights

• The Act specifies that the headlights and taillights of a motor vehicle must be used when driving on the road during dark or at dusk, or if visibility is reduced due to weather conditions or other reasons. In that case, the daytime running lights are not sufficient.
• The Act specifies that the lights of a vehicle parked on the road – including trailers – must be on in the dark.

Parking

• Stopping or parking the vehicle on the left side of the road in the direction of travel is permitted on two-way roads in built-up areas if this does not endanger or impede traffic. 
• The start of the parking time can be reported in a free manner, i.e. a parking disc or a similar device is not required. However, the start time of parking shall be clearly indicated.
• Parking and stopping are prohibited in roundabouts, bicycle lanes and bus lanes. However, stopping is permitted because of a compelling obstacle to traffic, compliance with the obligation to give way or an emergency situation.
• Parking was made easier for home care workers and workers providing similar home-based services on 1 June 2020 with the amendment to the new Road Traffic Act. Read the Ministry of Transport and Communications press release. (External link)