The C18 road sign, indicating 'Priority over oncoming vehicles', is an information sign designed to help you navigate road layouts and traffic conditions more easily. In France, these signs often guide drivers through complex situations like lane arrangements or specific route conditions, helping you plan your movements safely. Always interpret this sign alongside road markings and signals, adjusting your speed and lane position proactively.
Master the 'Priority Over Oncoming Vehicles' sign, a key element in French driving theory. Understanding this sign is vital for safe navigation and passing your theory test, providing essential context for traffic rules and road sign interpretation.
Information signs make the road environment easier to interpret before a driver has to act. This sign may identify a one-way street, lane arrangement, pedestrian crossing, toll facility, tunnel, motorway, expressway, escape lane, or route condition. It should be read with markings, signals, and regulatory signs before changing speed, lane, or route. Official French sign code: C18.
"Priority over oncoming vehicles" gives official information about road layout, direction, lanes, facilities, restrictions, tolls, tunnels, motorways, or traffic conditions. It helps drivers plan early and avoid sudden manoeuvres.
Get clear, practical answers to the most common questions about the C18 - Priority over oncoming vehicles road sign. Learn how the sign works, what rules it represents, and how it affects real driving situations. This FAQ strengthens your understanding and supports accurate decision making for the French driving theory exam in France.
The C18 sign is an information sign that typically indicates you have priority over vehicles approaching from the opposite direction in a specific section of the road. It helps you understand the road layout and plan your driving accordingly.
When you see the C18 sign, it means you can proceed with priority. However, you must still remain aware of other road users and conditions. Always confirm this priority with other signs, signals, or road markings, and drive defensively.
A common mistake is assuming the C18 sign grants absolute priority in all circumstances, leading to dangerous situations. Learners might also miss crucial follow-up signs that refine the priority or introduce new restrictions. It's vital to remember this is an information sign that supports, rather than overrides, other traffic rules.
Yes, the C18 sign often appears alongside other regulatory signs, traffic signals, or road markings. If a conflicting instruction is given by another sign or signal, you must always obey the stricter rule. The C18 sign provides information to help you anticipate, not to ignore other commands.
You might encounter the C18 sign in situations where the road narrows, or when there are specific lane arrangements designed to manage traffic flow. For example, it could be used on sections of road where oncoming traffic is managed to give one direction priority at certain times or in certain configurations.
A clear reference image of the C18 - Priority over oncoming vehicles road sign used in France.

The C18 - Priority over oncoming vehicles road sign may also be known by these alternative names or terms.
The C18 - Priority over oncoming vehicles road sign is part of the France Information Signs category, which groups together signs with similar rules and functions.
Reviewing signs like 'Priority Over Oncoming Vehicles' alongside similar traffic signs aids recognition and reduces errors in your theory test revision. This focused traffic sign comparison sharpens your recall of crucial French road rules.

The Autoroute-F sign indicates you are on or approaching a French motorway.

Prepare for the 'End of Motorway' sign to safely transition off the autoroute.

The C112 'End of Tunnel' sign informs you about upcoming road conditions or layout changes.

The C113 Cycle Route sign informs you about road layout and facilities ahead.

The C114 'End of Cycle Route' sign signals the end of a designated cycle path.

The C115 sign indicates a dedicated route for pedestrians and cyclists.

The C116 sign marks the end of a dedicated pedestrian and cycle route.
Now that you've reviewed the full list of French road signs, enhance your understanding. Explore signs grouped by specific categories for deeper insights, test your recognition with practice questions, and solidify your knowledge for the Code de la route exam.
Browse All French Road Signs