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The public road is made up of different parts that allow the traffic of all road users to be organised safely. Each part has a specific function and rules of use that are important to know in order to share the space properly.

Parts of the public road

The carriageway

Refers to the part of the public road designed for the movement of vehicles in general

The traffic lane

Refers to any part of a carriageway divided lengthwise by one or more continuous or broken white lines. These lines may be made more visible by retro-reflective devices. Temporary markings may also be used with orange lines or studs

The pavement

Refers to the part of the public road, raised or not relative to the carriageway, which is specifically designed for pedestrian traffic, surfaced with hard materials

The crossing pavement

This is a pavement that crosses the carriageway. The fact that a raised pavement crosses the carriageway does not change its nature. It remains a space specifically designed for pedestrian traffic

C'est un trottoir qui traverse la chaussée. Le fait qu'un trottoir en saillie (surélevé) traverse la chaussée ne modifie pas sa nature. Cela reste un espace spécifiquement aménagé pour la circulation des piétons

The cycle path

Refers to the part of the public road reserved for the movement of bicycles and two-wheeled class A mopeds by signs D7, D9 or two parallel broken white lines. The cycle path is not part of the carriageway

Suggested cycle lane

Refers to the part of the carriageway located to its right. It is recognisable by a different-coloured surface or markings consisting of bicycle symbols. It indicates to cyclists the position to adopt on the carriageway and draws drivers' attention to their possible presence. Motorists may use it

The level verge

Refers to a space separate from the pavement and the cycle path, located between the carriageway and a ditch, embankment or property boundaries, and at the same level as the carriageway. This is the space where you can park

The raised verge

Refers to a space raised above the level of the carriageway, separate from the pavement and the cycle path, located between the carriageway and a ditch, embankment or property boundaries. The raised verge is generally covered with loose material that is difficult for pedestrians to walk on, such as earth or grass

Désigne un espace surélevé par rapport au niveau de la chaussée, distinct du trottoir et de la piste cyclable, compris entre la chaussée et un fossé, un talus ou des limites de propriétés. L'accotement en saillie est généralement revêtu d'un matériau meuble difficilement praticable par les piétons comme de la terre ou de l'herbe

The hard shoulder

This is the part of the public road located on the right on motorways and motor vehicle roads. It is separated from the traffic lanes by a wide continuous white line. Only broken-down vehicles or those involved in an accident, priority vehicles and tow trucks on a mission may use it. In all other cases, driving, stopping or parking on it is prohibited

The central reservation

Refers to any type of installation placed lengthwise to separate carriageways, with the exception of road markings

Désigne tout type d'aménagement implanté longitudinalement pour séparer les chaussées, à l'exception des marquages routiers

Knowledge of the different parts of the public road is essential for safe and considerate driving. Each space has been designed to meet the specific needs of different road users, whether motorists, cyclists or pedestrians. Respecting these features contributes to road safety.

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