Traffic regulations and road signs
Traffic regulations and road signs carry the largest share of the Croatian AM theory test: priority at junctions, the meaning of sign shapes and road markings, speed and lighting rules, and your duties towards pedestrians and emergency vehicles. Questions are situational - you must apply the rule, not just name it.
Core rules and concepts
- Right-hand rule (pravilo desne strane): at an intersection with no signs, or where signs do not settle priority, give way to every vehicle approaching from your right.
- Turning left: you cross oncoming traffic, so give way to vehicles coming towards you going straight or turning right.
- Roundabouts (kružni tok): the entry is marked with a yield sign plus the roundabout sign, so traffic already circulating has priority. Signal right before your exit.
- Pedestrians: reduce speed approaching a marked crossing and stop for anyone on it or clearly about to step onto it. Never overtake a vehicle stopped at a crossing - it may be hiding a pedestrian.
- Trams always have priority; do not pass a tram stopped at a stop with doors open.
- Sign shapes: red triangle = warning; red-bordered circle = prohibition; blue circle = mandatory instruction; square or rectangle = information. The octagonal STOP requires a complete stop at the line; the inverted triangle requires yielding only.
- Speed: the moped's 45 km/h construction limit is always the ceiling, and mopeds and light quadricycles are banned from motorways and expressways. Dipped headlight on, day and night.
- Emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights: move right, slow or stop until they pass.
Worked example
You reach an unmarked four-way junction intending to turn left. A car approaches from the opposite direction going straight, and a cyclist is coming from your right. Order: the cyclist first, because he is on your right; then the oncoming car, because you are crossing its path; you go last. Had the cyclist come from your left, he would wait for you.
Traps that cost marks
A yield sign needs no stop when the road is clear, but rolling through into traffic is a fail. Never trust an indicator: a car flashing right may still go straight. 'I didn't see the sign' is never accepted - signs stand before the junction, not on it.