DÉCODE / IN ENGLISH / ROAD SIGNS
French road signs, in English.
You do not need to memorise hundreds of signs. French signalisation is a visual grammar built on a handful of shapes, and once you know what each shape means, you can decode signs you have never seen before. Each sign below links to its own page with the French name, the full meaning, and related signs from the same family.
Prohibition signs
A red circle says no. The symbol inside tells you what is forbidden.
No entryEntry is forbidden to all vehicles in this direction.
No overtakingOvertaking another motor vehicle is forbidden.
No parkingParking is forbidden along this road.
No stoppingStopping is forbidden, even briefly.
Speed limit 50Maximum permitted speed: 50 km/h.
Speed limit 30Maximum permitted speed: 30 km/h, often near schools.
No vehiclesClosed to all vehicles in both directions.
No left turnTurning left at the next intersection is forbidden.
No right turnTurning right at the next intersection is forbidden.
No U-turnMaking a U-turn on this road is forbidden until the next intersection.
No overtaking by heavy vehiclesGoods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes must not overtake other motor vehicles.
Stop at customsYou must stop at the customs post before continuing.
Stop at gendarmerie checkpointYou must stop at the gendarmerie checkpoint before continuing.
Stop at police checkpointYou must stop at the police checkpoint before continuing.
Stop at toll boothYou must stop at the toll booth before continuing.
No parking 1st to 15thParking on this side is forbidden from the 1st to the 15th of the month.
No parking 16th to month endParking on this side is forbidden from the 16th to the end of the month.
No motor vehicles except mopedsAccess is forbidden to motor vehicles, except mopeds.
No motor vehiclesAccess is forbidden to all motor vehicles, including mopeds.
No goods vehiclesAccess is forbidden to vehicles used for carrying goods.
No pedestriansAccess is forbidden to pedestrians.
No cyclesAccess is forbidden to cycles.
No animal-drawn vehiclesAccess is forbidden to animal-drawn vehicles, such as carts.
No agricultural vehiclesAccess is forbidden to motorised agricultural vehicles, such as tractors.
No handcartsAccess is forbidden to handcarts pushed or pulled by hand.
Start of no-parking zoneMarks the start of a zone where parking is forbidden on every street, until the end-of-zone sign.
No public transport vehiclesAccess is forbidden to public transport vehicles carrying passengers, such as buses.
No mopedsAccess is forbidden to mopeds.
No motorcyclesAccess is forbidden to motorcycles and light motorcycles.
No vehicles towing a caravanAccess is forbidden to vehicles towing a caravan or trailer over 250 kg.
Maximum lengthAccess is forbidden to vehicles whose length, including load, exceeds the number shown.
Maximum widthAccess is forbidden to vehicles whose width, including load, exceeds the number shown.
Maximum heightAccess is forbidden to vehicles whose height, including load, exceeds the number shown.
Maximum weightAccess is forbidden to vehicles whose maximum authorised weight exceeds the number shown.
Maximum axle weightAccess is forbidden to vehicles whose axle weight exceeds the number shown.
Speed limit 70Maximum permitted speed: 70 km/h.
Speed limit 90Maximum permitted speed: 90 km/h, on road sections where this limit is posted.
Give way to oncoming trafficYou must give way to traffic coming from the opposite direction, typically at a narrow passage.
No hornUsing the horn is forbidden, except in case of immediate danger.
Minimum following distanceDriving without keeping at least the indicated distance between vehicles is forbidden.
No vehicles carrying explosive or flammable goodsAccess is forbidden to vehicles carrying explosive or highly flammable goods marked as such.
No vehicles carrying dangerous goodsAccess is forbidden to vehicles carrying dangerous goods marked as such.Danger signs
A red triangle warns you. The symbol inside shows the hazard coming up ahead.
Left bendWarns of a dangerous bend to the left.
Right bendWarns of a dangerous bend to the right.
Pedestrian crossing (warning)Danger: a pedestrian crossing is near.
ChildrenDanger: area frequented by children, slow down.
RoadworksWarns of roadworks on the carriageway.
Traffic lights aheadWarns of traffic lights ahead.
Slippery roadThe road may be slippery (rain, ice).
Roundabout aheadWarns of a roundabout: be ready to give way.
Series of bends (first right)This sign warns of a series of two or three close bends, the first one turning right. Slow down and anticipate the changes in direction.
Series of bends (first left)This sign warns of a series of close bends, the first one turning left. Reduce speed before entering the winding section.
Dip or humpThis sign warns of a sharp dip or a pronounced hump in the road surface. Slow down significantly to avoid a jolt or loss of grip.
Speed hump aheadThis sign warns of a rounded speed hump built to slow traffic. It is often paired with a 30 km/h speed limit.
Road narrowsThis sign warns that the road narrows symmetrically ahead. Slow down and be ready to give less room to oncoming vehicles.
Road narrows on the rightThis sign shows the road narrowing from the right side. Slow down and stay alert, especially if a vehicle is approaching from the other direction.
Road narrows on the leftThis sign shows the road narrowing from the left side. Adjust your speed and lane position accordingly.
Movable bridgeThis sign warns of a movable bridge that can open for river traffic. Be ready to stop if barriers close ahead.
Level crossing with gatesThis sign warns of a guarded level crossing fitted with barriers. Slow down and never cross if the barriers are closing or the lights are flashing.
Level crossing without gatesThis sign warns of a level crossing with no barriers. Extra vigilance is required, since a train can arrive with no physical protection.
Tram crossing aheadThis sign warns of a tram line crossing ahead. Slow down and give way to the tram, which has priority.
Domestic animals crossingThis sign warns of an area where domestic animals regularly cross the road. Slow down and be ready to stop.
Domestic animals crossing (variant)A variant of the previous sign, it also warns of an area where domestic animals regularly cross. Adjust your speed and stay alert.
Wild animals crossingThis sign warns of an area where wild animals may cross the road. Reduce speed, especially at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
Horse riders crossingThis sign warns of an area where horse riders may cross or use the road. Slow down and keep a safe distance.
Steep descentThis sign warns of a steep downhill grade ahead. Downshift in advance and avoid continuous braking to prevent brake fade.
Two-way traffic aheadThis sign marks the end of a one-way section. Move back into your own lane and expect vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Risk of falling rocksThis sign warns of a risk of rocks falling onto the road, typically in mountainous or rocky terrain. Slow down and watch the road surface.
Quayside or riverbank aheadThis sign warns that the road opens onto a quay or riverbank without adequate protection. Slow down to avoid continuing straight into the water.
Cyclists joining the roadThis sign warns that cyclists may join the road from a cycle path or lane, on the right or left. Slow down and watch for them merging in.
Low-flying aircraft zoneThis sign warns of a zone where aircraft may move on the ground or fly very low near the road. Traffic may be temporarily stopped there.
CrosswindsThis sign warns of an area exposed to strong crosswinds that can push a vehicle off course. Grip the wheel firmly and reduce speed.Obligation signs
A blue circle gives an order. You must do what the symbol shows.
Straight ahead onlyMandatory: you must continue straight ahead.
Turn rightYou must turn right.
Turn leftYou must turn left.
Pass on the rightYou must pass the obstacle on the right.
Cycle pathPath reserved for and mandatory for cyclists.
Minimum speed 30You must drive at least 30 km/h.
Must turn right before this signYou must turn right before this sign, which faces you, for example at the end of a road.
Must turn left before this signYou must turn left before this sign, which faces you, for example at the end of a road.
Pass on the leftYou must pass the obstacle on the left.
Straight ahead or rightAt the next intersection you must go straight ahead or turn right.
Straight ahead or leftAt the next intersection you must go straight ahead or turn left.
Right or leftAt the next intersection you must turn right or left.
Mandatory path for pedestriansPath reserved for and mandatory for pedestrians.
Mandatory path for horse ridersPath reserved for and mandatory for horse riders.
Snow chains mandatorySnow chains are mandatory on at least two drive wheels.
Lane reserved for public transportThis lane is reserved for scheduled public transport vehicles.
Lane reserved for tramsThis lane is reserved for trams.
Other obligationIndicates a specific obligation, spelled out in text on the sign.
End of mandatory cycle pathMarks the end of the mandatory cycle path or lane.
End of mandatory pedestrian pathMarks the end of the mandatory pedestrian path.
End of mandatory bridle pathMarks the end of the mandatory bridle path.
End of mandatory snow chainsMarks the end of the requirement to use snow chains.
End of other obligationMarks the end of a specific obligation, spelled out in text on the sign.Information signs
A blue square informs you. No order, no ban, just something useful to know.
Pedestrian crossingIndicates a pedestrian crossing.
ParkingIndicates a place where you may park.
Dead endThis road has no through way.
Fuel stationIndicates a fuel station.
HospitalIndicates a hospital; avoid noise.
InformationInformation point for road users.
Time-limited parking (disc zone)Marks a free parking area with a time limit, checked using a parking disc.
Paid parkingMarks an area set up for paid parking.
Fire riskPlaced in forests prone to fires, this sign calls for extra caution.
End of recommended speedMarks the end of the recommended-speed section.
Taxi standMarks a stand reserved for taxis.
Bus stopMarks a stop for scheduled bus or coach services.
Emergency stopping areaMarks an area reserved for emergency stops.
Car-sharing stationReserves stopping and parking for registered car-sharing vehicles.
One-way trafficIndicates that traffic on this road flows in one direction only.
Advance dead-end warningGives advance warning of a dead end so drivers can choose another route.
Dead end with pedestrian exitMarks a dead end for vehicles that still has a pedestrian exit.
Dead end with pedestrian and cyclist exitMarks a dead end for vehicles, with an exit reserved for pedestrians and cyclists.
Road passabilityShows whether a road section, such as a mountain pass or tunnel, is currently passable.
Priority over oncoming trafficGives you priority over vehicles coming from the opposite direction, typically at a narrow passage.
Bus route crossingMarks a crossing point of a lane reserved for public transport vehicles.
Tram crossing pointMarks a crossing point of a tram line.
Regulated caravan and motorhome parkingMarks a regulated parking area for caravans and motorhomes.
Emergency escape lane, rightMarks an emergency escape lane on the right, at the bottom of a dangerous descent.
Emergency escape lane, leftMarks an emergency escape lane on the left, at the bottom of a dangerous descent.
Road humpMarks a raised section of road, such as a speed table or a raised crossing.
Restricted-access roadMarks the start of a road with restricted access for certain users or vehicles.
End of restricted-access roadMarks the end of a restricted-access road.
Tunnel entranceMarks the entrance to a tunnel.
Tunnel exitMarks the exit from a tunnel.
Start of motorwayMarks the start of a motorway section.
End of motorwayMarks the end of a motorway section.
First aid postMarks a first aid post run by an accredited organization or an emergency service.
Picnic areaMarks an area set up for picnicking.
Public toiletsMarks toilets open to the public.
Scenic viewpointMarks a notable scenic viewpoint.
Breakdown serviceMarks a breakdown service post for vehicles.
End of all restrictionsMarks the end of every moving-traffic restriction signalled earlier on this road.
End of no-overtakingMarks the end of the no-overtaking restriction announced by an earlier sign.
End of no-overtaking for heavy vehiclesMarks the end of the no-overtaking restriction for heavy vehicles.
End of a specific restrictionMarks the end of a specific restriction, spelled out in text on the sign.
Start of a shared space zoneMarks the start of a shared space zone, where pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles share the road at low speed.
End of a shared space zoneMarks the end of the shared space zone.
Start of a pedestrian zoneMarks the start of a pedestrian zone, where vehicle traffic is severely restricted.
End of a pedestrian zoneMarks the end of the pedestrian zone.
Start of a low-emission zoneMarks the start of a low-emission zone (ZFE), where access depends on the vehicle's Crit'Air sticker.
End of a low-emission zoneMarks the end of the low-emission zone (ZFE).
Start of a mandatory winter-equipment zoneMarks the start of a zone where winter tyres or chains are mandatory during the winter period.
End of a mandatory winter-equipment zoneMarks the end of the mandatory winter-equipment zone.Priority signs
These signs have their own shapes on purpose: you can recognise them from behind, even covered in snow.
StopAbsolute mandatory stop, then give way.
Give wayYou must give way, without necessarily stopping.
Priority roadYou have priority at the upcoming intersections.
End of priority roadYou no longer have priority: priority to the right returns.
Junction, priority to the rightAt this junction, let those coming from the right go first.
Crossroads ahead with priorityWarns of an upcoming crossroads where traffic on the other road must give way to you.NEXT STEP
Signs are the easiest points on the exam once the grammar clicks. Try them in context: practice sign questions or take the mock exam.