Terminology related to

road transport Road transport or road transportation is a type of transport using roads. Transport on roads can be roughly grouped into the transportation of goods and transportation of people. In many countries licensing requirements and safety regulations ...

—the transport of passengers or goods on paved (or otherwise improved) routes between places—is diverse, with variation between

dialects of English Dialects are linguistic varieties that may differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, spelling and grammar. For the classification of varieties of English only in terms of pronunciation, see regional accents of English. Overview Dialects can be d ...

. There may also be regional differences within a single country, and some terms differ based on the

side of the road Side or Sides may refer to: Geometry * Edge (geometry) of a polygon (two-dimensional shape) * Face (geometry) of a polyhedron (three-dimensional shape) Places * Side (Ainis), a town of Ainis, ancient Thessaly, Greece * Side (Caria), a town of ...

traffic drives on. This glossary is an alphabetical listing of road transport terms.

0–9

;

2+1 road 2+1 road is a specific category of three-lane road, consisting of two lanes in one direction and one lane in the other, alternating every few kilometres, and usually separated with a steel cable barrier. The second lane allows faster-moving t ...

:A specific category of three-lane

road A road is a linear way for the conveyance of traffic that mostly has an improved surface for use by vehicles (motorized and non-motorized) and pedestrians. Unlike streets, the main function of roads is transportation. There are many types of ...

, consisting of two lanes in one direction and one lane in the other, alternating every few kilometres, and separated usually with a steel

cable barrier A cable barrier, sometimes referred to as guard cable or wire rope safety barrier (WRSB), is a type of roadside or median safety traffic barrier/guard rail. It consists of steel wire ropes mounted on weak posts. As is the case with any roadside ...

. ;

2-1 road A 2-1 road (2-minus-1 road) is a type of road with extra wide shoulders, and a smaller single two-way lane in the middle for vehicles. The shoulders are to be used by pedestrians and cyclists, and if necessary by meeting vehicles. The purpose o ...

:A specific category of one-lane

being built in

Denmark ) , song = ( en, "King Christian stood by the lofty mast") , song_type = National and royal anthem , image_map = EU-Denmark.svg , map_caption = , subdivision_type = Sovereign state , subdivision_name = Kingdom of Denmark , establishe ...

and Sweden, consisting of a single two-way lane with extra wide shoulders for pedestrians and cyclists. ;

2+2 road A 2+2 road is a specific type of dual-carriageway that exists primarily in Ireland, Sweden, Estonia and Finland, consisting of two lanes in each direction separated by a steel cable barrier. These roads do not have hard shoulders and therefore ...

:A specific type of

dual carriageway A dual carriageway ( BE) or divided highway ( AE) is a class of highway with carriageways for traffic travelling in opposite directions separated by a central reservation (BrE) or median (AmE). Roads with two or more carriageways which are ...

being built in

Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...

, Sweden, and

Finland Finland ( fi, Suomi ; sv, Finland ), officially the Republic of Finland (; ), is a Nordic country in Northern Europe. It shares land borders with Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east, with the Gulf of Bo ...

, consisting of two lanes in each direction separated by a steel

. ;3-way junction or 3-way intersection : ;

5-1-1 5-1-1 is a transportation and traffic information telephone hotline in some regions of the United States and Canada. Travelers can dial 511, a three-digit telephone number, on landlines and most mobile phones. The number has also extended to ...

:A transportation and

traffic information Traffic reporting is the near real-time distribution of information about road conditions such as traffic congestion, detours, and traffic collisions. The reports help drivers anticipate and avoid traffic problems. Traffic reports, especially in c ...

telephone hotline A hotline is a point-to-point communications link in which a call is automatically directed to the preselected destination without any additional action by the user when the end instrument goes off-hook. An example would be a phone that automa ...

in some regions of the United States and Canada that was initially designated for road weather information.

A

;Access road : ;

Advisory speed limit An advisory speed limit is a speed recommendation by a governing body, used when it may be non-obvious to the driver that the safe speed is below the legal speed. It is a posting which either approximates the Basic Speed Law or rule (and is ...

:A speed recommendation by a governing body. ;

All-way stop An all-way stop – also known as a four-way stop (or three-way stop etc. as appropriate) – is a traffic management system which requires vehicles on all the approaches to a road intersection to stop at the intersection before proceeding thro ...

or four-way stop :An

intersection In mathematics, the intersection of two or more objects is another object consisting of everything that is contained in all of the objects simultaneously. For example, in Euclidean geometry, when two lines in a plane are not parallel, thei ...

system where traffic approaching it from all directions is required to stop before proceeding through the intersection. ;

Alternate route An official alternate route is a special route in the United States that provides an alternate alignment for a highway. They are loop roads and found in many road systems in the United States including the U.S. Highway system and various state ...

or optional route :A highway that splits off the mainline and reconnects some distance later. ;

Ambulance An ambulance is a medically equipped vehicle which transports patients to treatment facilities, such as hospitals. Typically, out-of-hospital medical care is provided to the patient during the transport. Ambulances are used to respond to medi ...

:A medically equipped vehicle which transports patients to treatment facilities, such as hospitals. ;

Annual average daily traffic Annual average daily traffic, abbreviated AADT, is a measure used primarily in transportation planning, transportation engineering and retail location selection. Traditionally, it is the total volume of vehicle traffic of a highway or road for ...

(AADT) :A measure of total volume of vehicle traffic on a segment of road for a year divided by 365 days to produce an average. ;

Arterial road An arterial road or arterial thoroughfare is a high-capacity urban road that sits below freeways/motorways on the road hierarchy in terms of traffic flow and speed. The primary function of an arterial road is to deliver traffic from collector ...

or arterial thoroughfare :A high-capacity urban road designed to deliver traffic at the highest possible

level of service Level of service may refer to: * Levels of service in asset management * Level of service (transportation) in transportation and traffic * Something agreed on in a Service-level agreement (SLA) {{Disambiguation ...

. ;

At-grade intersection An intersection or an at-grade junction is a junction where two or more roads converge, diverge, meet or cross at the same height, as opposed to an interchange, which uses bridges or tunnels to separate different roads. Major intersections ...

junction Junction may refer to: Arts and entertainment * ''Junction'' (film), a 2012 American film * Jjunction, a 2002 Indian film * Junction (album), a 1976 album by Andrew Cyrille * Junction (EP), by Basement Jaxx, 2002 * Junction (manga), or ''Hot ...

at which two or more roads cross at the same level or grade. ;Automobile : ;Automotive vehicle : ;Autonomous vehicle : ;

Auxiliary route In road transportation in the United States, a special route is a road in a numbered highway system that diverts a specific segment of related traffic away from another road. They are featured in many highway systems; most are found in the ...

:A highway that supplements a major or mainline highway.

B

; Backroad :A secondary type of road usually found in

rural area In general, a rural area or a countryside is a geographic area that is located outside towns and cities. Typical rural areas have a low population density and small settlements. Agricultural areas and areas with forestry typically are des ...

s. ;

Barrier toll system A barrier toll system (also known as an open toll system) is a method of collecting tolls on highways using toll barriers at regularly spaced intervals on the toll road's mainline. Motorists are typically charged a flat-rate toll, unlike toll ro ...

or open toll system :A method of collecting tolls on highways using

toll barrier A toll road, also known as a turnpike or tollway, is a public or private road (almost always a controlled-access highway in the present day) for which a fee (or '' toll'') is assessed for passage. It is a form of road pricing typically implemente ...

s at regularly spaced intervals on the toll road's mainline, usually charging a flat rate at each barrier. ;Beltway : ; Bicycle, bike, or cycle :A human-powered or motor-powered, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. ;

Bicycle boulevard A bicycle boulevard, sometimes referred to as a neighborhood greenway, neighborway, neighborhood bikeway or neighborhood byway is a type of bikeway composed of a low-speed street which has been "optimized" for bicycle traffic. Bicycle boulevard ...

:A street that allows local vehicle traffic, but is prioritized for bicycles and other non-motorized travel. ;

Bike freeway A bicycle, also called a pedal cycle, bike or cycle, is a human-powered or motor-powered assisted, pedal-driven, single-track vehicle, having two wheels attached to a frame, one behind the other. A is called a cyclist, or bicyclist. Bic ...

, cycling superhighway, fast cycle route, or bicycle highway :An informal name for a bicycle path that is meant for long-distance traffic. ;

Bike lane Bike lanes (US) or cycle lanes (UK) are types of bikeways (cycleways) with lanes on the roadway for cyclists only. In the United Kingdom, an on-road cycle-lane can be firmly restricted to cycles (marked with a solid white line, entry by motor ...

or cycle lane :A lane restricted to bicycles. ;

Boom barrier A boom barrier, also known as a boom gate, is a bar, or pole pivoted to allow the boom to block vehicular or pedestrian access through a controlled point. Typically the tip of a boom gate rises in a vertical arc to a near vertical position. Boo ...

or boom gate :A bar or pole pivoted to block vehicular or pedestrian access through a controlled point. ;Bottleneck : Farmhillblvd

;

Botts' dots Botts' dots (turtles in Washington and Oregon or buttons in Texas and other southern states) are round non-reflective raised pavement markers. In many parts of the US, Botts' dots are used, along with reflective raised pavement markers, to ma ...

:Round non-reflective

raised pavement marker A raised pavement marker is a safety device used on roads. These devices are usually made with plastic, ceramic, thermoplastic paint, glass or occasionally metal, and come in a variety of shapes and colors. Raised reflective markers, such as ...

s used to mark lanes on roads. ;

Boulevard A boulevard is a type of broad avenue planted with rows of trees, or in parts of North America, any urban highway. Boulevards were originally circumferential roads following the line of former city walls. In American usage, boulevards may b ...

:A type of large road, usually running through a city. ;

Box junction A box junction is a road traffic control measure designed to prevent congestion and gridlock at junctions. The surface of the junction is typically marked with a yellow criss-cross grid of diagonal painted lines (or only two lines crossing eac ...

traffic Traffic comprises pedestrians, vehicles, ridden or herded animals, trains, and other conveyances that use public ways (roads) for travel and transportation. Traffic laws govern and regulate traffic, while rules of the road include traffi ...

control measure designed to prevent congestion and

gridlock Gridlock is a form of traffic congestion where "continuous queues of vehicles block an entire network of intersecting streets, bringing traffic in all directions to a complete standstill". The term originates from a situation possible in a grid ...

s. The surface of the junction is typically marked with a criss-cross grid of diagonal painted lines (or only two lines crossing each other in the box), and vehicles may not enter the area so marked unless their exit from the junction is clear (or, if turning, to await a gap in the oncoming

traffic flow In mathematics and transportation engineering, traffic flow is the study of interactions between travellers (including pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and their vehicles) and infrastructure (including highways, signage, and traffic control de ...

). ;Broken U-turn : ;

Bus A bus (contracted from omnibus, with variants multibus, motorbus, autobus, etc.) is a road vehicle that carries significantly more passengers than an average car or van. It is most commonly used in public transport, but is also in use for cha ...

:A road vehicle designed to carry many passengers. ;

Bus lane A bus lane or bus-only lane is a lane restricted to buses, often on certain days and times, and generally used to speed up public transport that would be otherwise held up by traffic congestion. The related term busway describes a roadway ...

:A lane restricted to buses, and sometimes certain other vehicles such as taxis. ;

Bus rapid transit Bus rapid transit (BRT), also called a busway or transitway, is a bus-based public transport system designed to have much more capacity, reliability and other quality features than a conventional bus system. Typically, a BRT system includes ...

, BRT, busway, or transitway :A bus-based public transport system designed to improve capacity and reliability relative to a conventional bus system. ;

Bus station A bus station or a bus interchange is a structure where city or intercity buses stop to pick up and drop off passengers. While the term bus depot can also be used to refer to a bus station, it generally refers to a bus garage. A bus station is ...

or bus depot :A structure where city or intercity buses stop to pick up and drop off passengers. ; Bus stop :A designated place where buses stop for passengers to board or alight from it. ;

Business route A business route (or business loop, business spur, or city route) in the United States is a short special route connected to a ''parent'' numbered highway at its beginning, then routed through the central business district of a nearby city or ...

or city route :An auxiliary route that passes through the central business district of a city. ;Butterfly junction : ;

Button copy Button copy is a type of physical design for road signs in the United States. Round plastic retroreflectors, retroreflective buttons made of transparent plastic are placed in rows following the contours of sign legend elements, usually painted whi ...

:A past physical design of

road sign Traffic signs or road signs are signs erected at the side of or above roads to give instructions or provide information to road users. The earliest signs were simple wooden or stone milestones. Later, signs with directional arms were introduce ...

s in the

United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 U.S. state, states, a Washington, D.C., federal district, five ma ...

in which

retroreflective A retroreflector (sometimes called a retroflector or cataphote) is a device or surface that reflects radiation (usually light) back to its source with minimum scattering. This works at a wide range of angle of incidence, unlike a planar mirror, ...

buttons made of transparent plastic are placed in rows following the contours of sign legend elements, usually painted white, such as letters, numbers, arrows, and borders. ;

Bypass Bypass may refer to: * Bypass (road), a road that avoids a built-up area (not to be confused with passing lane) * Flood bypass of a river Science and technology Medicine * Bypass surgery, a class of surgeries including for example: ** Heart bypas ...

:An auxiliary route that relieves congestion along the mainline by routing traffic around a city or congested area. Can also be used to refer to a segment of road built to reroute the mainline away from a city or congested area.

C

;Cab : ;

Cant Cant, CANT, canting, or canted may refer to: Language * Cant (language), a secret language * Beurla Reagaird, a language of the Scottish Highland Travellers * Scottish Cant, a language of the Scottish Lowland Travellers * Shelta or the Cant, a lan ...

or camber :The gradient of the road surface at 90° to the direction of travel; the difference in height between the edge and the crown of the road. ;

Car A car or automobile is a motor vehicle with wheels. Most definitions of ''cars'' say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people instead of goods. The year 1886 is regarded as t ...

or automobile :A wheeled motor vehicle used for transportation. ;Car crash or car accident : ;

Carriageway A carriageway (British English) or roadway (North American English) consists of a width of road on which a vehicle is not restricted by any physical barriers or separation to move laterally. A carriageway generally consists of a number of traf ...

or roadway :A width of road on which a vehicle is not restricted by any physical barriers or separation to move laterally. A roadway can comprise one or more carriageways; single carriageways may contain both directions of

for the roadway, while multiple carriageways can separate traffic by direction or type. ;Cashless tolling : ; Cat's eye :A

safety device Safety is the state of being "safe", the condition of being protected from harm or other danger. Safety can also refer to the control of recognized hazards in order to achieve an acceptable level of risk. Meanings There are two slightly di ...

used in

road marking Road surface marking is any kind of device or material that is used on a road surface in order to convey official information; they are commonly placed with road marking machines (also referred to as road marking equipment or pavement marking eq ...

and the first of a range of

s. ;Central reservation : ;Circumferential highway : ;City route : ;Clean vehicle : ;

Climbing lane Climbing lanes or crawler lanes are a roadway lane design. They allow slower travel for large vehicles, such as large trucks or semi-trailer trucks, ascending a steep grade. Since climbing uphill is difficult for these vehicles, they can travel in ...

lane In road transport, a lane is part of a roadway that is designated to be used by a single line of vehicles to control and guide drivers and reduce traffic conflicts. Most public roads ( highways) have at least two lanes, one for traffic in eac ...

that allows slower travel for large vehicles, such as large trucks or

semi-trailer truck A semi-trailer truck, also known as a semitruck, (or semi, eighteen-wheeler, big rig, tractor-trailer or, by synecdoche, a semitrailer) is the combination of a tractor unit and one or more semi-trailers to carry freight. A semi-trailer ...

s, ascending a steep

grade Grade most commonly refers to: * Grade (education), a measurement of a student's performance * Grade, the number of the year a student has reached in a given educational stage * Grade (slope), the steepness of a slope Grade or grading may also r ...

. ;Closed toll collection system : ;

Cloverleaf interchange A cloverleaf interchange is a two-level interchange in which all turns are handled by slip roads. To go left (in right-hand traffic; reverse directions in left-driving regions), vehicles first continue as one road passes over or under the ...

or cloverleaf junction :A two-level interchange in which turns are handled by eight total ramp or slip roads, four of which form loops that give the interchange the shape of a cloverleaf from the air. Each ramp allows traffic from one direction of a roadway to access only one direction of the crossroad: e.g. from northbound to eastbound while a separate ramp connects from northbound to westbound. Traffic is fully

grade separated In civil engineering (more specifically highway engineering), grade separation is a method of aligning a junction of two or more surface transport axes at different heights (grades) so that they will not disrupt the traffic flow on other t ...

; it does not need to stop to make any of the connections between the two roadways. ;Coastal evacuation route : ;Collector–distributor lanes : ;

Collector road A collector road or distributor road is a low-to-moderate-capacity road which serves to move traffic from local streets to arterial roads. Unlike arterials, collector roads are designed to provide access to residential properties. Rarely, juri ...

or distributor road :A low-to-moderate-capacity road which serves to move traffic from local

street A street is a public thoroughfare in a built environment. It is a public parcel of land adjoining buildings in an urban context, on which people may freely assemble, interact, and move about. A street can be as simple as a level patch of d ...

s to

arterial roads An arterial road or arterial thoroughfare is a high-capacity urban road that sits below freeways/motorways on the road hierarchy in terms of traffic flow and speed. The primary function of an arterial road is to deliver traffic from collector ...

. ;

Commercial vehicle A commercial vehicle is any type of motor vehicle used for transporting goods or paying passengers. The United States defines a "commercial motor vehicle" as any self-propelled or towed vehicle used on a public highway in interstate commerce to ...

:A motor vehicle used for transporting goods or paying passengers. ;

Concurrency Concurrent means happening at the same time. Concurrency, concurrent, or concurrence may refer to: Law * Concurrence, in jurisprudence, the need to prove both ''actus reus'' and ''mens rea'' * Concurring opinion (also called a "concurrence"), a ...

:An instance of one physical road bearing two or more different highway, motorway, or other route numbers. ;Cone : ;Confirming marker : ;Congestion : ;

Congestion pricing Congestion pricing or congestion charges is a system of surcharging users of public goods that are subject to congestion through excess demand, such as through higher peak charges for use of bus services, electricity, metros, railways, t ...

:A system of surcharging users of roads that are subject to congestion. ; Connector or cutoff :An auxiliary route that provides a shortcut between two routes or a connection between two routes that otherwise do no connect. ; Constitutional route :A highway defined in the

constitution A constitution is the aggregate of fundamental principles or established precedents that constitute the legal basis of a polity, organisation or other type of entity and commonly determine how that entity is to be governed. When these princip ...

of the place in which it is located. Only found in

Minnesota Minnesota () is a state in the upper midwestern region of the United States. It is the 12th largest U.S. state in area and the List of U.S. states and territories by population, 22nd most populous, with over 5.75 million residents. Minne ...

. ;Construction area, construction zone, work area, or work zone :A stretch of road on which

road construction A road is a linear way for the conveyance of traffic that mostly has an improved surface for use by vehicles (motorized and non-motorized) and pedestrians. Unlike streets, the main function of roads is transportation. There are many types of ...

is taking place. ;

Continuous-flow intersection A continuous flow intersection (CFI), also called a crossover displaced left-turn (XDL or DLT), is an alternative design for an at-grade road junction. Vehicles attempting to turn across the opposing direction of traffic (left in right-hand d ...

, CFI, crossover displaced left-turn, XDL, or DLT :An intersection where vehicles attempting to turn across the opposing direction of traffic (left in

right-hand drive Left-hand traffic (LHT) and right-hand traffic (RHT) are the practices, in bidirectional traffic, of keeping to the left side or to the right side of the road, respectively. They are fundamental to traffic flow, and are sometimes referred to ...

jurisdictions; right in left-hand drive jurisdictions) cross before they enter the intersection. No left turn signal in the intersection is then necessary. ;Continuous green T-intersection : ;

Contraflow lane reversal Contraflow lane reversal is the altering of the normal flow of traffic, typically on a controlled-access highway (such as a freeway or motorway), to either aid in an emergency evacuation (the most common usage of the term in the United States) or ...

:The reversal of direction of traffic in a lane, to facilitate emergency evacuations, roadworks, or events. ;

Control city A control city is a city, locality, or other location posted on a series of traffic signs along a particular stretch of road indicating destinations on that route. Together with route numbers and cardinal directions, these focal points aid the mo ...

:A city or location posted on a series of

traffic sign Traffic signs or road signs are signs erected at the side of or above roads to give instructions or provide information to road users. The earliest signs were simple wooden or stone milestones. Later, signs with directional arms were introduce ...

s along a particular stretch of road indicating destinations on that route. ; Controlled-access highway, motorway, or freeway :A type of

highway A highway is any public or private road or other public way on land. It is used for major roads, but also includes other public roads and public tracks. In some areas of the United States, it is used as an equivalent term to controlled-access ...

which has been designed for high-speed vehicular traffic, with all traffic flow and ingress/egress regulated. ;The corduroy : ;

Country lane A country lane is a narrow road in the countryside. In North America and Australia, the term "lane" also may refer to rear access roads which act as a secondary vehicular network in cities and towns. Some towns and cities in the United Kingdo ...

:A narrow road in the

countryside In general, a rural area or a countryside is a geographic area that is located outside towns and cities. Typical rural areas have a low population density and small settlements. Agricultural areas and areas with forestry typically are describ ...

. ;

County highway A county highway (also county road or county route; usually abbreviated CH or CR) is a road in the United States and in the Canadian province of Ontario that is designated and/or maintained by the county highway department. Route numbering can ...

, county road, or county route :A road in the

and in the Canadian province of

Ontario Ontario ( ; ) is one of the thirteen provinces and territories of Canada.Ontario is located in the geographic eastern half of Canada, but it has historically and politically been considered to be part of Central Canada. Located in Central C ...

that is designated and/or maintained by the

county A county is a geographic region of a country used for administrative or other purposes Chambers Dictionary, L. Brookes (ed.), 2005, Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd, Edinburgh in certain modern nations. The term is derived from the Old French ...

highway department. ;Couplet : ;

Crossbuck A crossbuck is a traffic sign used to indicate a level railway crossing. It is composed of two slats of wood or metal of equal length, fastened together on a pole in a saltire formation (resembling the letter X). Crossbucks are sometimes sup ...

used to indicate a level railway crossing. ;

Crossing guard A crossing guard (North American English), lollipop man/lady ( British, Irish, and Australian English), crosswalk attendant (also Australian English), or school road patrol (New Zealand English) is a traffic management personnel who is normal ...

, lollipop man/lady, crosswalk attendant or school road patrol :A person who temporarily stops vehicular traffic to allow pedestrians to cross the road. ;Crossroad : ;Crosswalk : ;

Cul-de-sac A dead end, also known as a cul-de-sac (, from French for 'bag-bottom'), no through road or no exit road, is a street with only one inlet or outlet. The term "dead end" is understood in all varieties of English, but the official terminology ...

, dead end, closed, no through road, no exit, court, or no outlet :A street with only one inlet/outlet. ;

Curb A curb (North American English), or kerb (Commonwealth English except Canada; see spelling differences), is the edge where a raised sidewalk or road median/central reservation meets a street or other roadway. History Although curbs hav ...

or kerb :Raised pavement situated along the edge of a roadway. ;Cycle lane : ;Cycling superhighway : ;

Cyclist Cycling, also, when on a two-wheeled bicycle, called bicycling or biking, is the use of cycles for transport, recreation, exercise or sport. People engaged in cycling are referred to as "cyclists", "bicyclists", or "bikers". Apart from two ...

:A bicycle rider.

D

;Dead end : ;

Decommissioned highway A decommissioned highway is a highway that has been removed from service by being shut down, or has had its authorization as a national, provincial or state highway removed, the latter also referred to as downloading. Decommissioning can include ...

:A former highway which was removed from the highway system is said to be decommissioned. The term also applies to a designation which was removed from a highway system, such as when the U.S. Route 66 was removed from the

United States Numbered Highway System The United States Numbered Highway System (often called U.S. Routes or U.S. Highways) is an integrated network of roads and highways numbered within a nationwide grid in the contiguous United States. As the designation and numbering of these hi ...

in 1985. The physical roadbed typically remains usable, and it may then receive a different designation as another classification of road. ;

Demountable copy Demountable copy is a term describing the method of manufacture of some signs in the United States. Demountable copy signage is built by attaching mass-produced sheet-metal characters (and graphics, such as route shields and arrows) to the sign ...

: Road signage that is built by attaching mass-produced sheet-metal characters (and graphics, such as

route shield A highway shield or route marker is a sign denoting the route number of a highway, usually in the form of a symbolic shape with the route number enclosed. As the focus of the sign, the route number is usually the sign's largest element, with othe ...

s and arrows) to the sign face, through means such as screws or rivets. ;

Detour __NOTOC__ A detour or (British English: diversion) is a (normally temporary) route taking traffic around an area of prohibited or reduced access, such as a construction site. Standard operating procedure for many roads departments is to route an ...

:A route taking traffic around an area of prohibited or reduced access, such as a

construction site Construction is a general term meaning the art and science to form objects, systems, or organizations,"Construction" def. 1.a. 1.b. and 1.c. ''Oxford English Dictionary'' Second Edition on CD-ROM (v. 4.0) Oxford University Press 2009 and ...

;

Diamond interchange A diamond interchange is a common type of road junction, used where a controlled-access highway crosses a minor road. Design The freeway itself is grade-separated from the minor road, one crossing the other over a bridge. Approaching the ...

:An interchange between a

freeway A controlled-access highway is a type of highway that has been designed for high-speed vehicular traffic, with all traffic flow—ingress and egress—regulated. Common English terms are freeway, motorway and expressway. Other similar terms ...

and a minor road where the off-ramp diverges only slightly from the freeway and runs directly across the minor road at an at-grade intersection, becoming an on-ramp that returns to the freeway in similar fashion. ;Directional interchange : ;Distributor road : ;

Diverging diamond interchange A diverging diamond interchange (DDI), also called a double crossover diamond interchange (DCD), is a subset of diamond interchange in which the opposing directions of travel on the non-freeway road cross each other on either side of the inte ...

, DDI, double crossover diamond interchange, or DCD :A type of

diamond interchange A diamond interchange is a common type of road junction, used where a controlled-access highway crosses a minor road. Design The freeway itself is grade-separated from the minor road, one crossing the other over a bridge. Approaching the ...

in which the two directions of traffic on the non-

road cross to the opposite side on both sides of the bridge at the freeway. ;DLT : ;Drawbridge : ;Driverless car : ;

Driver's license A driver's license is a legal authorization, or the official document confirming such an authorization, for a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles—such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, or buses—on a publi ...

or driving licence :An official document permitting a specific individual to operate a vehicle. ;

Drivers' working hours Drivers' working hours is the commonly used term for regulations that govern the activities of the drivers of commercial goods vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles. In the United States, they are known as hours of service. Within the Europ ...

:Regulations that govern the activities of commercial

truck drivers A truck driver (commonly referred to as a trucker, teamster, or driver in the United States and Canada; a truckie in Australia and New Zealand; a HGV driver in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the European Union, a lorry driver, or driver in ...

, most notably limiting the number of hours a person may drive during the day or week. ;

Driveway A driveway (also called ''drive'' in UK English) is a type of private road for local access to one or a small group of structures, and is owned and maintained by an individual or group. Driveways rarely have traffic lights, but some that bea ...

or drive :A type of

private road A private road is a road owned or controlled by a private person, persons or corporation rather than a road open to the public and owned by a government. Private roads can be on private land or can be constructed on government land for use by go ...

for local access to one or a small group of structures, and is owned and maintained by an individual or group. ;

Driving under the influence Driving under the influence (DUI)—also called driving while impaired, impaired driving, driving while intoxicated (DWI), drunk driving, operating while intoxicated (OWI), operating under the influence (OUI), operating vehicle under the infl ...

or DUI :Operating a vehicle while being impaired by

alcohol Alcohol most commonly refers to: * Alcohol (chemistry), an organic compound in which a hydroxyl group is bound to a carbon atom * Alcohol (drug), an intoxicant found in alcoholic drinks Alcohol may also refer to: Chemicals * Ethanol, one of sev ...

or other

drug A drug is any chemical substance that causes a change in an organism's physiology or psychology when consumed. Drugs are typically distinguished from food and substances that provide nutritional support. Consumption of drugs can be via inhal ...

s. ;

Dual carriageway A dual carriageway ( BE) or divided highway ( AE) is a class of highway with carriageways for traffic travelling in opposite directions separated by a central reservation (BrE) or median (AmE). Roads with two or more carriageways which are ...

or divided highway :A class of

with two carriageways for traffic traveling in opposite directions separated by a median strip or central reservation. ;Dynamic message sign :

E

; Electronic toll collection :A system of toll collection where a driver attaches a transponder to his or her vehicle or where a camera recognizes the

vehicle registration plates A vehicle registration plate, also known as a number plate (British English), license plate (American English), or licence plate ( Canadian English), is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identificati ...

. Tolls are charged automatically to the driver, either by prepaid account or by regular billing, when the vehicle passes through a toll booth or gantry. ;

Elevated highway An elevated highway is a controlled-access highway that is raised above grade for its entire length. Elevation is usually constructed as viaducts, typically a long pier bridge. Technically, the entire highway is a single bridge. Reason to cons ...

:A controlled-access highway that is raised above grade for its entire length. ;

Emergency vehicle An emergency vehicle is a vehicle used by emergency services. Emergency vehicles typically have specialized emergency lighting and vehicle equipment that allow emergency services to reach calls for service in a timely manner, transport equipmen ...

:A vehicle that is designated and authorized to respond to an emergency in a life-threatening situation. ;Escape lane or emergency escape ramp : ;Evacuation route : ;

Exit number An exit number is a number assigned to a road junction, usually an exit from a freeway. It is usually marked on the same sign as the destinations of the exit. In some countries, such as the United States, it is also marked on a sign in the ...

:A number assigned to a

road junction A junction is where two or more roads meet. History Roads began as a means of linking locations of interest: towns, forts and geographic features such as river fords. Where roads met outside of an existing settlement, these junctions often led ...

, usually an exit from a

. ;Expressway :

F

;

Farm-to-market road In the United States, a farm-to-market road or ranch-to-market road (sometimes farm road or ranch road for short) is a state highway or county road that connects rural or agricultural areas to market towns. These are better quality roads, usually ...

, ranch-to-market road, farm road, or ranch road :A highway that connects

rural In general, a rural area or a countryside is a geographic area that is located outside towns and cities. Typical rural areas have a low population density and small settlements. Agricultural areas and areas with forestry typically are descri ...

agricultural Agriculture or farming is the practice of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled peopl ...

areas to market towns. ;Fast cycle route : ;

Fire engine A fire engine (also known in some places as a fire truck or fire lorry) is a road vehicle (usually a truck) that functions as a firefighting apparatus. The primary purposes of a fire engine include transporting firefighters and water to ...

, fire truck, or fire lorry :A road vehicle (usually a truck) that functions as a firefighting apparatus. ;Flagger or flagman : ;Freeway : ;

Frontage road A frontage road (also known as an access road, outer road, service road, feeder road, or parallel road) is a local road running parallel to a higher-speed, limited-access road. A frontage road is often used to provide access to private drive ...

, access road, service road, or parallel road :A local road running

parallel Parallel is a geometric term of location which may refer to: Computing * Parallel algorithm * Parallel computing * Parallel metaheuristic * Parallel (software), a UNIX utility for running programs in parallel * Parallel Sysplex, a cluster of I ...

to a higher-speed,

limited-access road A limited-access road, known by various terms worldwide, including limited-access highway, dual-carriageway, expressway, limited access freeway, and partial controlled access highway, is a highway or arterial road for high-speed traffic which ...

Great Northern Highway near Payne's Find (wide)

; Floodway :A flood plain crossing built at or close to the natural ground level, designed to be submerged under water, but withstand such conditions—typically used when flood frequency or time span is minimal, traffic volumes are low, and the cost of a bridge is uneconomic. ;Flyover : ;Footpath or footway : ;Fore Street : ;Fork :A type of

where a road splits. Often Y-shaped. ;Four-way stop :

G

;

Gantry A gantry is an overhead bridge-like structure supporting equipment such as a crane, signals, or cameras. Devices and structures * Gantry (medical), cylindrical scanner assembly used for medical 3D-imaging or treatment * Gantry (transport), an ov ...

:An overhead support for road signs or electronic toll collection systems. ;Ghost island : ;

Gore Gore may refer to: Places Australia * Gore, Queensland * Gore Creek (New South Wales) * Gore Island (Queensland) Canada * Gore, Nova Scotia, a rural community * Gore, Quebec, a township municipality * Gore Bay, Ontario, a township on Manit ...

, gore point, gore zone, or merge nose :A

triangular A triangle is a polygon with three edges and three vertices. It is one of the basic shapes in geometry. A triangle with vertices ''A'', ''B'', and ''C'' is denoted \triangle ABC. In Euclidean geometry, any three points, when non-collinear, ...

piece of land found where

s merge or split. ;

Grade Grade most commonly refers to: * Grade (education), a measurement of a student's performance * Grade, the number of the year a student has reached in a given educational stage * Grade (slope), the steepness of a slope Grade or grading may also r ...

, slope, incline, gradient, pitch or rise :The degree by which a road rises or declines, affected by fills and cuts designed and built to reduce the steepness of a road. ;

Grade separation In civil engineering (more specifically highway engineering), grade separation is a method of aligning a junction of two or more surface transport axes at different heights (grades) so that they will not disrupt the traffic flow on other t ...

:The method of aligning a

of two or more road axes at different heights (

s) so that they will not disrupt the traffic flow on other transit routes when they cross each other. ; Green lane :An

unmetalled A road surface (British English), or pavement (American English), is the durable surface material laid down on an area intended to sustain vehicular or foot traffic, such as a road or walkway. In the past, gravel road surfaces, hoggin, cobbl ...

road, usually in a

area. ;

Green vehicle A green vehicle, clean vehicle, eco-friendly vehicle or environmentally friendly vehicle is a road motor vehicle that produces less harmful impacts to the environment than comparable conventional internal combustion engine vehicles running on ...

, clean vehicle, eco-friendly vehicle, or environmentally friendly vehicle :A road

motor vehicle A motor vehicle, also known as motorized vehicle or automotive vehicle, is a self-propelled land vehicle, commonly wheeled, that does not operate on rails (such as trains or trams) and is used for the transportation of people or cargo. The ...

that produces less harmful impacts to the

environment Environment most often refers to: __NOTOC__ * Natural environment, all living and non-living things occurring naturally * Biophysical environment, the physical and biological factors along with their chemical interactions that affect an organism or ...

than comparable conventional

internal combustion engine An internal combustion engine (ICE or IC engine) is a heat engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer (usually air) in a combustion chamber that is an integral part of the working fluid flow circuit. In an internal co ...

vehicles running on

gasoline Gasoline (; ) or petrol (; ) (see ) is a transparent, petroleum-derived flammable liquid that is used primarily as a fuel in most spark-ignited internal combustion engines (also known as petrol engines). It consists mostly of organic ...

diesel Diesel may refer to: * Diesel engine, an internal combustion engine where ignition is caused by compression * Diesel fuel, a liquid fuel used in diesel engines * Diesel locomotive, a railway locomotive in which the prime mover is a diesel engine ...

, or one that uses certain

alternative fuels Alternative fuel, known as non-conventional and advanced fuels, are any materials or substances that can be used as fuels, other than conventional fuels like; '' fossil fuels'' (petroleum (oil), coal, and natural gas), as well as nuclear mater ...

. ;

Gridlock Gridlock is a form of traffic congestion where "continuous queues of vehicles block an entire network of intersecting streets, bringing traffic in all directions to a complete standstill". The term originates from a situation possible in a grid ...

:A form of

traffic congestion Traffic congestion is a condition in transport that is characterized by slower speeds, longer trip times, and increased vehicular queueing. Traffic congestion on urban road networks has increased substantially since the 1950s. When traffic d ...

where "continuous queues of vehicles block an entire network of intersecting streets, bringing traffic in all directions to a complete standstill". ;

Grid plan In urban planning, the grid plan, grid street plan, or gridiron plan is a type of city plan in which streets run at right angles to each other, forming a grid. Two inherent characteristics of the grid plan, frequent intersections and orthogo ...

, grid street plan, or gridiron plan :A type of city plan in which streets run at right angles to each other, forming a grid. ;Growlers : ;

Guard rail Guard rail, guardrails, or protective guarding, in general, are a boundary feature and may be a means to prevent or deter access to dangerous or off-limits areas while allowing light and visibility in a greater way than a fence. Common shapes ...

, guardrail, guide rail, or railing :A system designed to keep people or vehicles from (in most cases unintentionally) straying into dangerous or off-limits areas.

H

;

Hairpin turn A hairpin turn (also hairpin bend or hairpin corner) is a bend in a road with a very acute inner angle, making it necessary for an oncoming vehicle to turn about 180° to continue on the road. It is named for its resemblance to a bent metal ha ...

, hairpin bend, hairpin corner, or hairpin curve :A bend in a road with a very acute inner angle that resembles a hairpin/

bobby pin A bobby pin (also known as a kirby grip or hair grip in the United Kingdom) is a type of hairpin, usually of metal or plastic, used in coiffure to hold hair in place. It is a small double-pronged hair pin or clip that slides into hair with the pr ...

, making it necessary for an oncoming vehicle to turn almost 180° to continue on the road. ;

Haulage Haulage is the business of transporting goods by road or rail between suppliers and large consumer outlets, factories, warehouses, or depots. This includes everything humans might wish to move in bulk - from vegetables and other foodstuffs, to cloth ...

:The business of transporting goods by road or rail. ;

HAWK beacon A HAWK beacon (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK beacon) is a traffic control device used to stop road traffic and allow pedestrians to cross safely. It is officially known as a pedestrian hybrid beacon. The purpose of a HAWK beacon is to allow ...

or Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon :A traffic control device used to stop road traffic and allow pedestrians to cross safely. ;

High-occupancy vehicle lane A high-occupancy vehicle lane (also known as an HOV lane, carpool lane, diamond lane, 2+ lane, and transit lane or T2 or T3 lanes) is a restricted traffic lane reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles with a driver and one or more passengers, ...

or HOV lane :A

reserved for vehicles carrying two or more passengers or other exempted vehicles. ;

High-occupancy toll lane A high-occupancy toll lane (or HOT lane) is a type of traffic lane or roadway that is available to high-occupancy vehicles and other exempt vehicles without charge; other vehicles are required to pay a variable fee that is adjusted in respons ...

or HOT lane :An HOV lane that charges a toll for vehicles that do not meet HOV regulations. ;High Street : ;High-T intersection : File:I-90.svg, alt=Interstate 90 route marker,

I-90 Interstate 90 (I-90) is an east–west transcontinental freeway and the longest Interstate Highway in the United States at . It begins in Seattle, Washington, and travels through the Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, Great Plains, Midwest, ...

(United States) File:New South Wales alphanumeric route A1.svg, alt=A1 route marker, A1 (New South Wales) File:HK Route4.svg, alt=Hong Kong Route 4 route marker, Route 4 (Hong Kong) File:SA_road_N1.svg, alt=N1 route marker, N1 (South Africa) ;

Highway A highway is any public or private road or other public way on land. It is used for major roads, but also includes other public roads and public tracks. In some areas of the United States, it is used as an equivalent term to controlled-access ...

:Any public

or other public way on land. It is used for major roads, but also includes other public roads and public tracks. ;

Highway hypnosis Highway hypnosis, also known as white line fever, is an altered mental state in which a person can drive a car, truck, or other automobile great distances, responding to external events in the expected, safe, and correct manner with no recollec ...

or white line fever :An

altered mental state An altered state of consciousness (ASC), also called altered state of mind or mind alteration, is any condition which is significantly different from a normal waking state. By 1892, the expression was in use in relation to hypnosis, though there ...

in which a person can drive a

car A car or automobile is a motor vehicle with wheels. Most definitions of ''cars'' say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people instead of goods. The year 1886 is regarded as t ...

truck A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo, carry specialized payloads, or perform other utilitarian work. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, but the vast majority feature body-on-frame constructi ...

or other

automobile A car or automobile is a motor vehicle with wheels. Most definitions of ''cars'' say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people instead of goods. The year 1886 is regarded ...

great distances, responding to external events in the expected, safe and correct manner with no recollection of having consciously done so. ;

Highway patrol A highway patrol, or state patrol is either a police unit created primarily for the purpose of overseeing and enforcing traffic safety compliance on roads and highways, or a detail within an existing local or regional police agency that is prima ...

police The police are a constituted body of persons empowered by a state, with the aim to enforce the law, to ensure the safety, health and possessions of citizens, and to prevent crime and civil disorder. Their lawful powers include arrest a ...

unit or division charged with enforcing traffic laws on certain highways within a political jurisdiction. ;

Highway shield A highway shield or route marker is a sign denoting the route number of a highway, usually in the form of a symbolic shape with the route number enclosed. As the focus of the sign, the route number is usually the sign's largest element, with oth ...

or route marker :A graphical representation of a

route number A route (or road) number, designation or abbreviation is an identifying numeric (or alphanumeric) designation assigned by a highway authority to a particular stretch of roadway to distinguish it from other routes and, in many cases, also to indi ...

, which serves as navigational aid ;Holiday route : Hook Turn Sign Melbourne

;

Hook turn A hook turn ( Australian English) or two-stage turn (British English), also known as a Copenhagen Left (in reference to cyclists specifically), is a road cycling manoeuvre or a motor vehicle traffic-control mechanism in which vehicles that woul ...

:A right turn made from the left lane (countries that drive on the left), or a left turn made from the right lane (countries that drive on the right). ;

Hurricane evacuation route Hurricane evacuation is the immediate and rapid movement of people away from the threat or actual occurrence of a hurricane. County judges, emergency managers and other officials may recommend a voluntary evacuation or order a mandatory evacuatio ...

, coastal evacuation route, or evacuation route :A

in the

that is a specified route for

hurricane A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, a closed low-level atmospheric circulation, strong winds, and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms that produce heavy rain and squalls. Depe ...

evacuation Evacuation or Evacuate may refer to: * Casualty evacuation (CASEVAC), patient evacuation in combat situations * Casualty movement, the procedure for moving a casualty from its initial location to an ambulance * Emergency evacuation, removal of per ...

I

; Idaho stop :A law that allows

cyclists Cycling, also, when on a two-wheeled bicycle, called bicycling or biking, is the use of cycles for transport, recreation, exercise or sport. People engaged in cycling are referred to as "cyclists", "bicyclists", or "bikers". Apart from two- ...

to treat a

stop sign A stop sign is a traffic sign designed to notify drivers that they must come to a complete stop and make sure the intersection is safely clear of vehicles and pedestrians before continuing past the sign. In many countries, the sign is a red o ...

as a

yield sign In road transport, a yield or give way sign indicates that merging drivers must prepare to stop if necessary to let a driver on another approach proceed. A driver who stops or slows down to let another vehicle through has yielded the right of ...

, and a red light as a stop sign. ;Incline : Ottawa River Parkway interchange

;

Interchange Interchange may refer to: Transport * Interchange (road), a collection of ramps, exits, and entrances between two or more highways * Interchange (freight rail), the transfer of freight cars between railroad companies * Interchange station, a rai ...

:A road junction that typically uses grade separation, and one or more ramps, to permit traffic on at least one

to pass through the junction without directly crossing any other traffic stream. ;

Intersection In mathematics, the intersection of two or more objects is another object consisting of everything that is contained in all of the objects simultaneously. For example, in Euclidean geometry, when two lines in a plane are not parallel, thei ...

:An at-grade road junction of two or more roads either meeting or crossing.

J

;

Jersey barrier A Jersey barrier, Jersey wall, or Jersey bump is a modular concrete or plastic barrier employed to separate lanes of traffic. It is designed to minimize vehicle damage in cases of incidental contact while still preventing vehicle crossovers resu ...

, Jersey wall, K-rail, or Ontario tall wall :A modular

concrete Concrete is a composite material composed of fine and coarse aggregate bonded together with a fluid cement (cement paste) that hardens (cures) over time. Concrete is the second-most-used substance in the world after water, and is the most ...

or plastic barrier employed to separate lanes of

. ;J-turn : ;

Jughandle A jughandle is a type of ramp or slip road that changes the way traffic turns left at an at-grade intersection (in a country where traffic drives on the right). Instead of a standard left turn being made from the left lane, left-turning traffi ...

or Jersey left :A type of ramp or

slip road In the field of road transport, an interchange (American English) or a grade-separated junction (British English) is a road junction that uses grade separations to allow for the movement of traffic between two or more roadways or highways, using ...

where instead of a standard left turn being made from the left lane, left-turning traffic uses a ramp on the right side of the road (in countries that drive on the right). ;

Junction Junction may refer to: Arts and entertainment * ''Junction'' (film), a 2012 American film * Jjunction, a 2002 Indian film * Junction (album), a 1976 album by Andrew Cyrille * Junction (EP), by Basement Jaxx, 2002 * Junction (manga), or ''Hot ...

:A location where multiple roads intersect, allowing vehicular

to change from one road to another.

K

;Kerb : ;K-rail : ;K-turn :

L

;Land train : ;

Lane In road transport, a lane is part of a roadway that is designated to be used by a single line of vehicles to control and guide drivers and reduce traffic conflicts. Most public roads ( highways) have at least two lanes, one for traffic in eac ...

:Part of a carriageway or roadway that is designated for use by a single line of vehicles, to control and guide drivers and reduce traffic conflicts. ;

Lane splitting Lane splitting is riding a bicycle or motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction. It is sometimes called whitelining, or stripe-riding. This allows riders to save time, bypassing traffic cong ...

:Riding a bicycle or motorcycle between lanes or rows of slow moving or stopped traffic moving in the same direction. ;Legislative route :A

defined by

law Law is a set of rules that are created and are enforceable by social or governmental institutions to regulate behavior,Robertson, ''Crimes against humanity'', 90. with its precise definition a matter of longstanding debate. It has been vari ...

s passed in a

legislature A legislature is an deliberative assembly, assembly with the authority to make laws for a Polity, political entity such as a Sovereign state, country or city. They are often contrasted with the Executive (government), executive and Judiciary, ...

. The numbering of such highways may or may not correspond to the numbers familiar to the posted

. ;Left-in/left-out (LILO) : ;

Level crossing A level crossing is an intersection where a railway line crosses a road, path, or (in rare situations) airport runway, at the same level, as opposed to the railway line crossing over or under using an overpass An overpass (called ...

or railroad crossing :An intersection where a

railway line Rail terminology is a form of technical terminology. The difference between the American term ''railroad'' and the international term ''railway'' (used by the International Union of Railways and English-speaking countries outside the United Sta ...

crosses a road. ;

Level of service Level of service may refer to: * Levels of service in asset management * Level of service (transportation) in transportation and traffic * Something agreed on in a Service-level agreement (SLA) {{Disambiguation ...

:A measurement used to describe the quality of traffic on a highway. Levels range from free flowing traffic to constant traffic jams. ;License plate : ;

Limited-access road A limited-access road, known by various terms worldwide, including limited-access highway, dual-carriageway, expressway, limited access freeway, and partial controlled access highway, is a highway or arterial road for high-speed traffic which ...

or expressway :A

arterial road An arterial road or arterial thoroughfare is a high-capacity urban road that sits below freeways/motorways on the road hierarchy in terms of traffic flow and speed. The primary function of an arterial road is to deliver traffic from collector ...

for high-speed traffic which has many or most characteristics of a controlled-access highway, including limited or no access to adjacent property, some degree of separation of opposing traffic flow, use of

interchanges Interchange may refer to: Transport * Interchange (road), a collection of ramps, exits, and entrances between two or more highways * Interchange (freight rail), the transfer of freight cars between railroad companies * Interchange station, a rai ...

to some extent, prohibition of some modes of transport such as bicycles or

horse The horse (''Equus ferus caballus'') is a domesticated, one-toed, hoofed mammal. It belongs to the taxonomic family Equidae and is one of two extant subspecies of ''Equus ferus''. The horse has evolved over the past 45 to 55 million ...

s and very few or no intersecting cross-streets. The definitions and degrees of isolation from local traffic allowed varies between

countries A country is a distinct part of the world, such as a state, nation, or other political entity. It may be a sovereign state or make up one part of a larger state. For example, the country of Japan is an independent, sovereign state, while t ...

and regions. ; Link road :A road that links two conurbations or other major road transport facilities, often added because of increasing road traffic. ; Local-express lanes or collector–distributor lanes :An arrangement of

roadways A carriageway (British English) or roadway (North American English) consists of a width of road on which a vehicle is not restricted by any physical barriers or separation to move laterally. A carriageway generally consists of a number of tra ...

within a major

where long distance traffic can use

lanes In road transport, a lane is part of a roadway that is designated to be used by a single line of vehicles to control and guide drivers and reduce traffic conflicts. Most public roads (highways) have at least two lanes, one for traffic in each ...

with fewer

compared to local traffic which use 'local' or 'collector' lanes that have access to all interchanges. ;Lollipop man/lady : ;Loop Around : ;Lorry : ;Lorry driver :

M

File:MUTCD_R2-1.svg, alt=Speed limit, Speed limit File:MUTCD W1-2L.svg, alt=Left curved arrow, Curve File:MUTCD_R8-3.svg, alt=No parking, No parking File:MUTCD R1-2.svg, alt=Yield, Yield File:MUTCD W2-6.svg, alt=Roundabout, Round- ;Mainline :The main carriageway(s) of a particular route, as opposed to entrance/exit ramps or

auxiliary route In road transportation in the United States, a special route is a road in a numbered highway system that diverts a specific segment of related traffic away from another road. They are featured in many highway systems; most are found in the ...

s of that route. ; Main Street, High Street or Fore Street :A generic phrase used to denote a primary retail street of a

village A village is a clustered human settlement or community, larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town (although the word is often used to describe both hamlets and smaller towns), with a population typically ranging from a few hundred to ...

town A town is a human settlement. Towns are generally larger than villages and smaller than city, cities, though the criteria to distinguish between them vary considerably in different parts of the world. Origin and use The word "town" shares ...

or small city in many parts of the world. ;''

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices The ''Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways'' (usually referred to as the ''Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices'', abbreviated MUTCD) is a document issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the Unit ...

'' :A manual published by the

Federal Highway Administration The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is a division of the United States Department of Transportation that specializes in highway transportation. The agency's major activities are grouped into two programs, the Federal-aid Highway Program ...

in the United States, or similar manuals published by state departments of transportation, that specifies the standards for traffic signs, highway markings, and traffic signals (collectively "traffic control devices"). The manual includes specifications on typefaces, colors, and shapes of signs, as well as placement of these traffic control devices. ;Mass transit : ;Matrix sign : ;

Median strip The median strip, central reservation, roadway median, or traffic median is the reserved area that separates opposing lanes of traffic on divided roadways such as divided highways, dual carriageways, freeways, and motorways. The term also a ...

or central reservation :The reserved area that separates opposing

s of

on divided roadways. The reserved area may simply be paved or grass, but can be adapted to other functions, such as decorative

landscaping Landscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land, including the following: # Living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly called gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal ...

tree In botany, a tree is a perennial plant with an elongated stem, or trunk, usually supporting branches and leaves. In some usages, the definition of a tree may be narrower, including only woody plants with secondary growth, plants that are ...

s, a

median barrier A Jersey barrier, Jersey wall, or Jersey bump is a modular concrete or plastic barrier employed to separate lanes of traffic. It is designed to minimize vehicle damage in cases of incidental contact while still preventing vehicle crossovers resu ...

, or

railway Rail transport (also known as train transport) is a means of transport that transfers passengers and goods on wheeled vehicles running on rails, which are incorporated in Track (rail transport), tracks. In contrast to road transport, where the ...

streetcar A tram (called a streetcar or trolley in North America) is a rail vehicle that travels on tramway tracks on public urban streets; some include segments on segregated right-of-way. The tramlines or networks operated as public transport ...

lines. ;

Merge Merge, merging, or merger may refer to: Concepts * Merge (traffic), the reduction of the number of lanes on a road * Merge (linguistics), a basic syntactic operation in generative syntax in the Minimalist Program * Merger (politics), the com ...

:The process of reducing the number of lanes available to traffic, commonly from two lanes to one. ;Merge nose : MichiganLeftSigns

;

Michigan left A Michigan left or P-turn is an at-grade intersection design that replaces each left (farside) turn at an intersection between a (major) divided roadway and a secondary (minor) roadway with the combination of a right (nearside) turn followed ...

:An at-grade intersection design which replaces each left turn with a right turn followed by a

U-turn A U-turn in driving refers to performing a 180° rotation to reverse the direction of travel. It is called a "U-turn" because the maneuver looks like the letter U. In some areas, the maneuver is illegal, while in others, it is treated as a ...

, or a U-turn followed by a right turn ;

Milestone A milestone is a numbered marker placed on a route such as a road, railway, railway line, canal or border, boundary. They can indicate the distance to towns, cities, and other places or landmarks; or they can give their position on the rou ...

, mile markers, mileposts or mile post :One of a series of

number A number is a mathematical object used to count, measure, and label. The original examples are the natural numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and so forth. Numbers can be represented in language with number words. More universally, individual numbers ...

ed markers placed along a

boundary Boundary or Boundaries may refer to: * Border, in political geography Entertainment * ''Boundaries'' (2016 film), a 2016 Canadian film * ''Boundaries'' (2018 film), a 2018 American-Canadian road trip film *Boundary (cricket), the edge of the pla ...

at intervals of one mile or occasionally, parts of a mile. ;Mobility service provider : ;

Moped A moped ( ) is a type of small motorcycle, generally having a less stringent licensing requirement than full motorcycles or automobiles. The term used to mean a similar vehicle except with both bicycle pedals and a motorcycle engine. Mopeds typic ...

:A type of small

motorcycle A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruisin ...

with

bicycle pedals The pedal is the part of a bicycle that the rider pushes with their foot to propel the vehicle. It provides the connection between the cyclist's foot or shoe and the crank allowing the leg to turn the bottom bracket spindle and propel the bicycl ...

, generally having a less stringent licensing requirement than full motorcycles or

automobiles A car or automobile is a motor vehicle with wheels. Most definitions of ''cars'' say that they run primarily on roads, seat one to eight people, have four wheels, and mainly transport people instead of goods. The year 1886 is regarded ...

. ;

Motorcycle A motorcycle (motorbike, bike, or trike (if three-wheeled)) is a two or three-wheeled motor vehicle steered by a handlebar. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruisin ...

:A two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle. ;

Motorized bicycle A motorized bicycle is a bicycle with an attached motor or engine and transmission used either to power the vehicle unassisted, or to assist with pedalling. Since it sometimes retains both pedals and a discrete connected drive for rider-power ...

:A bicycle with an attached motor or engine and transmission used either to power the vehicle unassisted, or to assist with pedalling. ;Motor scooter : ;

Motor vehicle A motor vehicle, also known as motorized vehicle or automotive vehicle, is a self-propelled land vehicle, commonly wheeled, that does not operate on rails (such as trains or trams) and is used for the transportation of people or cargo. The ...

, motorized vehicle, or automotive vehicle :A self-propelled

vehicle A vehicle (from la, vehiculum) is a machine that transports people or cargo. Vehicles include wagons, bicycles, motor vehicles ( motorcycles, cars, trucks, buses, mobility scooters for disabled people), railed vehicles ( trains, trams ...

, commonly

wheel A wheel is a circular component that is intended to rotate on an axle bearing. The wheel is one of the key components of the wheel and axle which is one of the six simple machines. Wheels, in conjunction with axles, allow heavy objects to be ...

ed, that does not operate on

rail Rail or rails may refer to: Rail transport *Rail transport and related matters * Rail (rail transport) or railway lines, the running surface of a railway Arts and media Film * ''Rails'' (film), a 1929 Italian film by Mario Camerini * ''Rail'' ...

s. ;Motorway : ;

Moveable bridge A moveable bridge, or movable bridge, is a bridge that moves to allow passage for boats or barges. In American English, the term is synonymous with , and the latter is the common term, but drawbridge can be limited to the narrower, historical ...

or drawbridge :A bridge that moves to allow passage for boats or barges. ; Move over law :A law which requires motorists to move over and change lanes to give safe clearance to law enforcement officers, firefighters, ambulances, utility workers, and in some cases, tow-truck drivers. ;

Musical road A musical road is a road, or section of a road, which when driven over causes a Somatosensory system, tactile vibration and Hearing, audible rumbling that can be felt through the wheels and body of the vehicle. This rumbling is heard within th ...

:A road that produces a musical tune when driven over.

N

;

National highway National highway or National Highway may refer to: * National Highways (England) * National Highway (Australia) * List of National Roads in Belgium * Brunei National Roads System * National Highway System (Canada) * Trans-Ca ...

:A road numbered consistently throughout a

country A country is a distinct part of the world, such as a state, nation, or other political entity. It may be a sovereign state or make up one part of a larger state. For example, the country of Japan is an independent, sovereign state, whil ...

. Maintenance of the road may be performed at the national level or it may be devolved to states or provinces or to lower levels of administration. The

Interstate Highway System The Dwight D. Eisenhower National System of Interstate and Defense Highways, commonly known as the Interstate Highway System, is a network of controlled-access highways that forms part of the National Highway System in the United States. T ...

Trans-Canada Highway The Trans-Canada Highway (French: ; abbreviated as the TCH or T-Can) is a transcontinental federal–provincial highway system that travels through all ten provinces of Canada, from the Pacific Ocean on the west coast to the Atlantic Ocean on ...

, and German ''autobahns'' are examples of national highways. ;No name exit :An

interchange Interchange may refer to: Transport * Interchange (road), a collection of ramps, exits, and entrances between two or more highways * Interchange (freight rail), the transfer of freight cars between railroad companies * Interchange station, a rai ...

that does not list any connecting roads or locations on

road signs Traffic signs or road signs are signs erected at the side of or above roads to give instructions or provide information to road users. The earliest signs were simple wooden or stone milestones. Later, signs with directional arms were introduce ...

;No through road, no exit, or no outlet : ;Number plate :

O

;

One-way pair A one-way pair, one-way couple, or couplet refers to that portion of a bi-directional traffic facilitysuch as a road, bus, streetcar, or light rail linewhere its opposing flows exist as two independent and roughly parallel facilities. Descriptio ...

, one-way couple, or couplet :A pair of parallel, usually one-way streets that carry opposite directions of traffic. ;On-street running : ;Ontario tall wall : ;

Open road tolling Open road tolling (ORT), also called all-electronic tolling, cashless tolling, or free-flow tolling, is the collection of tolls on toll roads without the use of toll booths. An electronic toll collection system is usually used instead. The ma ...

:A form of electronic toll collection where tolls are collected at highway speeds without the need for tollbooths. ;Open toll system : ;Optional route : ;Orbital : ;

Overpass An overpass (called an overbridge or flyover in the United Kingdom and some other Commonwealth countries) is a bridge, road, railway or similar structure that crosses over another road or railway. An ''overpass'' and ''underpass'' together form ...

:A bridge, road, railway or similar structure that crosses over another road or railway. ;

Overtaking Overtaking or passing is the act of one vehicle going past another slower moving vehicle, travelling in the same direction, on a road. The lane used for overtaking another vehicle is often a passing lane farther from the road shoulder which ...

or passing :The act of one vehicle going past another slower moving vehicle, travelling in the same direction. ;Overtaking lane :

P

;Painted island : ;Passing : ;

Passing lane A passing lane (North American English) or overtaking lane (English outside of North America) is a lane on a multi-lane highway or motorway closest to the median of the road (the central reservation). In some countries, lanes are described as bein ...

or overtaking lane :The lane closest to the

median strip The median strip, central reservation, roadway median, or traffic median is the reserved area that separates opposing lanes of traffic on divided roadways such as divided highways, dual carriageways, freeways, and motorways. The term also a ...

on a multi-lane highway. ;Parallel road : ;

Parkway A parkway is a landscaped thoroughfare.''"parkway."''Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged. Merriam-Webster, 2002. http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com (14 Apr. 2007). The term is particularly used for a roadway in a park o ...

:A broad, landscaped

thoroughfare A thoroughfare is a primary passage or way as a transit route through regularly trafficked areas, whether by road on dry land or, by extension, via watercraft or aircraft. On land, a thoroughfare may refer to anything from a multi- lane hig ...

, particularly a roadway in a park or connecting to a park from which trucks and other

heavy vehicle A truck or lorry is a motor vehicle designed to transport cargo, carry specialized payloads, or perform other utilitarian work. Trucks vary greatly in size, power, and configuration, but the vast majority feature body-on-frame construction ...

s are often excluded. ;

Partial cloverleaf interchange A partial cloverleaf interchange or parclo is a modification of a cloverleaf interchange. The design has been well received, and has since become one of the most popular freeway-to- arterial interchange designs in North America. It has also b ...

, or parclo :An

that has loop ramps, as in a cloverleaf, but does not have the full set of eight ramps. These use between four and seven ramps and are not full grade-separated; traffic making certain movements between the intersecting roadways must stop. ;Pavement : ;

Pedestrian A pedestrian is a person traveling on foot, whether walking or running. In modern times, the term usually refers to someone walking on a road or pavement, but this was not the case historically. The meaning of pedestrian is displayed with ...

:A person traveling on foot, whether walking or running. ;

Pedestrian crossing A pedestrian crossing (or crosswalk in American English) is a place designated for pedestrians to cross a road, street or avenue. The term "pedestrian crossing" is also used in the Vienna and Geneva Conventions, both of which pertain to road si ...

or crosswalk :A designated place for pedestrians to cross a road. ;Peak hour : ;Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon : ;Pitch : ; Pittsburgh left :A colloquial term for the driving practice of the first left-turning vehicle taking precedence over vehicles going straight through an intersection. ;

Pothole A pothole is a depression in a road surface, usually asphalt pavement, where traffic has removed broken pieces of the pavement. It is usually the result of water in the underlying soil structure and traffic passing over the affected area. Wat ...

:A depression in a road surface, usually

asphalt pavement A road surface (British English), or pavement (American English), is the durable surface material laid down on an area intended to sustain vehicular or foot traffic, such as a road or walkway. In the past, gravel road surfaces, hoggin, cobbl ...

, where traffic has removed broken pieces of the pavement. ; Primitive road :A

minor road A side road is a minor highway typically leading off a main road.Main road — definition

system that is generally not maintained. ; Priority or right of way :The traffic principle that establishes who has the right to go first when the intended courses of vehicles or pedestrians intersect. ;

Private road A private road is a road owned or controlled by a private person, persons or corporation rather than a road open to the public and owned by a government. Private roads can be on private land or can be constructed on government land for use by go ...

:A road owned and maintained by a private individual, organization, or company rather than by a government. ;Provincial highway, provincial road, or provincial route : ;

Public transport Public transport (also known as public transportation, public transit, mass transit, or simply transit) is a system of transport for passengers by group travel systems available for use by the general public unlike private transport, typic ...

, public transportation, public transit, mass transit, or transit :A system of transport for passengers by group travel systems available for use by the general public, typically managed on a schedule and operated on established routes. ;Pylon :

Q

; Quadrant roadway intersection or quadrant intersection :An intersection between two roads with an additional "quadrant roadway" between two legs of the intersecting roads. Left turns (in right-hand traffic countries) or right turns (in left-hand traffic countries) are made via the quadrant roadway rather than at the main intersection.

R

;Railing : ;Railroad crossing : ;

Raised pavement marker A raised pavement marker is a safety device used on roads. These devices are usually made with plastic, ceramic, thermoplastic paint, glass or occasionally metal, and come in a variety of shapes and colors. Raised reflective markers, such as ...

or raised reflective marker :A road surface marker used on

s, usually made with plastic, ceramic, thermoplastic paint or occasionally metal, and come in a variety of shapes and colors. ;Ramp : ;

Ramp meter A ramp meter, ramp signal, or metering light is a device, usually a basic traffic light or a two-section signal light (red and green only, no yellow) together with a signal controller, that regulates the flow of traffic entering freeways accordi ...

:A device that regulates the flow of traffic entering a

. ;Ranch-to-market road or ranch road : ;

Reassurance marker A reassurance marker or confirming marker is a type of traffic sign that confirms the identity of the route being traveled on. It does not provide information found on other types of road signs, such as distances traveled, distances to other locat ...

or confirming marker :A type of traffic sign that confirms the identity of the route being traveled on. ;

Red light camera A red light camera (short for red light running camera ) is a type of traffic enforcement camera that photographs a vehicle that has entered an intersection after the traffic signal controlling the intersection has turned red. By automatically pho ...

:A type of

traffic enforcement camera A traffic enforcement camera (also red light camera, speed camera, road safety camera, road rule camera, photo radar, photo enforcement, Gatso, safety camera, bus lane camera, flash for cash, Safe-T-Cam, No contact apprehension camera dependin ...

that captures an image of a vehicle which has entered an intersection in spite of the

traffic signal Traffic lights, traffic signals, or stoplights – known also as robots in South Africa are signalling devices positioned at road intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other locations in order to control flows of traffic. Traffic light ...

indicating red. ;

Rest area A rest area is a public facility located next to a large thoroughfare such as a motorway, expressway, or highway, at which drivers and passengers can rest, eat, or refuel without exiting onto secondary roads. Other names include motorway serv ...

, travel plaza, rest stop, or service area :A public facility, located next to a large thoroughfare such as a

, expressway, or

at which drivers and passengers can rest, eat, or refuel without exiting on to secondary roads. ;Restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT) or Reduced Conflict Intersection : ;

Reversible lane A reversible lane (British English: tidal flow) is a lane in which traffic may travel in either direction, depending on certain conditions. Typically, it is meant to improve traffic flow during rush hours, by having overhead traffic lights and l ...

or tidal flow :A

in which traffic may travel in either direction, depending on certain conditions. Typically, it is meant to improve traffic flow during rush hours, by having overhead

traffic lights Traffic lights, traffic signals, or stoplights – known also as robots in South Africa are signalling devices positioned at road intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other locations in order to control flows of traffic. Traffic lights ...

and lighted

street sign Traffic signs or road signs are signs erected at the side of or above roads to give instructions or provide information to road users. The earliest signs were simple wooden or stone milestones. Later, signs with directional arms were introduce ...

s notify drivers which lanes are open or closed to driving or turning. ;

Ridesharing company A ridesharing company (also known as a transportation network company, ride-hailing service; the vehicles are called app-taxis or e-taxis) is a company that, via websites and mobile apps, matches passengers with drivers of vehicles for hire th ...

, transportation network company, or mobility service provider :A company that matches passengers with vehicles, via

website A website (also written as a web site) is a collection of web pages and related content that is identified by a common domain name and published on at least one web server. Examples of notable websites are Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Wikip ...

s and

mobile app A mobile application or app is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch. Mobile applications often stand in contrast to desktop applications which are designed to run on ...

s. ;

Right-in/right-out Right-in/right-out (RIRO) and left-in/left-out (LILO) refer to a type of three-way road intersection where turning movements of vehicles are restricted. A RIRO permits only right turns and a LILO permits only left turns. "Right-in" and "left-in" r ...

(RIRO) or left-in/left-out (LILO) :A type of three-way road intersection where turning movements of

s are restricted. A RIRO permits only right turns and a LILO permits only left turns. RIRO is typical when vehicles

drive on the right Left-hand traffic (LHT) and right-hand traffic (RHT) are the practices, in bidirectional traffic, of keeping to the left side or to the right side of the road, respectively. They are fundamental to traffic flow, and are sometimes referred to ...

, and LILO is usual where vehicles Driving on the left or drive on the left. ;Right-of-way (transportation), Right-of-way :A type of easement granted or reserved over the land for transportation purposes, this can be for a

, public footpath, rail transport, canal, as well as electrical transmission lines, oil and gas pipelines. ;Ring road, beltway, circumferential highway, or orbital :A highway or series of highways that encircle a city or town. ;Rise : ;Road :A

, route, or way on land between two Location (geography), places that has been Pavement (material), paved or otherwise improved to allow travel by foot or some form of wikt:conveyance, conveyance, including a

, cart, bicycle, or horse. ;Road diet, lane reduction, or road rechannelization :A technique in transportation planning whereby the number of travel lanes and/or effective width of the road is reduced in order to achieve systemic improvements. ;Roadkill :Animals struck and killed by road vehicles. ;Road pricing or road user charges :Direct charges levied for the use of roads, including Toll road, road tolls, distance or time based fees, Congestion pricing, congestion charges and charges designed to discourage use of certain classes of vehicle, fuel sources, or more polluting vehicles. ;Road rage :Aggressive or angry behavior exhibited by a driver of a road vehicle. ;Road sign : ;Road surface or pavement :Durable surface material laid down on an area intended to sustain vehicular or foot traffic. ;Road surface marking :Mechanical (cat's-eye reflectors), non-mechanical (paint), or temporary devices used on a road surface that convey information to motorists, most commonly to delineate #L, traffic lanes or to promote road safety. ;Road train or land train :A method of trucking where a tractor pulls two or more trailers. ;Roadway : ;Roundabout, rotary, or traffic circle :A type of circular #Intersection, intersection or junction in which road traffic flows almost continuously in one direction around a central island. ;Route marker : ;Route number, road number, or route identifier :A combination of letters and/or numbers that serve to identify a particular road. Route numbers may be assigned randomly or as part of a regional numbering scheme. ;Rumble strips, sleeper lines, rumple strips, audible lines, the corduroy, or growlers :A road surface mark used to alert inattentive driving, drivers of potential danger, by causing a Touch, tactile oscillation, vibration and audible rumbling transmitted through the wheels into the car body, vehicle interior. ;Runaway truck ramp, runaway truck lane, escape lane, emergency escape ramp or truck arrester bed :An emergency

with a sand or gravel-filled bed large enough to accommodate and safely stop large trucks, usually adjacent to a road with a steep down-hill #Grade, grade. ;Rush hour or peak hour :A part of the day during which

on roads is at its highest.

S

;Scenic route, tourist road, tourist route, tourist drive, holiday route, theme route, or scenic byway :A specially designated road that travels through an area of natural beauty or cultural interest, or along a historic route. ;School bus :A vehicle used to transport students to and from school or school-related activities. Seagull Continuous-Green-T Turbo-T Intersection right hand traffic

Seagull Continuous-Green-T Turbo-T Intersection right hand traffic

;School road patrol : ;Scooter (motorcycle), Scooter or motor scooter :A low-speed

with a step-through frame and a platform for the rider's feet. ;Seagull intersection, continuous green T-intersection, turbo-T, or High-T intersection :A type of three-way road intersection, usually used on high traffic volume roads and dual carriageways. In this type of intersection, one direction of traffic travels straight through without stopping while those wishing to turn onto the side road at the intersection simply bear into a separate lane, which forms one 'wing' of the seagull. Here, they meet the opposite carriageway and the side road. Traffic wishing to turn out of the side road, simply cross the intersecting carriageway and drive up the other 'wing' of the seagull, and merge onto the other carriageway. ;Sealed road :A road on which the surface has been permanently sealed by the use of a pavement treatment, such as bitumen. ;Self-driving car, autonomous vehicle, or driverless car :A vehicle that is capable of sensing its environment and moving safely with little or no User interface, human input. ;Service area : ;Service road : ;Sidewalk, footpath, footway, or pavement :A path along the side of a road. ;Shoulder (road), Shoulder :A reserved lane by the road verge, verge of a

or motorway. ;Shunpiking :The act of deliberately avoiding toll roads by using a toll-free alternate route. ;Single carriageway or undivided highway :A road with one, two, or more

s arranged within a #Carriageway, roadway or carriageway with no physical separation of opposing flows of traffic. ;Single point urban interchange or SPUI :A variant of the diamond interchange most often used in urban areas where conservation of space is necessitated. ;Sleeper lines : ;Slip road or ramp :A connector road between the intersecting roads of an

. ;Slope : ;Spaghetti Junction :A nickname sometimes given to a complicated or massively intertwined road traffic

that resembles a plate of spaghetti. The term was originally used to refer to the Gravelly Hill Interchange on the M6 motorway, M6 in Birmingham. Banneredhighways

;Special route :A prefixed and/or suffixed #N, numbered road in the

that forms a #L, loop or #S, spur of a more dominant route of the same route number and system. ;Speed bump, speed hump, speed ramp, speed cushion, or speed table :A family of traffic calming devices that use vertical deflection to slow motor-vehicle traffic in order to improve safety conditions. ;Speeding :Operating a vehicle at a speed higher than the speed limit of a particular road. ;Speed limit :The maximum (or minimum in some cases) speed at which road vehicles may travel legally on particular stretches of road. ;Spur route :A highway that branches off of the mainline and goes to an area that is not served by the mainline highway. ;Stack interchange, butterfly junction, or directional interchange :A free-flowing, #Grade separation, grade-separated

between two roads, where movements are handled by semi-directional flyovers or under ramps. Vehicles first exit the main carriageway, then complete the turn via a ramp that crosses both highways, eventually merging with the traffic from the opposite side of the interchange. ;State highway, state road, state route, provincial highway, provincial road, or provincial route :A road numbered or maintained by a State (administrative division), state or province. :A road numbered or maintained by a national government, where "state" is used in its sense of a nation (for example, New Zealand state highway network, state highways in New Zealand). ;Stop sign :A

designed to notify drivers that they must come to a complete stop and make sure no other road users are coming before proceeding. ;Straight-line diagram or strip map :A diagram that describes a road and its features along a straight line. ;Street :A public

in a built environment. ;Streetcar : ;Street name sign or street sign :A

designed to notify road users what the name of the street is. ;Street running or on-street running :The routing of a railroad track or tramway track running directly along public streets, without any grade separation. ;Stub ramp, stub street, stub-out, stub, or ski jump : ;Superstreet, restricted crossing U-turn (RCUT), J-turn, or Reduced Conflict Intersection :An #At-grade intersection, at-grade intersection where traffic on the minor road cannot go straight across. Traffic on the minor road wishing to turn left or continue straight must turn right onto the major road, then, a short distance away, use a turnaround (road), U-turn (or crossover) lane in the median (road), median before either going straight or making a right turn when they intersect the other half of the minor road. ;Super two, super two-lane highway, or wide two lane :A two-lane Pavement (material), surface road built to

standards, typically including partial controlled access, control of access, occasional passing lanes and hard shoulder (road), shoulders.

T

;Tailgating :When a driver drives behind another vehicle while not leaving sufficient distance to stop without causing a collision if the vehicle in front stops suddenly. ;Taxicab, taxi, or cab :A type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride.

;Texas U-turn, Texas turnaround, or Loop Around :A lane allowing cars traveling on one side of a one-way frontage road to U-turn (maneuver), U-turn onto the opposite frontage road (typically crossing over or under a

or expressway). ;Three-point turn, Y-turn, K-turn, or broken U-turn :A method of turning a vehicle around (making a 180° turn) in close quarters, such as in the middle of a road at a point other than an intersection. ;Three-way junction, 3-way junction, 3-way intersection, Y junction, Y intersection, T junction, or T intersection :a type of intersection (road), road intersection with three arms. A Y junction generally has 3 arms of equal size. A T junction also has 3 arms, but one of the arms is generally a minor road connecting to larger road. ;Thru traffic :Road users passing through an area whose destination is elsewhere. ;Ticket system or closed toll collection system :A toll road where motorists pay a toll rate based on the distance traveled from their origin to their destination exit. Motorists take a ticket when entering the road and pay the toll and surrender the ticket upon exiting. ;Tollbooth, toll plaza, toll booth, or toll gate :A structure built on a toll road, bridge, or tunnel used for collecting fares from passing traffic. ;Toll road, turnpike, or tollway :A road for which a fee (or toll) is assessed for passage. ;Tourist road, tourist route, tourist drive, or theme route : ;Traffic :

s, ridden or herded animals,

s, buses and other Public conveyance, conveyances, either singly or together, that use roads for purposes of travel. ;Traffic bottleneck :A localized disruption of vehicular traffic on a road. ;Traffic calming :The practice of making a road safer for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. ;Traffic circle : ;Traffic collision, motor vehicle collision, car crash or car accident :Occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, animal, road debris, or other stationary obstruction. ;Traffic cone or pylon :A Cone (geometry), cone-shaped marker that is placed on roads or footpaths to temporarily redirect traffic in a safe manner. ;Traffic congestion :Condition involving slower speeds and longer trip times. ;Traffic enforcement camera :A camera used to enforce traffic laws by photographing vehicles whose drivers are in violation of said laws. ;Traffic guard, traffic controller, flagman, or flagger :A person who directs traffic through a

or other temporary traffic control zone past an area using gestures, signs or flags. ;Traffic island, painted island, or ghost island :A solid or painted object in a road that channelises traffic. ;Traffic light :Signaling devices positioned at road #Intersection, intersections, pedestrian crossings and other locations to control competing flows of traffic. Loc

;Traffic police, traffic officers, traffic cops or traffic enforcers :Police officers who direct traffic or enforce the rules of the road. ;Traffic sign or road sign :A method of conveying information to people who are using a road. Depending on location, the main color of the sign can tell the motorist what type of information is presented on the sign. ;Tram, trolley, or streetcar :A rail vehicle that runs on tramway tracks along public urban streets. ;Transit : ;Transitway : ;Transportation network company : ;Travel plaza : ;Truck or lorry :A vehicle designed to carry cargo. ;Truck arrester bed : ;Truck driver, trucker or truckie, lorry driver, or driver :A person who earns a living by driving a #truck, truck. ;Truck route :A #Bypass, bypass designed for truck, heavy truck traffic. ;Trumpet interchange :An interchange commonly used where one highway terminates at another highway; resembles the bell of a trumpet. ;Turbo-T : ;Turnaround (road), Turnaround :A type of

that allows traffic traveling in one direction on a road to efficiently make a

typically without backing up or making dangerous maneuvers in the middle of the traffic stream. ;Turn off to stay on (TOTSO) :When a motorist must exit a highway to continue traveling on the same #route_number, numbered route. ;Turn on red :A principle of law permitting vehicles at a traffic light showing a red signal to turn into the direction of traffic nearer to them (almost always after a complete stop) when the way is clear, without having to wait for a green signal. ;Two-lane expressway :An expressway with only one lane (road), lane in each direction, and usually no

. ;Two-lane road :A #Single carriageway, single carriageway with one lane for each direction.

U

;Underpass :A bridge, road, railway or similar structure that crosses under another road or railway. ;Undivided highway : ;Unsigned highway :A highway that has been assigned a route number, but does not bear road markings that would conventionally be used to identify the route with that number. ;Unused highway, ski jump, stub ramp, stub street, stub-out, or stub :A

or highway ramp that was partially or fully constructed, but was unused or later closed. ;U-turn :A 180° rotation to reverse the direction of travel so called because the maneuver looks like the U, letter U.

V

;Variable-message sign, dynamic message sign, or matrix sign :A

that can display important messages about special events to motorists. Commute times, weather alerts, AMBER alerts, and advanced notices of road construction or accidents are common messages. ;Vehicle :A machine that transports people or cargo. ;Vehicle for hire :A vehicle providing shared transport, which transports one or more passengers between locations of the passengers' choice. ;Vehicle registration plate, license plate or number plate :A metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or Trailer (vehicle), trailer for official identification purposes. File:Vienna Convention road sign C14-V1-50.svg, alt=Speed limit, Speed limit File:Vienna Convention road sign Aa-1a-V1.svg, alt=Left curved arrow, Curve File:Vienna Convention road sign C18.svg, alt=No parking, No parking File:Vienna Convention road sign B1-V1.svg, alt=Yield, Yield File:Vienna Convention road sign D3a.svg, alt=Roundabout, Round- ;Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals :A multilateral treaty designed to increase road safety and aid international road traffic by standardizing the signing system for road traffic (#Traffic sign, road signs,

and #Road surface marking, road markings) in use internationally. ;Vienna Convention on Road Traffic :An international treaty designed to facilitate international road traffic and to increase road safety by establishing standard traffic rules among the contracting parties.

W

;Weave :Weaving typically occurs at interchange (road), interchanges.

s are especially prone to weaving when an entering vehicle tries to merge into a traffic lane while another vehicle is attempting to exit from the same lane. Weaving also occurs when vehicles enter traffic from inner lanes and must quickly exit from outer lanes. ;Weigh station :A checkpoint along a highway to inspect vehicular weights. Usually,

s and commercial vehicles are subject to the inspection. MO Route 5-95 N-S

;White line fever : ;Wide two lane : ;Wildlife crossing :A structure built to allow animals to cross a road safely. ;Work area or work zone : ;Wrong-way concurrency :A #Concurrency, concurrency between two roads with opposite signed directions, e.g. a westbound highway and an eastbound highway. Often, the physical roadbed is actually headed in a totally different cardinal direction.

X

;XDL :

;Xing (disambiguation), Xing or x-ing :An abbreviation for road crossing (disambiguation), road crossing, primarily used in North America and in the Philippines.

Y

;Yellow trap :Occurs at a traffic light when oncoming traffic has an extended green period. ;Y junction or Y intersection : ;Yield sign :A

used to indicate that each driver must prepare to stop if necessary to let a driver on another approach proceed. ;Y-turn :

Z

;Zebra crossing :A #Pedestrian crossing, pedestrian crossing marked by alternating dark and light stripes, which typically gives extra #Priority, rights of way to pedestrians.

References

External links

{{Road types, state=expanded Glossaries of transportation, Road Transport Road transport

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See also

References

External links