Editing Road hierarchy

{{short description|Hierarchy in road traffic}}
{{More citations needed|date=March 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Annotated image |image=Road-hierarchy-channelization.svg |image-width=250 |width=170 |height=195 |caption=To reduce costs, a road hierarchy (bottom) channels travel demand (desire line thickness between settlements, top). Higher-class direct roads serve high-demand trips; lower-demand trips follow less direct routes on lower-class roads.}}
[[File:Road-movement-hierarchy.svg|thumb|Six-stage hierarchy of traffic movement: main movement, transition, distribution, collection, access and termination. At the start, they occur in reverse order, and intermediary stages may be absent. Each stage typically occurs on a corresponding functional road type (e.g. distribution on minor arterials).]]
{{Annotated image |image=Basic functional road classes.svg |image-width=247 |width=160 |height=203 |caption=Basic functional road classes (arterial, collector and local) along the mobility-access continuum. Naming, range and subdivisions of each class vary by [[administrative division]].}}

A '''road hierarchy''' is a system for categorizing [[road]]s. Road networks worldwide are typically organized according to one or more schemes:
* ''Functional classification'' reflects a road’s intended role, balancing mobility (efficient through movement) and access (reaching properties) by defining a clear hierarchy from [[Arterial road|arterial]]s (including [[limited-access road]]s and [[controlled-access highway]]s) to [[Collector road|collector]]s and local roads.<ref name="fhwa-functional-classification"/><ref name="erso-classification"/>
* ''Administrative classification'' mirrors government tiers responsible for funding and maintenance, creating a hierarchy from national to local roads.
* ''Design type classification'' groups roads by [[Geometric design of roads|geometric]] and operational characteristics, such as lane configuration and access control, and does not always form a strict hierarchy.<ref name="aashto-functional-classification"/><ref name="erso-classification"/>

While conceptually distinct, these classification systems often overlap in practice. Roads of higher administrative status typically serve higher functional roles and follow higher design standards, though exceptions are common. Most countries emphasize either functional or administrative classification for legal and planning purposes, while design standards are applied during implementation.<ref name="erso-classification">{{cite web |title=Road classification |url=https://road-safety.transport.ec.europa.eu/european-road-safety-observatory/statistics-and-analysis-archive/roads/road-classification_en |publisher=European Commission |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219203231/https://road-safety.transport.ec.europa.eu/european-road-safety-observatory/statistics-and-analysis-archive/roads/road-classification_en |archive-date=19 December 2024 |access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref>

The related concept of [[access management]] aims to provide access to [[real estate|land development]] while ensuring traffic flows freely and safely on surrounding roads.

== Functional classification ==

=== Arterial roads ===

==== Controlled-access highway ====
At the top of the mobility-access continuum in terms of traffic flow and speed are [[controlled-access highway]]s. Their defining characteristic is the ''control of access'' to and from the road, meaning that the road cannot be directly accessed from properties or other roads, but only from specific connector roads. This indirection, in conjunction with high speed limits and multiple lanes, allows these roads to support fast traffic flow with high volume, in both urban and rural areas. They are at the bottom of the mobility-access continuum in terms of access to property, allowing access to almost nothing besides other roads and [[rest areas]].

They are also known as ''freeways'' in the U.S., South Africa, and parts of Australia; as ''motorways'' in the U.K., New Zealand, and parts of Australia; and as ''expressways'' in numerous countries (though this term sometimes includes [[limited-access road]]s depending on the region).

Controlled-access highways do not have traffic signals nor at-grade crossings with other roads (intersections), railways, or pedestrian paths. When a road's path would intersect a controlled-access highway, the two roads will be vertically separated by an [[overpass]] (American English) or flyover (British English) or by a [[tunnel]], preventing the need for an intersection. Pedestrian [[footbridge]]s and tunnels are also grade-separated. The opposing directions of travel are separated by a [[median strip]] (American English) or central reservation (British English) generally a few meters to a few dozen meters wide, which may consist of a traffic barrier or a natural barrier like grass. This separation makes controlled-access highways a subset of divided highways (American English) or [[dual carriageway]]s (British English). Generally, these roads prohibit pedestrians and vehicles not powered by a motor (e.g., [[bicycles]]). Parking is also generally prohibited.

===== Highway access =====
{{Undue weight section|date=May 2025|to=slip roads and interchanges.}}
Ramps (American English) or [[slip road]]s (British English) are special connector roads that allow traffic access to and from a controlled-access highway. Their length is normally on the order of several hundred meters in order to allow vehicles a sufficient distance to safely change speed while transferring from one road to the other road. The course of a ramp is often curved as needed in order to connect the two roads without sharp turns, which require vehicles to slow down considerably to traverse them safely. In many cases, a ramp may be subject to grade separation and use a flyover. In the US, where the standard term for a flyover is ''overpass'' (or ''underpass'', when the road with level altitude is the higher road), the word ''flyover'', which is less common, is reserved for those that carry ramps. Entrance ramps (or on-ramps) allow ''ingress'' traffic to enter the highway, and exit ramps (or off-ramps) allow ''egress'' traffic to exit the highway.

Ramps may be described by their orientation. A ''directional'' ramp curves toward the desired direction of travel, a ''semi-directional'' ramp exits on the side of the road opposite to the desired direction of travel, then curves back toward the desired direction, and a ''non-directional'' ramp curves away from the desired direction of travel (such as the looping ramps in a [[cloverleaf interchange]]).

The full set of ramps that connect a controlled-access highway to another road is called a [[Interchange (road)|interchange]] (American English) or grade-separated junction (British English). The interchange is classified as a [[Interchange (road)#System interchange|system interchange]] if traffic remains in the highway system, traveling from one controlled-access highway to another, or a [[Interchange (road)#Service interchange|service interchange]] if the interchange serves a local area by allowing travel between a controlled-access highway and a road without access control. The controlled-access highway is called the ''mainline'', and the uncontrolled road is called the ''crossroad''. More complex interchanges involving many roads may have characteristics of both types of interchanges as required.

The number of directions one can travel toward or away from the interchange on all of the roads involved is the number of "legs". When two roads meet, there are four paths to and from the interchange, and so the interchange has [[Interchange (road)#Four-legged interchanges|four legs]], but if one of the roads terminates at the interchange, it will only have [[Interchange (road)#Three-legged interchanges|three legs]]. Interchanges with more legs require joining elements from four- and three-legged interchanges in order to permit travel from any one direction to any other direction. If all possible connections exist, it is a ''complete interchange'' providing ''complete access''; if not, it is an ''incomplete interchange'' providing ''incomplete access''.

==== Limited-access road ====
[[File:Route nationale 137 à La Rochelle · Périgny (17, France).JPG|thumb|Dual carriageway near [[La Rochelle]], France]]
A [[limited-access road]], also known as ''limited-access highway'' in the U.S. and as ''expressway'' in numerous countries (including parts of the U.S.), is similar to a controlled-access highway in that it conforms to many or most of the standards that controlled-access highways follow, but does allow some uncontrolled access to local roads. They can be viewed as a middle ground between controlled-access highways and minor arterial roads. The degree of isolation from local traffic varies between countries and regions, as does a precise definition of the term itself.

Controlled-access highways can also be viewed as a subset of limited-access highways that has stricter requirements.

==== Minor arterial roads ====
[[File:PageMillRoad.png|thumb|Minor arterial road with [[bike lane]] in [[Palo Alto]], California]]
A minor [[arterial road]] or arterial thoroughfare is a road without controlled access that can carry a large volume of local traffic at a generally high speed, being below controlled-access highways in the mobility-access continuum. They primarily service trips of moderate length and connect collectors to higher types of arterial roads.

Intersections of minor arterial roads are almost always at-grade, and use traffic signals to coordinate traffic that would otherwise intersect, but traffic signals are often omitted when minor collector roads intersect, usually placing a stop sign at the collector road to prevent the traffic on the arterial road from being impeded.

Arterial roads almost always have multiple lanes to allow for high capacity.

=== Collector road ===
[[File:Noons Creek Drive in Port Moody, BC.jpg|thumb|Typical collector road in [[Port Moody|Port Moody, British Columbia]], Canada]]

A [[collector road]], also known as a distributor road, is a road that serves to move traffic from local streets to arterial roads that is designed to provide access to properties, providing a balance between access and mobility. It has a low to moderate capacity and a generally low speed limit. They are below arterial roads in terms of speed and capacity, but higher in terms of access, as they can allow access to residential properties.

Collector roads can vary widely in appearance. Some urban collectors are wide boulevards entering communities or connecting sections. Others are residential streets, which are typically wider than local roads, although few are wider than four lanes. Small-scale [[commerce|commercial]] areas can be found on collector roads in residential areas. Key community functions such as [[school]]s, [[Church (building)|churches]], and [[recreation]]al facilities can often be found on collector roads.

A collector road usually consists of a mixture of [[traffic signal|signaled]] [[Intersection (road)|intersections]], [[roundabout]]s, [[traffic circle]]s, or [[stop sign]]s, often in the form of [[four-way stop]]s. Two-way stops are generally used at intersections with local streets that favour traffic movement on the collector.  In North America, a collector road normally has traffic lights at intersections with arterial roads, whereas roundabouts and two-way stops are more commonly used in Europe.

[[Speed limit]]s are typically 20‑35&nbsp;mph (30‑60&nbsp;km/h) on collector roads in built-up areas, depending on the degree of development and frequency of local access, intersections, and [[pedestrian]]s, as well as the surrounding area (the speed tends to be lowest in [[school zone]]s). [[Traffic calming]] is occasionally used in older areas on collector roads as well.

=== Local road ===
[[File:SCO-Hawick-town High Street 2018.jpg|thumb|The High Street in [[Hawick]], Scotland]]
A local road, also called a [[street]],{{Clarify|date=May 2025|reason=A street is an urban local road, but rural local roads are rarely called streets.}} is a road in a built environment that has all kinds of properties beside it which can be accessed from the road or a parking lot connected to the road. Different types of local roads include residential streets, avenues, and alleys. They are designed to provide the highest access to property, they have the lowest speed limits and capacities in the mobility-access continuum and are typically not used for through traffic.

Local roads have at-grade intersections and have similar specifications to collector roads. Local roads may be unpaved in some cases. A common feature of local roads is driveways, which connect the road to a residential property.

== National highway systems ==
In some countries, the controlled-access highways form an expansive system that generally connect distant cities within the country to each other, but there are often more highways that only have local courses designed to improve connections in a smaller region, such as within a metropolitan area. Controlled-access highways are often given numbers to form a national highway system, such as the ''[[Bundesautobahn]]'' in Germany or the [[Interstate Highway System]] in the United States, but note that a national highway system may also consist of other numbered highways that are not implemented as controlled-access highways.

Many countries may have more than one national highway system of a lower rank, such as the [[U.S. Highways]] (not to be confused with the Interstate system), only portions of which run on controlled-access highways. Conversely, there may also be controlled-access highways not part of a numbered system. Highways are usually given icons featuring the number of the highway called [[Highway shield|highway shields or route markers]]. In addition to the national highway system, there may be provincial-level or state-level (US) highway systems of a lower rank, which need not consist mainly of controlled-access highways.

== United States  ==
[[File:Us-vmt-by-functional-system.png|thumb|440px|[[Vehicle miles of travel]] by highway functional system in the US]]

The U.S. [[Federal Highway Administration]] defines the following [[functional classification]] hierarchy:{{efn |Highway Functional Classification Concepts, Criteria and Procedures,<ref name="fhwa-functional-classification">{{cite book |author=FHWA |author-link=Federal Highway Administration |date=February 2023 |location=Washington, D.C. |title=Highway Functional Classification Concepts, Criteria and Procedures |url=https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/processes/statewide/related/hwy-functional-classification-2023.pdf |edition=2023 |publisher=FHWA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025033059/https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/processes/statewide/related/hwy-functional-classification-2023.pdf |archive-date=25 October 2023 |access-date=20 April 2025}}</ref> pp. 2, 19, 23, 24.}}

* '''Arterials'''
** '''Principal''' arterials
*** '''[[Controlled-access highway]]s'''
**** '''Interstate''' highways
**** '''Other''' freeways and expressways
*** '''Other''' principal arterials (with [[Limited-access road|partial]] or no access control)
** '''Minor''' arterials
* '''Non-arterials'''
** '''Collectors'''
*** '''Major''' collectors
*** '''Minor''' collectors
** '''Local''' roads and streets

The [[American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials]] defines the following functional [[Geometric design of roads|design types]]:{{efn |"Functional Classification as a Design Type". A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.<ref name="aashto-functional-classification">{{cite book |author=AASHTO |author-link=American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials |date=2018 |chapter=Functional Classification for Motor Vehicles |location=Washington, D.C. |title=A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets |edition=7th |isbn=978-1-56051-676-7}}</ref>}}
* Freeways
* Arterials
* Collectors
* Local roads and streets

[[arterial road|Arterials]] are major through roads that are expected to carry large volumes of traffic. At the top of the mobility-access continuum, they include [[freeway]]s, whose on- and off-ramps enable operating with less friction at a high speed with high flow. In some places, arterials include large divided roads with few or no driveways that cannot be called freeways because they have occasional at-grade intersections with [[traffic lights]] that stop traffic (expressways in [[California]], which are [[limited-access roads]]) or they are just too short (superarterials in [[Nevada]]). [[Frontage road]]s are often used to reduce the conflict between the high-speed nature of an arterial and property access concerns.

[[collector road|Collector]]s, collect traffic from local roads, and distribute it to arterials. Traffic using a collector is usually going to or coming from somewhere nearby. They should not to be confused with [[collector lane]]s, which reduce [[Grade separation#Weaving|weaving]] on freeways.

At the bottom of the mobility-access continuum are local [[Street|streets]] and [[road]]s. These roads have the lowest speed limit, and carry low volumes of traffic. In some areas, these roads may be unpaved.

== Europe ==
[[File:Garching Bundesautobahn 9.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bundesautobahn 9]] near by Garching bei Muenchen, Germany]]

Most of Europe has a legal system based on European and international treaties which define at European/international level three types of road: motorways, express roads, and other roads. This vision comes from the 20th century and is limited to traffic code and legal issues. Each nation has its own hierarchy of roads, although there is also a European road numbering at European level, for European roads.

Most of Europe has adopted [[Motorway]]s (Autoroutes/Autobahnen/Autopistas/Autostrade), usually similar to those in France and the UK. The idea was originally developed in Germany, where all motorways are toll-free, and has spread widely. All major through routes in the [[European Union|EU]] and neighbouring countries have a [[International E-road network|European E-Road]] number in addition, or in the case of some countries' motorways, instead of a national number. In the UK, Albania, Iceland, Andorra and Cyprus these numbers are not displayed (although in Cyprus, signposted E roads indicate miscellaneous roads).

Otherwise, most other European countries have some form of differentiating between national routes, regional and inter-regional roads and other local routes.
===Comparison of symbols and names===
Here there is a table comparing the symbols and generic names of the various route types in Europe. Not shown are the expressways ([[limited-access road]]s) and municipal-level routes, as these categories seldom have specific signage. Some countries have two categories of secondary routes, in which case they are shown here in hierarchical order.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! Country
! E-road (subcategory of highways)
! Controlled-access highway
! Primary route
! Secondary route
|-
| Austria
| [[File:E43-AT.svg|60px]]
| [[File:A1-AT.svg|60px]]<br/>''[[Autobahns of Austria|Autobahn]]''
| [[File:Hinweiszeichen_19.svg|60px]]<br/>''[[Bundesstraße]]''
| [[File:Hinweiszeichen_21.svg|60px]]<br/>''[[Landesstraße]]''
|-
| Belgium
| [[File:BE-E17.svg|60px]]
| [[File:BE-A1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|nl|Autosnelweg}} / {{lang|fr|Autoroute}}
| [[File:BE-N1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|nl|Nationale Weg}} / {{lang|fr|Route nationale}}
| [[File:BE-N1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|nl|Nationale Weg}} / {{lang|fr|Route nationale}}
|-
| Czech Republic
| [[File:CZ_traffic_sign_IS17_-_E48.svg|60px]]
| [[File:CZ_traffic_sign_IS16a_-_D1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|cs|Dálnice}}
| [[File:SilniceI6.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|cs|Silnice}}
| [[File:SilniceII236.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|cs|Silnice}}
|-
| Denmark
| [[File:E20-DK.svg|60px]]
| {{n/a|No specific sign}}<br/>{{lang|da|Motorvej}}
| [[File:P9-DK.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|da|Primærrute}}
| [[File:S156-DK.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|da|Sekundærrute}}
|-
| Estonia
| [[File:E20-EE.svg|60px]]
| [[File:K1-EE.png|60px]]<br/>{{lang|et|Kiirtee}}
| [[File:M1-EE.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|et|Põhimaantee}}
| [[File:B12-EE.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|et|Tugimaantee}}<br/><br/>[[File:K101-EE.png|60px]]<br/>{{lang|et|Kõrvalmaantee}}
|-
| Finland
| [[File:Finland_road_sign_F28-4.svg|60px]]
| [[File:Finland_road_sign_F29-1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|fi|Valtatie}}
| [[File:Finland_road_sign_F30-40.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|fi|Kantatie}}
| [[File:Finland_road_sign_F31-100.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|fi|Seututie}}<br/><br/>[[File:Finland_road_sign_F32-3622.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|fi|Yhdystiet}}
|-
| France
| [[File:Route_européenne_3.svg|60px]]
| [[File:Autoroute_française_1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|fr|Autoroute}}
| [[File:Route_nationale_française_1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|fr|Route nationale}}
| [[File:Route_départementale_française_1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|fr|Route départementale}}
|-
| Germany
| [[File:European_Road_20_number_DE.svg|60px]]
| [[File:Bundesautobahn_1_number.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|de|Autobahn}}
| [[File:Bundesstraße_1_number.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|de|Bundesstraße}}
| <span style="padding: 0 0.5em; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; border-radius:0.3em; font-size: 200%; font-family:'DIN Mittelschrift Std', sans-serif;">L&nbsp;1</span><br/>{{lang|de|Landesstraße}}<br/><br/><span style="padding: 0 0.5em; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; border-radius:0.3em; font-size: 200%; font-family:'DIN Mittelschrift Std', sans-serif;">K&nbsp;1</span><br/>{{lang|de|Kreisstraße}}
|-
| Greece
| [[File:GR-E55t.png|60px]]
| [[File:Autokinetodromos_A1_number.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|el|Αυτοκινητόδρομος}}
| [[File:GR-EO-1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|el|Εθνική Οδός}}
| 
|-
| Hungary
| [[File:E60-HUN.svg|60px]]
| [[File:M1_(Hu)_Otszogletu_kek_tabla.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|hu|Autópálya}}
| [[File:1_(Hu)_Otszogletu_zold_tabla.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|hu|Főút}}
| [[File:1_(Hu)_Otszogletu_zold_tabla.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|hu|Főút}}
|-
| Iceland
| {{n/a|None exist}}
| {{n/a|None exist}}
| [[File:ISL_1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|is|Vegur}}
| [[File:ISL_1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|is|Vegur}}
|-
| Ireland
| [[File:IRL_E-01.svg|60px]]
| [[File:M1-IE confirmatory.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|ga|Mótarbhealach}}&nbsp;/ Motorway
| [[File:IRL_N1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|ga|Bóthar náisiúnta}}&nbsp;/ National road
| [[File:IRL R100.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|ga|Bóthar réigiúnach}}&nbsp;/ Regional road<br><br/>[[File:IRL L1003.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|ga|Bóthar áitiúil}} / Local road
|-
| Italy, San Marino, and Vatican City
| [[File:E25-IT.svg|60px]]
| [[File:Autostrada A1 Italia.png|60px]]<br/>{{lang|it|Autostrada}}
| [[File:Strada_Statale_1_Italia.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|it|Strada statale}}
| [[File:Strada_Regionale_1_Italia.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|it|Strada regionale}}<br/><br/>[[File:Strada_Provinciale_1_Italia.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|it|Strada provinciale}}
|-
| Latvia
| [[File:E20-LV.svg|60px]]
| {{n/a|None exist}}
| [[File:A1-LV.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|lv|Autoceļš}}
| [[File:P1-LV.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|lv|Autoceļš}}
|-
| Lithuania
| [[File:E28-LT.svg|60px]]
| [[File:A1-LT.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|lt|Magistralinis kelias}}
| [[File:K101-LT.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|lt|Krašto kelias}}
| <span style="padding: 0 0.5em; color: #fff; background-color: blue; border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; border-radius:0.3em; font-size: 200%; font-family:'Russian Road Sign', sans-serif;">1001</span><br/>{{lang|lt|Rajoninias kelias}}
|-
| Luxembourg
| [[File:E25-L.png|60px]]
| [[File:Autoroute_1_(Luxemburg)_number.png|60px]]<br/>{{lang|lb|Autobunn}}
| [[File:N1_Luxembourg.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|lb|Nationalstrooss}}
| [[File:N1_Luxembourg.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|lb|Nationalstrooss}}
|-
| Moldova
| {{n/a|None exist}}
| {{n/a|None exist}}
| [[File:MDA_M1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|ro|Drumul național}}
| [[File:MDA_R1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|ro|Drum național}}
|-
| Netherlands
| [[File:NL-E19.svg|60px]]
| [[File:NL-A1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|nl|Rijksweg}}
| [[File:NLD-N34.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|nl|Provinciale weg}}
| [[File:NLD-N34.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|nl|Provinciale weg}}
|-
| Norway
| [[File:Norwegian-road-sign-723.11.svg|60px]]
| [[File:Riksvei_2.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|no|Riksvei}}
| [[File:Riksvei_2.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|no|Riksvei}}
| [[File:Fylkesvei_17.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|no|Fylkesvei}}
|-
| Poland
| [[File:E28-PL.svg|60px]]
| [[File:A1-PL.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|pl|Autostrada}}
| [[File:DK1-PL.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|pl|Droga krajowa}}
| [[File:DW100-PL.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|pl|Droga wojewódzka}}
|-
| Portugal
| [[File:E01-PT.svg|60px]]
| [[File:A1-PT.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|pt|Auto-estrada}}
| <span style="padding: 0 0.5em; color: #000000; background-color: #ffffff; border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; border-radius:0.3em; font-size: 200%; font-family:'Transport', 'Transport Greek', sans-serif;">N&nbsp;1</span><br/>{{lang|pt|Estrada nacional}}
| <span style="padding: 0 0.5em; color: #000000; background-color: yellow; border: 1px solid black; font-weight: bold; border-radius:0.3em; font-size: 200%; font-family:'Transport', 'Transport Greek', sans-serif;">R&nbsp;1</span><br/>{{lang|pt|Estrada regional}}
|-
| Romania
| [[File:E58-RO.svg|60px]]
| [[File:A1-RO.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|ro|Autostradă}}
| [[File:ROU_DN1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|ro|Drum național}}
| [[File:DJ143B-RO.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|ro|Drum județean}}
|-
| Russia
| [[File:E18-RUS.svg|60px]]
| [[File:M1-RUS.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|ru|Магистральная}}
| [[File:P21-RUS.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|ru|Региональная}}
| {{n/a}}
|-
| Serbia
| [[File:E661-SRB.svg|60px]]
| [[File:Motorway-A1-Hex-Green.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|sr|Autoput}}
| [[File:M10-SRB.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|sr|Državni put}}
| [[File:M10-SRB.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|sr|Državni put}}
|-
| Slovakia
| [[File:E50-SVK-2020.svg|60px]]
| [[File:D1-SVK-2020.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|sk|Diaľnica}}
| [[File:I2-SVK-2020.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|sk|Cesta I. triedy}}
| [[File:II595-SVK-2020.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|sk|Cesta II. triedy}}
|-
| Slovenia
| [[File:E57-HR.svg|60px]]
| [[File:Avtocesta_A1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|sl|Avtocesta}}
| [[File:Glavna_cesta_102.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|sl|Glavna cesta}}
| [[File:Regionalna_cesta_430.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|sl|Regionalna cesta}}
|-
| Spain and Andorra
| [[File:ESP_E-1.svg|60px]]
| [[File:ESP_A-1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|es|Autovía}}
| [[File:ESP_N-1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|es|Carretera nacional}}
| [[File:ESP_M-100.svg|60px]]{{efn|Each [[autonomous community]] of Spain has its own abbreviation.}}<br/>{{lang|es|Autovía}}/{{lang|es|Carretera}}
|-
| Sweden
| [[File:E4_(Sverige).svg|60px]]
| {{n/a|No specific sign}}
| [[File:Riksväg 11.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|sv|Riksväg}}
| [[File:Lansväg 102.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|sv|Länsväg}}
|-
| Switzerland and Liechtenstein
| [[File:E23-SUI.svg|60px]]
| [[File:A1Swiss.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|de|Autobahn}} / {{lang|fr|Autoroute}} / {{lang|it|Autostrada}}
| [[File:Hauptstrasse_Nummer_1.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|de|Hauptstraße}} / {{lang|fr|Route principale}} / {{lang|it|Strada principale}} / {{lang|it|Via principala}}
| [[File:No image available.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|de|Kantonsstraße}} / {{lang|fr|Route cantonale}} / {{lang|it|Strada cantonale}}
|-
| Turkey
| [[File:E70-TR.png|60px]]
| [[File:O1-TR_sign.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|tr|Otoyol}}
| [[File:D010-TR.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|tr|Devlet Yolu}}
| [[File:35-04-TUR.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|tr|İl yolu}}
|-
| Ukraine
| [[File:E101_Ukraine.png|60px]]
| [[File:M01-UA.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|uk|Автошлях}}
| [[File:N-road-01-Ukraine.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|uk|Автошлях}}
| [[File:P-road-04-Ukraine.svg|60px]]<br/>{{lang|uk|Автошлях}}
|-
| United Kingdom
| {{n/a|Not signaled}}
| [[File:UK M1 jct.svg|60px]]<br/>Motorway
| [[File:UK_road_A1.svg|60px]]<br/>A road
| [[File:UK_road_B1114.png|60px]]<br/>B road
|}

===United Kingdom ===
{{Main |Roads in the United Kingdom#Classification}}
In the United Kingdom, roads are classified according to an administrative (statutory) hierarchy that reflects importance and development plans.

====Motorway====
[[Motorways]] are high-speed roads similar to freeways. They are designated with an M prefix or (M) suffix. e.g. M1, A1(M). The speed limit is generally {{convert|70|mi/h}} and there is a [[hard shoulder]].  Emergency telephones are located every mile along the route so motorists with broken-down vehicles can contact the authorities, although this is increasingly being done using [[mobile phone]]s.  Signs are blue with white text for both destinations and motorway numbers.  In general, junctions are given numbers which are displayed prominently, sometimes with a letter suffix, in a small black box on all the signs for any given junction.  Junctions are generally signed one mile before they exit, with three or four further signs as the junction is reached, although on busy urban stretches this first warning can reduce to about ⅓mile.  Cyclists, pedestrians, mopeds, very slow vehicles and certain other traffic are banned.

====A-roads====
Primary A-roads are green on maps and signs. A main recommended route, they are usually single carriageway or [[dual carriageway]], but can be single track as in North West [[Sutherland]]. The primary road network is fully connected, meaning you can reach any part from any other without leaving the network.  Some of the major dual carriageway primary routes have numbered junctions or hard shoulders in the style of the [[Continental Europe|Continental]] semi-motorways.  Many primary routes are largely or wholly subject to [[clearway]] restrictions, and in major cities they may be classed as [[red route]]s.  Emergency telephones, if present at all, are usually infrequent – there may be some additional telephones operated by the UK's two main motoring organisations, the [[RAC plc|RAC]] and the [[The Automobile Association|AA]], but these are becoming rarer.

A non-primary A-road often exists where the route is important but there is a nearby primary route (A or motorway) which duplicates this road's function. Shown as red on maps, and has white signage with black lettering.  Some non-primary A-class roads are partially subject to clearway restrictions.

====Other roads====
B-roads are regional in nature and used to connect areas of lesser importance. Usually shown as brown or yellow on maps and have the same white signs as non-primary A-class routes. If the route is primary, like the B6261, then it will be shown the same as a primary A-class route.

C-roads are used as local authority designations for routes within their area for administrative purposes. These routes are not shown on [[Scale (map)#Large scale, medium scale, small scale|small-scale]] road maps, but have occasionally been known to appear on road signs.

Unclassified roads are local roads with no defined destination.  Local destinations may, however, be signed along them.

=== France ===

In France, roads are classified according to an administrative hierarchy that reflects the authority responsible for their management. Characteristics such as speed or crossings may vary independently of this classification.

====Autoroutes====
Along with the rest of Europe, France has motorways or {{lang|fr|[[Autoroutes of France|autoroutes]]}} similar to the British network.  Unlike in the UK, the network is mostly accessible on payment of a toll, which is usually distance-dependent; there are generally more toll motorways in the south of France.  However, sections passing through or close to major towns and cities are usually free.  As in the UK, destinations reached via a motorway are shown with white text on a blue background.  Junctions are usually numbered, the numbers being shown on signs in a small oval in the corner of the sign.

===={{lang|fr|Routes nationales|italic=no}}====
Before the construction of {{lang|fr|autoroutes}}, {{lang|fr|[[Route Nationale (France)|routes nationales]]}} were the highest classification of road.  They are denoted by a route number beginning "N", or occasionally "RN". Going back to a Napoleonic road classification system, these are main roads comparable with British primary routes.  They are maintained directly by the state and are usually the shortest route between major centres. Many N-class roads are dual carriageway for some or all of their length, with a few also being given the designation of semi-motorway, where junctions are grade-separated and there is a central reservation with crash barrier.  The hard shoulder is often narrower than on full motorways and there are fewer emergency telephones.

===={{lang|fr|Routes départementales|italic=no}}====
France (including overseas territory) is split into 100 [[Departments of France|departments]], the second-highest tier of local government, similar to a UK county or US state.  The departments have responsibility for all roads beginning with a letter "D", or occasionally "RD".  These roads vary in quality, from newly built local dual carriageways and downgraded {{lang|fr|routes nationales}} to winding roads that are barely wide enough for traffic to pass.  Generally, they are quieter than the {{lang|fr|routes nationales}}, and of a reasonable standard.

===={{lang|fr|Routes communales|italic=no}}====
In general, each settlement in France is a [[Commune (France)|commune]] – akin to a British [[civil parish]].  This most local level of government is responsible for maintaining all the local roads, which are numbered with a letter "C" prefix.  Except in major towns and cities, where their numbers are usually not marked on signs, they are usually single-track and may be in a state of poor repair due to the large number of roads covered by populations as small as 10.

=== Hungary ===
{{Main |Highways in Hungary#Road categories}}
In Hungary, roads are classified by design type as follows:
* Motorway ({{langx|hu|autópálya|link=no}}): controlled-access highway with at least 2+2 travel lanes and 1+1 emergency lane, central reservation, no at-grade intersections, and a speed limit of 130&nbsp;km/h 
* Expressway ({{langx|hu|autóút|link=no}}): limited-access road with 1+1 or more travel lanes, optionally emergency lanes and central reservation, some at-grade intersections (only if 1+1 lanes), and a speed limit of 110&nbsp;km/h 
* Arterial road or main road ({{langx|hu|főút|link=no}}), with one digit in their name, e.g. {{lang|hu|6-os út}}
* County road ({{langx|hu|megyei út|link=no}}), with two digits, e.g. {{lang|hu|16-os út}}
* Local road ({{langx|hu|helyi út|link=no}}), with three or more digits

=== Italy ===
{{Main |Roads in Italy#Technical classification}}
In Italy, roads can be classified according to an administrative hierarchy into [[State highways (Italy)|state]], [[Regional road (Italy)|regional]], [[Provincial road (Italy)|provincial]] and [[Municipal road (Italy)|municipal]] roads. They can also be classified into the following design types.

==== Autostrade ====
[[File:Autostrada del Sole - Italy - panoramio.jpg|thumb|[[Autostrada A1 (Italy)|Autostrada A1]] runs through [[Italy]] linking some of the [[List of cities in Italy|largest cities of the country]]: [[Milan]], [[Bologna]], [[Florence]], [[Rome]] and [[Naples]]]]

{{lang|it|[[Autostrade of Italy|Autostrade]]}} ([[motorway]]s) are designated by an "A" prefix and signed with a white‑on‑green octagonal shield. They are managed by concessionaire companies under the [[Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (Italy)|Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport]], with tolls collected via closed (distance‑based) or open (flat‑rate) systems. The standard speed limit for cars is 130 km/h, with provisions up to 150 km/h on concession sections equipped with the [[SPECS (speed camera)|SICVE]] average‑speed system. As of July 2022, they total about 7,016 km, plus 13 [[spur route]]s totalling 355 km, for a density of 22.4 km of motorway per 1,000 km² of territory. They feature varying lane configurations: 1,870.2 km with three lanes per carriageway, 129 km with four lanes, 1.8 km with five, and the remainder with two lanes per carriageway.

Italy inaugurated the world’s first motorway in 1924 with the {{lang|it|[[Autostrada dei Laghi]]}}  ("Lakes Motorway") connecting [[Milan]] and [[Lake Como]] and [[Lake Maggiore]], originally opened as a single‑carriageway road.

==== Extra-urban roads ====

[[Dual carriageway]]s (unofficially called {{lang|it|superstrade}}) are divided into:<ref name="aci">{{cite web |url= http://www.aci.it/index.php?id=460 |title= Codice della strada della Repubblica Italiana |trans-title= Italian Highway Code |author= Automobile Club Italia |access-date= 1 February 2010 |language= it}}</ref>
* {{lang|it|[[Strada extraurbana principale|Strade extraurbane principale]]}} (type-B): toll-free main highways with paved shoulders, built to near‑motorway standards, with a maximum speed of 110 km/h and at least two lanes per direction. Signs are white‑on‑blue and, as in ''autostrade'', pedestrians, bicycles, and slow vehicles are prohibited.  
* {{lang|it|Strade extraurbane secondarie}} (type-C): all non‑urban roads that lack full type-A/B standards. They have a 90 km/h speed limit and may be single‑carriageway.

==== Urban roads ====  

There are three types:<ref name="aci"/>
* {{lang|it|Strade urbane di scorrimento}} (type-D): urban expressways with at‑level junctions and a 70 km/h limit.
* {{lang|it|Strade urbana di quartiere}} (type-E): two-lane neighborhood routes; they include {{lang|it|strada urbana ciclabile}} (type E-bis), cycle‑priority streets with 30 km/h limits.
* {{lang|it|Strade locali}} (type-F): they include {{lang|it|strade vicinali}} which provide direct property access and {{lang|it|itinerari ciclopedonali}} providing safe pedestrian or cycle travel.

=== Czech Republic and Slovakia ===
{{Main |Highways in the Czech Republic#Road categories |Highways in Slovakia}}
This administrative hierarchy was defined under the 1961 Czechoslovak road act and adapted separately by each country after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia:
* Motorways ({{langx|cs|dálnice}}, {{langx|sk|diaľnica}}): state-owned tolled trunk highways with at least 2 lanes per direction and an emergency lane, white-on-green signage, number with a "D" prefix, 130 km/h speed limit (80–90 km/h in urban areas).
* Expressways ({{langx|cs|rychlostní silnice|link=no}}, {{langx|sk|rychlostná cesta|link=no}}): limited-access highways below motorway standard, "R" prefix. Mostly upgraded to motorway status in the Czech Republic and redefined as a motorway type in Slovakia.
* Highways ({{langx|cs|silnice|link=no}}, {{langx|sk|cesta|link=no}}): numbered roads, up to 90 km/h, with "roads for motorcars" sections. Classified as:
** First class roads ({{langx|cs|silnice I. třídy|link=no}}, {{langx|sk|cesta I. triedy|link=no}}): 1–2 digits, state-owned, blue signage.
** Second class roads ({{langx|cs|silnice II. třídy|link=no}}, {{langx|sk|cesta II. triedy|link=no}}): 3 digits, region-owned, blue signage.
** Third class roads ({{langx|cs|silnice III. třídy|link=no}}, {{langx|sk|cesta III. triedy|link=no}}): region-owned.
* Local roads ({{langx|cs|místní komunikace|link=no}}, {{langx|sk|miestna cesta|link=no}}): municipal roads in four importance classes, from major urban collectors to pedestrian/cycle paths. Include "express local roads" built to expressway standards.
* Utilitarian roads ({{langx|cs|účelová komunikace|link=no}}, {{langx|sk|účelová komunikácia|link=no}}): either closed (private) or publicly accessible (but with motor vehicles prohibited on forest roads).

=== Poland ===
{{main|Classes and categories of public roads in Poland}}
In Poland, roads are classified according to an administrative hierarchy as follows:
* [[National roads in Poland|National roads]] ({{langx|pl|drogi krajowe}}) – [[trunk road]]s, [[International E-road network|international E-road]] ([[Highways in Poland|motorways and express roads]])
* [[Voivodeship road]] ({{langx|pl|drogi wojewódzkie|link=no}}) – regional roads
* [[Powiat|County]] roads ({{langx|pl|drogi powiatowe|link=no}})
* [[Gmina|Communal/municipal]] roads ({{langx|pl|drogi gminne|link=no}})

=== Portugal ===
{{main|Roads in Portugal}}
In Portugal, roads are classified according to an administrative hierarchy as follows:
* Motorways ("A", {{langx|pt|autoestradas}}), most of them with [[Toll (fee)|tolls]]
* Principal routes ("IP", {{langx|pt|itinerários principais|link=no}}) – north-south and east-west country-wide roads
* Complementary routes ("IC", {{langx|pt|itinerários complementares|link=no}}) – complementary routes: roads that branch from principal routes
* National routes ("N", {{langx|pt|estradas nacionais|link=no}}) – roads used to link cities, [[Municipalities of Portugal|municipal]] seats, and other important sites that are not linked by one of the precedent road types
* Regional routes ("R", {{langx|pt|estradas regionais|link=no}}) – roads linking places of interest within the [[Administrative divisions of Portugal#Administrative regions|region]] they were built in
* Municipal roads ("M", {{langx|pt|estradas municipais|link=no}}) – roads linking different places within a municipality

=== Romania ===
{{Main |Roads in Romania}}
In Romania, roads are classified according to an administrative hierarchy as:
* Motorways ("A", {{langx|ro|autostrăzi}})
* National and European roads ("DN", "E", {{langx|ro|drumuri naționale și europene|link=no}})
* National roads ("DN", {{langx|ro|drumuri naționale|link=no}})
* County roads ("DJ", {{langx|ro|drumuri județene|link=no}}
* Communal roads ("DC", {{langx|ro|drumuri comunal|link=no}})

=== Cyprus ===
{{Main |Roads and motorways in Cyprus#Road network categories and numbering}}
In Cyprus, roads are classified according to a functional hierarchy as:

* [[Controlled-access highway|Motorways]] ("A", {{langx|el|αυτοκινητόδρομος}}) are mainly 2 lanes on each side but some areas in [[Nicosia]] and [[Limassol]] have 3 lanes on each side.
* Trunk roads ("B"): these are mainly the old roads the motorways have replaces but not all of them are. These link towns together and also include some ring-roads. Most of these are single-carriageway 2 lane roads but a few of them are 4 lane dual-carriageway.
* Secondary roads ("E"): these are main roads which go through multiple villages and small towns and are built similarly to B roads. A few of them can also be 4 lane dual-carriageways.
* Local roads ("F"): small village roads which normally only serve 1 or a few villages. These can be 2 lane roads but also a few of them are 1 lane but wide enough for 2 cars to pass
* Unclassified: the broadest type of classifications. These can be dirt-roads leading to farms and can also be dual-carriageways. The majority of them are 1 or 2 lane roads in towns or villages.

==See also==
*[[Green transport hierarchy]]
*[[Street hierarchy]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20011111044214/http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/flex/ch03.htm FHWA - Functional Classification]{{Obsolete source |reason=There are two more recent editions with significant changes.|date=April 2025}}
* {{cite report |author=European Road Safety Observatory |date=2018 |chapter=Road classification |title=Roads |url=https://road-safety.transport.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-07/ersosynthesis2018-roads.pdf |edition=2018 |publisher=European Commission |pages=5-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625043417/https://road-safety.transport.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-07/ersosynthesis2018-roads.pdf |archive-date=25 June 2022}}
* {{cite book |date=2006 |chapter=From theory to vision: Functional road categorization |location=Leidschendam |editor-last1=Wegman |editor-first1=Fred |editor-last2=Aarts |editor-first2=Letty |title=Advancing Sustainable Safety: National Road Safety Outlook for 2005-2020 |translator-last1=Bastiaans |translator-first1=René |translator-last2=Breen |translator-first2=Jeanne |edition= |publication-place= |publisher=SWOV Institute for Road Safety Research |pages=37-38 |isbn=978-90-807958-7-7}}

{{Road types}}

[[Category:Road transport]]
[[Category:Types of roads]]
[[Category:Hierarchy]]