E/ECE/812
E/ECE/TRANS/566/Amend.1

United Nations
Economic Commission for Europe
Inland Transport Committee

European Agreement supplementing the Convention on Road Signs and Signals Opened for signature at Vienna on 8 November 1968

Done at Geneva on 1 May 1971

 

Amendment 1*

Annex1

1. For the purpose of this annex, the term “Convention” means the Convention on Road Signs and Signals opened for signature at Vienna on 8 November 1968.

2. This annex contains only the additions to, and modifications of the corresponding provisions of the Convention.

3. Ad article 1 of the Convention (Definitions)

 

Subparagraph (b)

This subparagraph shall be read as follows: “‘Built–up area’ means an area with entries and exits specially sign–posted as such;”

 

Additional subparagraph to be inserted immediately after subparagraph (b) of this article

This subparagraph shall be read as follows: “‘Residential area’ means a specially–designed area where special traffic rules apply and which is signposted as such at its entries and exits.”

 

Subparagraph (1)

Three–wheeled vehicles whose unladen mass does not exceed 400 kg shall be treated as motor cycles.

 

Additional subparagraph to be inserted at the end of this article

This subparagraph shall be read as follows: “Persons pushing or pulling a child’s carriage, a bath chair or invalid chair, or any other small vehicle without an engine, or pulling a cycle or moped and handicapped persons travelling in invalid chairs propelled by such persons or moving at walking pace shall be treated as pedestrians.”

4. Ad article 3 of the Convention (Obligations of the Contracting Parties)

 

Paragraph 3

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “Any sign, symbol, installation or marking which does not conform to the system prescribed in the Convention and in this Agreement shall be replaced within ten years from the date of entry into force of this Agreement. During this period, in order to familiarize road–users with the system prescribed in the Convention and in this Agreement, previous signs, symbols and inscriptions may be retained beside those prescribed in the Convention and in this Agreement.”

5. Ad article 6 of the Convention

Paragraph 4

The provisions of this paragraph, which are recommendations in the Convention, shall be obligatory.

6. Ad article 7 of the Convention

Paragraph 1

Additional sentence to be inserted at the end of this paragraph

This sentence shall be read as follows: “In addition, in the case of such signs it is recommended that signs lighted or equipped with reflecting material or reflecting devices and signs not so lighted or equipped should not be used on the same section of road.”

7. Ad article 8 of the Convention

Paragraph 3

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “During the transitional period of ten years prescribed in item 4 of this annex, and thereafter in exceptional circumstances to facilitate the interpretation of signs, an inscription may be added in a rectangular panel below the sign or in a rectangular panel containing the sign; such an inscription may also be placed on the sign itself, if this does not make the sign more difficult to understand for drivers who cannot understand the inscription.”

8. Ad article 9 of the Convention

Paragraph 1

Each State shall select Aa as the model for danger warning signs.

9. Ad article 10 of the Convention (Priority Signs)

Paragraph 3

Each State shall select B, 2a as the model for the “STOP” sign.

 

Paragraph 6

To give advance warning of sign B, 1, the same sign supplemented by additional panel H, 1 described in Annex 1, section H to the Convention shall be used.

To give advance warning of sign B, 2a, sign B, 1, supplemented by a rectangular panel bearing the “STOP” symbol and a figure indicating the distance to the sign B, 2a, shall be used.

9bis. Ad article 13 bis of the Convention (Special regulation signs)

 

Paragraph 2

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “Signs E, 7a; E, 7b or E, 7c and E, 8a; E, 8b or E, 8c shall notify road–users that the general regulations governing traffic in built–up areas in the territory of the State apply from signs E, 7a; E, 7b or E, 7c to signs E, 8a; E, 8b or E, 8c except insofar as different regulations may be notified by other signs on certain sections of road in the built–up area. They shall bear inscriptions in a dark colour on a white or light–coloured ground and shall be placed respectively at the entries and exits of a built–up area. However, sign B, 4 shall always be placed on a priority road marked with sign B, 3 if that road ceases to have priority where it passes through the built–up area.”

10. Ad article 18 of the Convention (Place identification signs)

Place identification signs shall bear inscriptions in white or light colour on a dark–coloured ground.

11. Ad article 23 of the Convention (Signals for vehicular traffic)

 

Additional paragraph to be inserted immediately after paragraph 11 of this article

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “In special cases where it is not necessary to use light signals continuously, a signal in the form of a non–flashing amber light followed by a non–flashing red light may be used; the non–flashing amber light may be preceded by a flashing amber light.”

12. Ad article 24 of the Convention (Signals for pedestrians only)

 

Paragraph 1, subparagraph (a) (ii)

This provision shall not be applied.

 

Paragraph 2

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “Light signals for pedestrians shall be of the two–colour system, comprising two lights, red and green respectively. Two lights shall never be shown simultaneously.”

 

Paragraph 3

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “The lights shall be arranged vertically, with the red light always at the top and the green light always at the bottom. The red light shall be in the form of a standing pedestrian or of standing pedestrians and the green light in the form of a walking pedestrian or of walking pedestrians.”

13. Ad article 31 of the Convention (Signs for road works)

 

Paragraph 2

The barriers shall not be painted with alternate black and white or black and yellow stripes.

14. Ad article 32 of the Convention (Marking by lights or reflecting devices)

This article shall be read as follows:

“1. It is recommended that attention should be drawn to the presence of bollards or islands on the carriageway by means of white or yellow lights or white or yellow reflecting devices.

“2. If the edges of the carriageway are marked by means of lights or reflecting devices, the lights or reflecting devices shall be either:

“(a) all white or light yellow; or

“(b) white or light yellow to mark the edge of the carriageway opposite to the direction of traffic, and red or dark yellow to mark the edge of the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic.

“3. Each State Party to this Agreement shall adopt for the whole of its territory the same colour or the same system of colours for the lights or reflecting devices referred to in this article.”

15. Ad article 33 of the Convention

Paragraph 1, subparagraph (a)

This subparagraph shall be read as follows: “Where a signalling system is installed at a level–crossing to give warning of the approach of trains or of the imminent closing of the gates (barriers) or half–gates (half–barriers), it shall consist of a red flashing light or of red lights flashing alternately, as specified in article 23, paragraph 1 (b), of the Convention. At level–crossings which have neither gates (barriers) nor half–gates (half–barriers), the signalling system shall preferably consist of two red lights flashing alternately. However:

(i) Flashing red lights may be supplemented or replaced by light signals of the three–colour red–amber–green system described in article 23, paragraph 2, of the Convention, or by such a signal without the green light if other three–colour light signals are installed on the road near the level–crossing or if the crossing is equipped with gates (barriers). Flashing red lights at level–crossings having half–gates (half–barriers) may not be replaced in the manner specified in the preceding sentence; they may however be supplemented in that manner on condition that other three–colour light signals are installed on the road near the level–crossing;

(ii) On earth–tracks (dirt roads) where traffic is very light, and on footpaths, only a sound signal need be used.”

 

Paragraph 2

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “The light signals shall be installed on the edge of the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic; whenever conditions such as the visibility of the signals or the density of traffic so require, the lights shall be repeated on the other side of the road. However, if it is considered preferable because of local conditions, the lights may be repeated above the carriageway or on an island in the carriageway.”

16. Ad article 35 of the Convention

Paragraph 1

The gates (barriers) and half–gates (half–barriers) of level–crossings shall not be marked in alternate stripes of black and white or black and yellow.

17. Ad annex 1, section A, subsection II, to the Convention

Paragraph 2 (Dangerous descent)

This paragraph shall be read as follows:

“(a) To give warning of a steep descent, symbol A, 2a shall be used.

“(b) The left–hand part of symbol A, 2a shall occupy the left–hand corner of the sign panel and its base shall extend over the whole width of the panel; the figure shows the gradient as a percentage.”

 

Paragraph 3 (Steep ascent)

This paragraph shall be read as follows:

“(a) To give warning of a steep ascent, symbol A, 3a shall be used.

“(b) The right–hand part of symbol A, 3a shall occupy the right–hand corner of the sign panel and its base shall extend over the whole width of the panel; the figure shows the gradient as a percentage.”

 

Paragraph 12 (Pedestrian crossing)

This paragraph shall be read as follows:

“(a) Warning of a pedestrian crossing shall be given by symbol A, 12a.

 

“(b) The symbol may be reversed.”

 

Paragraph 18 (Intersection where the priority is prescribed by the general priority rule)

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “Warning of an intersection where the priority is that prescribed by the general priority rule in force in the country shall be given by symbol A, 18a.”

 

Paragraph 20 (Intersection with a road to whose users drivers must give way)

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “Sign B, 1 or sign B, 2a shall be used in conformity with the provisions of item 9 of this annex.”

 

Paragraph 22 (Intersection where traffic is regulated by a light signal)

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “If traffic at the intersection is regulated by a light signal, a sign Aa, bearing the symbol A, 17 described in paragraph 17 above, may be set up to supplement or replace the signs described in paragraphs 18 to 21 above.”

 

Paragraph 26 (Other level crossings) Subparagraph (b)

This subparagraph shall be read as follows: “Warning of other level–crossings shall be given by symbol A, 26a or by symbol A, 27 as appropriate.

 

Paragraph 28 (Signs to be placed in the immediate vicinity of level–crossings)

Model A, 28c of sign A, 28 shall not be used.

Models A, 28a and A, 28b may show red stripes on condition that neither the general appearance nor the effectiveness of the signs is impaired thereby.

18. Ad annex 1, section B, to the Convention

Paragraph 1 (“GIVE WAY” sign)

Sign B, 1 shall bear neither symbol nor inscription.

 

Paragraph 2 (“STOP” sign)

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “The ‘STOP’ sign shall be sign B, 2, model B, 2a. Sign B, 2, model B, 2a shall be octagonal with a red ground, surrounded by a narrow white or light yellow border and bear the symbol ‘STOP’ in white or light yellow; the height of the symbol shall be not less than one–third of the height of the panel. The height of the normal–sized sign B, 2a shall be approximately 0.90 m; the height of the small signs shall be not less than 0.60 m.”

19. Ad annex 1, section C, subsection II, to the Convention

Paragraph 1 (Prohibition and restriction of entry)

Model C, 1b of sign C, 1 shall not be used.

The two signs C, 3m and C, 3n reproduced in the appendix to this annex and having the following meaning may be used:

C, 3m “NO ENTRY FOR VEHICLES CARRYING MORE THAN A CERTAIN QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVES OR READILY INFLAMMABLE SUBSTANCES”

C, 3n “NO ENTRY FOR VEHICLES CARRYING MORE THAN A CERTAIN QUANTITY OF SUBSTANCES LIABLE TO CAUSE WATER POLLUTION”.

The note at the end of subparagraph (c) shall be read as follows: “Signs C, 3a to C, 3l as well as signs C, 3m and C, 3n mentioned under this item shall not incorporate an oblique red bar.”

 

Paragraph 4 (Prohibition of overtaking)

Models C, 13ab and C, 13bb of the signs C, 13a and C, 13b shall not be used.

 

Paragraph 9, subparagraph (a) (ii)

This provision shall not be applied.

 

Paragraph 9, subparagraph (b) (iii)

This provision shall not be applied.

 

Paragraph 9, subparagraph (c) (v)

The possibility, where the prohibition applies only over a short distance, of setting up only one sign showing in a red circle the distance on which the prohibition applies, shall not be used.

20. Ad annex 1, section D, subsection I, to the Convention

Paragraph 2

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “Unless provided otherwise, the signs shall be blue and the symbols shall be white or of a light colour.”

21. Ad annex 1, section D, subsection II, to the Convention

Paragraph 1 (Direction to be followed)

Sign D, 1b shall not be used.

 

Paragraph 3 (Compulsory roundabout)

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “Sign D, 3 ‘COMPULSORY ROUNDABOUT’ shall have no meaning other than to show the prescribed direction of movement of gyratory vehicular traffic.”

22. Ad annex 1, section E, subsection II, to the Convention

Paragraph 3 (“ONE–WAY” sign), subparagraph (a) (ii)

The arrow of sign E, 3b shall bear an inscription only if the effectiveness of the sign is not impaired thereby.

 

Paragraph 5 (Signs notifying an entry to or an exit from a motorway)

 

Additional subparagraph, to be inserted immediately after subparagraph (a)of this paragraph

This subparagraph shall be read as follows: “Sign E, 5a may be used, and repeated, to give warning of the approach of a motorway. Each sign set up for this purpose shall carry either an inscription in its lower part showing the distance between the sign and the beginning of the motorway or an additional panel H, 1 described in Annex 1, section H to the Convention.”

 

Paragraph 6 (Signs notifying an entry to or an exit from a road on which the traffic rules are the same as on a motorway)

 

Additional subparagraph to be inserted immediately after subparagraph (a)of this paragraph

This subparagraph shall be read as follows: “Sign E, 6a may be used and repeated to give warning of the approach to a road on which the traffic rules are the same as on a motorway. Each sign set up for this purpose shall carry either an inscription in its lower part showing the distance between the sign and the beginning of the road on which the traffic rules are the same as on a motorway or an additional panel H, 1 described in Annex 1, section H to the Convention.”

 

Paragraph 7 (Signs indicating the beginning and the end of a built–up area)

This paragraph shall be read as follows:

“(a) The sign to indicate the beginning of a built–up area shall bear the name of the built–up area or the symbol showing the silhouette of a built–up area or the two combined.

“The inscriptions shall be in a dark colour on a white or light–coloured ground and the sign shall have a dark–coloured border.

“Signs E, 7a, E, 7b and E, 7c are examples of signs showing the beginning of a built–up area.

“(b) The sign showing the end of a built–up area shall be identical except that it shall be crossed by an oblique bar coloured red or consisting of parallel lines coloured red running from the upper right edge to the lower left edge.

“Signs E, 8a, E, 8b and E, 8c are examples of signs indicating the end of a built–up area.

Notwithstanding the provisions of article 6, paragraph 1 of this Convention these signs may be placed on the reverse side of signs identifying a built–up area.

“(c) The signs covered by this section shall be used in conformity with the provisions of the Convention, article 13 bis, paragraph 2.”

 

Paragraph 10 (Pedestrian crossing)

Sign E, 12b shall not be used.

 

Paragraph 12 (“PARKING” sign)

The square panel mentioned in the first subparagraph of this paragraph shall bear the letter “P”.

 

Additional paragraph to be inserted immediately after paragraph 13

This paragraph shall be read as follows:

“Signs notifying an entry to or an exit from a residential area where special traffic rules apply

“Sign E, 17a ‘RESIDENTIAL AREA’ shall be placed at the point where the special rules to be observed in a residential area referred to in article 27 bis of the Convention on Road Traffic supplemented by the European Agreement begin to apply. Sign E, 17b ‘END OF RESIDENTIAL AREA’ shall be placed at the point where those rules cease to apply.”

23. Ad Annex 1, section F, subsection II to the Convention

Paragraph 1 (“FIRST–AID STATION” symbol)

Symbols F, 1b and F, 1c shall not be used.

 

Paragraph 2 (Miscellaneous symbols)

 

Additional text to be inserted at the end of this paragraph

“F, 14 “RADIO STATIONS GIVING TRAFFIC INFORMATION”

“Inscription on white square: Under the word “radio” there might be an indication of the name or the code of the radio station when necessary in abridged form and the number of the programme. The word “Radio” may be repeated also in the national language.

“Inscription on blue ground: Indication of the frequency and, if necessary, the wavelength of the local radio station.

“It is left to the discretion of the countries to add in the case of VHF stations the indication “MHz” or the regional code, and in the case of medium–frequency or long–frequency stations the indication “kc/s”.

“The wavelength may be given in figures with the letter m (e.g. 1500m).

“F, 15 “PUBLIC LAVATORY”

“F, 16 “BEACH OR SWIMMING POOL”

24. Ad annex 1, section G, subsection II, to the Convention

Paragraph 2 (Special cases), subparagraph (a)

The red bar of signs G, 2a and G, 2b shall be surrounded by a white rim.

25. Ad annex 1, section G, subsection III, to the Convention

Paragraph 1

Sign G, 4c shall not be used.

 

Paragraph 2

Sign G, 6c shall not be used.

26. Ad annex 1, section G, subsection V, to the Convention

Paragraph 3 (“NO THROUGH ROAD” sign)

The red bar of sign G, 13 shall be surrounded by a white rim.

27. Ad annex 1, section H, to the Convention

Additional paragraph to be inserted immediately after paragraph 1

This paragraph shall be read as follows: “The ground of additional panels should be preferably the same as the ground of the particular groups of signs with which they are used.”

* Incorporating the amendments to the annex which entered into force on 27 November 1995.

1 Replaces the text of the Annex appearing in document E/ECE/812–E/ECE/TRANS/566.

 

C, 3m

C, 3n

E, 17a

E, 17b

F, 14

F, 15

F, 16