Traffic Rules and Road Signs for Motorcycles

In this section, we cover the fundamental rules for riding safely and avoiding fines. Knowing these rules is not only vital for passing the exam but also for your survival on the road.

1. Driver Obligations

The driver must maintain control of the motorcycle at all times. Safety is the priority, especially concerning vulnerable road users (children, the elderly).

• Distractions: The use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited (except for "hands-free" systems that do not require the use of hands or intra-aural headphones), as well as TV screens or video players. GPS use is permitted.
• Reckless Driving: Negligent or reckless driving and illegal speed racing can lead to the loss of 6 points from your license.
• Passengers: The passenger must sit astride, behind the driver, with their feet on the footpegs.
• Helmet: Mandatory for both driver and passenger. If the passenger is not wearing one, the driver is held responsible.
• Parking: Parking on promenades, sidewalks, and pedestrian areas is prohibited (unless specified by local municipal ordinances).

2. Use of the Road

As a general rule, motorcycles must ride on the carriageway, not the shoulder (hard shoulder). You must ride on the right.

Use of Lanes

Type of Road	Traffic Regulations
Two-way (3 lanes)	Ride in the right lane. The center lane is only for overtaking or turning left.
Outside built-up areas	Ride in the right lane. Other lanes may be used if traffic conditions suggest it, but never to obstruct others.
Inside built-up areas	If lanes are marked (painted), you may use the one that best suits your destination.
Motorways/Highways	Riding on the shoulder is prohibited (except in case of emergency or breakdown at a reduced speed).

Important Exam Note: In roundabouts, you must always exit the roundabout from the right-hand lane (the outer lane).

Special Lanes

• HOV Lane (VAO): Motorcycles are allowed to use High Occupancy Vehicle lanes.
• Reversible / Opposite Direction Lanes: It is mandatory to use the low-beam (dipped) headlight. Speed must be between 60 km/h and 80 km/h.

3. Speed and Priority

Speed

You must ride at a speed appropriate for the road conditions.

• If you cannot reach the minimum speed of the road and there is a hazard, you must turn on your hazard warning lights.
• If due to an emergency you are riding at an abnormally reduced speed on a motorway or highway, you must leave the road at the first available exit.

Priority in Narrow Passages

If there are no signs regulating priority, the order is:

1. The vehicle that entered first.
2. In case of doubt (simultaneous entry), the vehicle with the greatest difficulty of maneuver.
   • Note: Motorcycles usually have lower priority compared to cars or trucks in this case, but they have priority over bicycles.
3. Slopes: On narrow sections with a steep gradient, the vehicle traveling uphill (ascending) has priority, unless there is a designated passing place.

4. Specific Signs

It is crucial to differentiate which vehicles are affected by entry prohibition signs:

• Entry prohibited to motor vehicles: Affects cars, trucks, and also motorcycles.
• Entry prohibited to motorcycles: Prohibits access to motorcycles but allows mopeds and cars.
• Entry prohibited to mopeds: Affects mopeds (2 and 3 wheels), light quadricycles, and mobility vehicles.

Overtaking: The "No Overtaking" sign prohibits overtaking motor vehicles unless they are two-wheeled motorcycles and you do not cross into the opposite direction of traffic.

5. Vehicle Obligations and Equipment

Rear-view Mirrors

The requirement depends on the motorcycle's maximum design speed:

Max Speed of the Motorcycle	Left Mirror	Right Mirror
Up to 100 km/h	Mandatory	Optional
Over 100 km/h	Mandatory	Mandatory

Other Elements

• License Plate: Must be placed vertically at the rear.
• Spares: It is not mandatory to carry spare bulbs or a spare tire, although carrying tools is recommended.
• Tires: Must have a visible tread pattern (wear indicators must be visible).
• Exhaust: "Free exhaust" (without a silencer) and riding without a "db killer" is prohibited.

6. Carrying Cargo and Towing

Cargo Dimensions on Motorcycles

Cargo may protrude, but with strict limits relative to the motorcycle's axis:

Direction	Permitted Limit
Width	0.50 meters on each side of the longitudinal axis.
Length (Rear)	0.25 meters from the back.
Length (Front)	Nothing. It cannot protrude from the front.

Towing a Trailer

Motorcycles may pull a trailer if the following conditions are met:

1. It does not exceed 50% of the empty mass (curb weight) of the towing vehicle.
2. Riding takes place during the day and in good visibility conditions.
3. The generic speed limit is reduced by 10%.
4. Transporting people in the trailer is strictly prohibited.