Motorway
The sign indicates that you are driving on a motorway where special rules apply.
When You See This Sign
When you see the Motor Traffic Road sign, you know that you are now driving on a road intended for motor vehicles where pedestrians, cyclists, and class II mopeds are not allowed. Adjust your speed and safety distance, obey speed signs, and be attentive to any supplementary signs at junctions and on-ramps.
Rules & Regulations
- The Motor Traffic Road sign (E3) indicates that the road is intended for motorized traffic and that certain road users are prohibited, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and class II mopeds.
- Slow vehicles and vehicles that cannot maintain the normal traffic flow are not allowed to drive on a motor traffic road; the road is intended for vehicles that can be operated without significantly impeding other motor traffic.
- The sign does not automatically set a speed limit; the applicable speed is determined by separate speed signs or local regulations.
- Intersections and on-ramps may have special signage or right-of-way rules — follow supplementary signs, road markings, and instructions at each exit or junction.
Tips for Drivers
- Adjust quickly to the traffic flow when entering the motor traffic road and check speed signs — note that traffic often travels at a higher average speed than on ordinary country roads.
- Keep longer safety margins; faster vehicles mean less time to react if traffic brakes or changes lanes.
- Signal well in advance before an exit or lane change and read signs for upcoming exits, as motor traffic roads sometimes have limited opportunities to turn off.
- Be extra attentive at on-ramps: merging vehicles may accelerate into your lane, and pedestrians/cyclists are not permitted on the motor traffic road but may be present in roadside areas adjacent to the ramp.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing a motor traffic road with a motorway (a motor traffic road may have level crossings and lacks the stricter separation requirements of a motorway).
- Assuming that a motor traffic road automatically implies a higher speed limit — the speed is always shown with separate signs.
- Believing that bicycles and class II mopeds are allowed on a motor traffic road.
Test Yourself
Road Sign: Motorway
Which rule applies when this sign indicates the road type?
- A You are on an expressway where special rules apply
- B You are on a motorway with a toll
- C The hard shoulder is intended for pedestrians
- D Only vehicles with a maximum speed of 50 km/h are allowed
Exam Tip
On the theory test you may be asked which user groups are prohibited on a motor traffic road—remember that pedestrians, cyclists, and class II mopeds are not allowed to use this road.
Did You Know?
The Motor Traffic Road sign (E3) is used to mark fast country roads that do not necessarily have the physical separation and access restrictions of a motorway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Motor Traffic Road mean the speed is always higher?
No, the sign itself does not set a speed limit. The speed is determined by separate speed signs or local traffic regulations, so always look for speed signage.
Am I allowed to ride a moped or bicycle on a motor traffic road?
No, bicycles and class II mopeds are prohibited on motor traffic roads. Only motor vehicles suitable for this type of road may be driven.
Is a motor traffic road the same as a motorway?
No, a motor traffic road differs from a motorway; it may have level crossings and lacks the motorway's strict physical separation and certain special rules. Therefore you must pay attention to local signs and descriptions even though both roads are intended for faster motor traffic.
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