XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 1
B. Road Traffic
1. CONVENTION ON ROAD TRAFFIC
Geneva, 19 September 1949
.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 26 March 1952, in accordance with article 29.
REGISTRATION: 26 March 1952, No. 1671.
STATUS: Signatories: 19. Parties: 102.
TEXT: United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 125, p. 3.
1
C.N.549.2015.TREATIES-XI.B.1 of 3
November 2015 (Proposal of amendments to articles 8 and 22) and
C.N.91.2016.TREATIES-XI.B.1 of 22 March 2016 (Proposal of amendments to articles 8
and 22); C.N.550.2015.TREATIES-XI.B.1 of 3 November 2015 (Proposal of
amendments to paragraph 1 of annex 3) and C.N.95.2016.TREATIES-XI.B.1 of 22
March 2016 (Proposal of amendments to paragraph 1 of annex 3);
Note: The Convention was prepared and opened for signature by the United Nations Conference on Road and Motor
Transport held at Geneva from 23 August to 19 September 1949. It was convened by the Secretary-General of the United
Nations pursuant to resolution 147 B (VII)
2
of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, adopted on 28 August
1948. The Conference also prepared and opened for signature the Protocol concerning countries or territories at present
occupied and the Protocol on Road Signs and Signals and reached certain other decisions which are recorded in the Final Act
of the Conference. For the text of the said Final Act, see United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 125, p. 3.
.
Participant
3,4,5,6
Signature
Accession(a),
Succession(d),
Ratification
Albania.........................................................
1 Oct 1969 a
Algeria .........................................................
16 May 1963 a
Argentina .....................................................
25 Nov 1960 a
Australia.......................................................
7 Dec 1954 a
Austria .........................................................
19 Sep 1949
2 Nov 1955
Bangladesh...................................................
6 Dec 1978 a
Barbados ......................................................
5 Mar 1971 d
Belgium .......................................................
19 Sep 1949
23 Apr 1954
Benin............................................................
5 Dec 1961 d
Botswana .....................................................
3 Jan 1967 a
Brunei Darussalam ......................................
12 Mar 2020 a
Bulgaria .......................................................
13 Feb 1963 a
Burkina Faso................................................
31 Aug 2009 a
Cambodia.....................................................
14 Mar 1956 a
Canada .........................................................
23 Dec 1965 a
Central African
Republic .................................................
4 Sep 1962 d
Chile.............................................................
10 Aug 1960 a
Congo...........................................................
15 May 1962 a
Côte d'Ivoire ................................................
8 Dec 1961 d
Croatia .........................................................
7 Feb 2020 a
Cuba.............................................................
1 Oct 1952 a
Participant
3,4,5,6
Signature
Accession(a),
Succession(d),
Ratification
Cyprus..........................................................
6 Jul 1962 d
Czech Republic
7
..........................................
2 Jun 1993 d
Democratic Republic of
the Congo...............................................
6 Mar 1961 d
Denmark ......................................................
19 Sep 1949
3 Feb 1956
Dominican Republic ....................................
19 Sep 1949
15 Aug 1957
Ecuador........................................................
26 Sep 1962 a
Egypt............................................................
19 Sep 1949
28 May 1957
Estonia .........................................................
1 Apr 2021 a
Fiji ...............................................................
31 Oct 1972 d
Finland .........................................................
24 Sep 1958 a
France ..........................................................
19 Sep 1949
15 Sep 1950
Georgia ........................................................
23 Jul 1993 a
Ghana...........................................................
6 Jan 1959 a
Greece..........................................................
1 Jul 1952 a
Guatemala....................................................
10 Jan 1962 a
Haiti .............................................................
12 Feb 1958 a
Holy See ......................................................
5 Oct 1953 a
Hungary .......................................................
30 Jul 1962 a
Iceland .........................................................
22 Jul 1983 a
India .............................................................
19 Sep 1949
9 Mar 1962
Ireland..........................................................
31 May 1962 a
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 2
Participant
3,4,5,6
Signature
Accession(a),
Succession(d),
Ratification
Israel ............................................................
19 Sep 1949
6 Jan 1955
Italy..............................................................
19 Sep 1949
15 Dec 1952
Jamaica ........................................................
9 Aug 1963 d
Japan ............................................................
7 Aug 1964 a
Jordan...........................................................
14 Jan 1960 a
Kyrgyzstan...................................................
22 Mar 1994 a
Lao People's
Democratic
Republic .................................................
6 Mar 1959 a
Lebanon .......................................................
19 Sep 1949
2 Aug 1963
Lesotho ........................................................
27 Sep 1973 a
Liechtenstein................................................
2 Mar 2020 a
Lithuania......................................................
4 Feb 2019 a
Luxembourg.................................................
19 Sep 1949
17 Oct 1952
Madagascar..................................................
27 Jun 1962 d
Malawi .........................................................
17 Feb 1965 d
Malaysia.......................................................
10 Sep 1958 a
Mali..............................................................
19 Nov 1962 d
Malta............................................................
3 Jan 1966 d
Monaco ........................................................
3 Aug 1951 a
Montenegro
8
................................................
23 Oct 2006 d
Morocco.......................................................
7 Nov 1956 d
Namibia .......................................................
13 Oct 1993 d
Netherlands (Kingdom
of the)
9
....................................................
19 Sep 1949
19 Sep 1952
New Zealand
10
.............................................
12 Feb 1958 a
Niger ............................................................
25 Aug 1961 d
Nigeria .........................................................
3 Feb 2011 a
Norway ........................................................
19 Sep 1949
11 Apr 1957
Papua New Guinea ......................................
12 Feb 1981 a
Paraguay ......................................................
18 Oct 1965 a
Peru..............................................................
9 Jul 1957 a
Philippines ...................................................
19 Sep 1949
15 Sep 1952
Poland ..........................................................
29 Oct 1958 a
Participant
3,4,5,6
Signature
Accession(a),
Succession(d),
Ratification
Portugal........................................................
28 Dec 1955 a
Republic of Korea
11
.....................................
14 Jun 1971 d
Romania.......................................................
26 Jan 1961 a
Russian Federation ......................................
17 Aug 1959 a
Rwanda ........................................................
5 Aug 1964 d
San Marino ..................................................
19 Mar 1962 a
Senegal.........................................................
13 Jul 1962 d
Serbia
12
........................................................
12 Mar 2001 d
Sierra Leone.................................................
13 Mar 1962 d
Singapore .....................................................
29 Nov 1972 d
Slovakia
7
......................................................
1 Feb 1993 d
Slovenia .......................................................
13 Jul 2017 d
South Africa.................................................
19 Sep 1949
9 Jul 1952 a
Spain ............................................................
13 Feb 1958 a
Sri Lanka......................................................
26 Jul 1957 a
Sweden.........................................................
19 Sep 1949
25 Feb 1952
Switzerland ..................................................
19 Sep 1949
Syrian Arab Republic ..................................
11 Dec 1953 a
Thailand .......................................................
15 Aug 1962 a
Togo.............................................................
27 Feb 1962 d
Trinidad and Tobago ...................................
8 Jul 1964 a
Tunisia .........................................................
8 Nov 1957 a
Türkiye.........................................................
17 Jan 1956 a
Uganda.........................................................
15 Apr 1965 a
United Arab Emirates ..................................
10 Jan 2007 a
United Kingdom of
Great Britain and
Northern Ireland.....................................
19 Sep 1949
8 Jul 1957
United States of
America..................................................
19 Sep 1949
30 Aug 1950
Venezuela (Bolivarian
Republic of) ...........................................
11 May 1962 a
Viet Nam......................................................
2 Nov 1953 a
Zimbabwe ....................................................
1 Dec 1998 d
Declarations and Reservations
(Unless otherwise indicated, the declarations and reservations were made
upon ratification, accession or succession.)
ALBANIA
The Government of the People's Republic of Albania
does not consider itself bound by the provisions of article
33 of the Convention, which lays down that disputes
between Contracting States concerning the interpretation
or application of the Convention may be referred to the
International Court of Justice by application from one of
the parties to the dispute. The Government of the
People's Republic of Albania declares, as it has done
hitherto, that in each separate case the agreement of all
the parties to the dispute is required for the submission of
any dispute for arbitration.
AUSTRALIA
"Excluding, in accordance with article 2, paragraph 1
of this Convention, annexes 1 and 2."
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 3
BARBADOS
13
In the notification of succession, the Government of
Barbados declared that it wished to maintain the
declarations and reservations subject to which the
Convention was extended to Barbados by the Government
of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
Ireland and which were the same as those made by that
Government in its own instrument of ratification.
BOTSWANA
"Excluding annexes 1 and 2."
BULGARIA
14,15
(a) .....
(b) Annex 1 to the Convention on Road Traffic,
which pro- vides that cycles fitted with an auxiliary
internal combustion en- gine having a maximum cylinder
capacity of 50 cm 3 (3.05 cu.in.) shall not be considered
as motor vehicles, provided that they retain all the normal
characteristics of cycles with respect to their structure.
(c) Section II, paragraph (c) second sentence, of
annex 6 to the Convention on Road Traffic, which
stipulates: "However, motor cycles with an engine of a
maximum cylinder capacity of 50 cm 3 (3.05 cu.in.) may
be excluded from this obligation."
CHILE
Excluding, in accordance with article 2, paragraph 1 of
this Convention, annex 1 from the application of the
Convention.
CROATIA
“In accordance with Article 2 paragraph 1 of the
Convention, the Republic of Croatia excludes Annex 1
from the application of the Convention.”
CYPRUS
"(1) In connexion with article 24 of the said
Convention, the Government of Cyprus reserve the right
not to permit a person to drive a vehicle, other than one
brought into and only temporarily in Cyprus, if (i) the
vehicle is used for the carriage of persons for hire or
reward or for the carriage of goods and (ii) the driver of
such vehicle would by the domestic legislation of Cyprus
be required to have a special vocational licence.
"(2) In connexion with article 26 of the said
Convention, cycles in international traffic admitted to
Cyprus shall, from nightfall and during the night or
whenever atmospheric conditions render it necessary,
show only a white light to the front, and to show to the
rear a red light or a red reflex reflector in accord- ance
with the domestic legislation of Cyprus."
"(1) In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1
of ar- ticle 2 of the Convention, the Government of
Cyprus excludes annexes 1 and 2 from its application of
the Convention.
"(2) In accordance with section IV (b) of annex 6 to
the Con- vention, the Government of Cyprus will only
permit that one trailer be drawn by a vehicle, it will not
permit an articulated ve- hicle to draw a trailer and it will
not permit articulated vehicles to be used for transport of
passengers for hire or reward."
CZECH REPUBLIC
7
DENMARK
Subject to a declaration made in accordance with
paragraph 1 of article 2 of this Convention, excluding
annex 1 from its application of the Convention.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
[The Dominican Republic declares] excluding, in
accordance with article 2, paragraph 1 of this Convention,
annexes 1 and 2 from the application of the Convention
and renewing the reservation concerning paragraph 2 of
article 1 of the Convention already made in plenary
meeting.
ESTONIA
“… in accordance with Article 2, paragraph 1 of the
Convention, Estonia excludes annex 1 from its application
of the Convention.”
FIJI
13
In its notification of succession, the Government of
Fiji de- clared that it wished to maintain the declarations
and reservations made on behalf of Fiji when the
Convention was extended to Fiji by the Government of
the United Kingdom on 16 December 1965.
FINLAND
Excluding, in accordance with article 2, paragraph 1 of
this Convention, annex 1.
With reference to annex 6, section IV (b), the
Government of Finland declare that they will permit only
one trailer to be drawn by a vehicle and that they will not
permit an articulate vehicle to draw a trailer.
FRANCE
With reference to annex 6, section IV (b), the French
Government declares that it will only permit that one
trailer be drawn by a vehicle and that it will not permit an
articulated vehicle to draw a trailer.
GHANA
"(i) Cycles in international traffic admitted to Ghana
shall from nightfall and during the night or whenever
atmospheric conditions render it necessary show only a
white light to the front and show to the rear a red light, a
reflex reflector and a white surface with regard to article
26 of the Convention.
"(ii) In accordance with paragraph 1 of article 2 of
this Con- vention, annexes 1 and 2 should be excluded."
GUATEMALA
Article 33 of the Convention shall apply without
prejudice to the provisions of article 149, item 3, of the
Constitution of the Republic.
In accordance with paragraph 1 of article 2 and
paragraph IV (b) of Annex 6 of the Convention,
respectively, the Government of Guatemala:
1. Excludes annex 1 from its application of the
Conven- tion.
2. Will only permit that one trailer be drawn by a
vehicle and will not permit articulated vehicles for the
transport of pass- engers.
HUNGARY
14,16
ICELAND
"The Government of Iceland excludes, in accordance
with article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention, annex 1
from the application of the Convention."
INDIA
"Subject to a declaration made in accordance with
paragraph 1 of article 2 of this Convention, excluding
annexes 1 and 2 from its application of the Convention."
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 4
IRELAND
"1. Annexes 1 and 2 are excluded from Ireland's
application of the Convention.
"2. In relation to annex 6, the number of trailers
drawn by a mechanically propelled vehicle may not
exceed that permitted under Irish legislation."
ISRAEL
"Excluding, in accordance with article 2, paragraph 1
of this Convention, annex 1."
JAMAICA
"(a) In connexion with article 24 of the said
Convention, the Government of Jamaica reserve the right
not to permit a person to drive a vehicle, other than one
brought into and only temporarily in Jamaica, if (i) the
vehicle is used for the carriage of persons for hire or
reward or for the carriage of goods and (ii) the driver of
such vehicle would, by the domestic legislation of
Jamaica, be required to have a special vocational licence.
"(b) In accordance with the provisions of paragraph
1 of ar- ticle 2 of the said Convention, annexes 1 and 2
shall be excluded from Jamaica's application of the
Convention.
"(c) In accordance with the provisions of paragraph
(b) of section IV of annex 6 to the said Convention, the
Jamaica Gov- ernment will permit only one trailer to be
drawn by a vehicle, will not permit an articulated vehicle
to draw a trailer and will not permit articulated vehicles to
be used for the transport of passengers for hire or reward."
JAPAN
"Subject to a declaration made in accordance with
paragraph 1 of article 2 of this Convention, excluding
annex 1 from its application of the Convention."
LIECHTENSTEIN
"The Principality of Liechtenstein reserves the right to
only require motorised vehicles to be equipped with an
audible warning device."
"The Principality of Liechtenstein excludes, in
accordance with article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention,
annex 1 from the application of the Convention."
MALAWI
"Excluding annexes 1 and 2 from the application of
the Con- vention."
MALAYSIA
"Excluding, in accordance with article 2, paragraph 1,
of this Convention, annexes 1 and 2."
MALTA
"In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of
article 2 of the Convention, the Government of Malta
excludes annex 1 from its application of the Convention."
MONACO
With reference to annex 6, section IV (b), the
Government of the Principality of Monaco indicates that
it will permit only one trailer to be drawn by a vehicle and
that it will not permit an articulated vehicle to draw a
trailer.
NETHERLANDS (KINGDOM OF THE)
Excluding, in accordance with article 2, paragraph 1 of
this Convention, annex 2.
NEW ZEALAND
"Excluding, in accordance with article 2, paragraph 1,
of this Convention, annexes 1 and 2."
NORWAY
Subject to a declaration made in accordance with
paragraph 1 of article 2 of this Convention, excluding
annex 1 from its application of the Convention.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
"1) Excluding, in accordance with article 2
paragraph 1 of the Convention, annexes 1 and 2.
2) In connection with article 24 of the Convention,
the Government of Papua New Guinea reserves the right
not to per- mit a person to drive a vehicle, other than one
brought into and only temporarily, in Papua New Guinea
if:
(i) the vehicle is used for the carriage of persons for
hire or reward, and
(ii) the driver of such vehicle would, by the domestic
legislation of Papua New Guinea, be required to have a
special vocational licence.
3) In accordance with section IV (b) of annex 6 of
the Con- vention, the Government of Papua New Guinea
will only permit that one trailer be drawn by a vehicle. It
will not permit an articulated vehicle to draw a trailer and
it will not permit articulated vehicles to be used for
transport of passengers for hire or reward."
PHILIPPINES
"Subject to a declaration made in accordance with
paragraph 1 of article 2 of this Convention, excluding
annex 1 from its application of the Convention."
PORTUGAL
In accordance with section IV (b) of annex 6, the
Government of Portugal has indicated that it will only
permit one trailer to be drawn by a vehicle and that it will
not permit an articulated vehicle to draw a trailer, and that
it will not permit articulated vehicles for the transport of
passengers.
ROMANIA
14,17
The Romanian People's Republic does not consider
itself bound by the provisions of article 33, under which
any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of
the Convention may be referred to the International Court
of Justice for decision by application from any of the
States concerned. The position of the Romanian People's
Republic is that the agreement of all the parties in dispute
is required in each case for the submission of any dispute
to the International Court of Justice for decision.
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
14,18
The Government of the Union of Soviet Socialist
Republics does not consider itself bound by the provisions
of article 33 of the Convention on Road Traffic, which
lays down that disputes between Contracting States
concerning the interpretation or ap- plication of this
Convention may be referred to the International Court of
Justice for decision by application from any of the States
concerned, and declares that the agreement of all the
States in dispute is required in each separate case for the
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 5
submission of any dispute to the International Court of
Justice for decision.
SAN MARINO
Excluding, in accordance with paragraph 1 of article 2,
annex 1.
SENEGAL
Excluding, in accordance with article 2, paragraph 1 of
the Convention, annex 1.
SIERRA LEONE
"(1) In connexion with article 24 of the said
Convention, the Government of Sierra Leone reserve the
right not to permit a per son to drive a vehicle, other than
one brought into and only tem- porarily in Sierra Leone if
(i) the vehicle is used for the carriage of persons for hire
or reward, and (ii) the driver of such vehicle would, by
the domestic legislation of Sierra Leone, be required to
have a special vocational licence.
"(2) In connexion with article 26 of the Convention,
cycles in international traffic admitted to Sierra Leone
shall, from night fall and during the night or whenever
atmospheric conditions render it necessary, show only a
white light to the front and show to the rear a red light in
accordance with the domestic legislation of the territory."
"(1) In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1
of ar- ticle 2 of the Convention, the Government of Sierra
Leone ex- cludes annexes 1 and 2 from its application of
the Convention.
"(2) In accordance with section IV (b) of annex 6 to
the Con- vention, the Government of Sierra Leone will
only permit that one trailer be drawn by a vehicle, it will
not permit an articulated vehicle to draw a trailer and it
will not permit articulated vehicles to be used for
transport of passenger for hire or reward."
SLOVAKIA
7
SOUTH AFRICA
"Subject to a declaration made in accordance with
paragraph 1 of article 2 of this Convention, excluding
annexes 1 and 2 from its application of the Convention."
SWEDEN
"Subject to a declaration made in accordance with
paragraph 1 of article 2 of this Convention, excluding
annex 1 from its application of the Convention."
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
"Subject to the exclusion of annexes 1 and 2."
UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN
IRELAND
19
The Government of Singapore does not wish to
maintain the reservation made by the Government of the
United Kingdom at the time of notification of territorial
application of the Conven- tion to Singapore.
"Subject to the following reservations:
"(1) In connexion with article 24 of the said
Convention, the Government of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland reserve the right not to
permit a person to drive a vehicle, other than one brought
into and only temporarily in the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland, if (i) the vehicle is used for
the carriage of persons for hire or reward or for the
carriage of goods and (ii) the driver of such vehicle
would, by the domestic legislation of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, be required to have
a special vocational licence.
"(2) In connexion with article 26 of the said
Convention, cycles in international traffic admitted to the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
shall, from nightfall and during the night or whenever
atmospheric conditions render it necessary, show only a
white light to the front, and show to the rear a red light
and a red reflex reflector in accordance with the domestic
legislation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland.
"(3) The Government of the United Kingdom of
Great Britain and Northern Ireland reserve the right, in
applying the said Convention to any of the other
territories for whose international relations they are
responsible, to apply it subject to reservations similar to
those set out above.
"Furthermore, the Government of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland declare:
"(1) That, in accordance with the provisions of
paragraph 1 of article 2 of the said Convention, they
exclude annexes 1 and 2 from their application of the
Convention.
"(2) In accordance with section IV (b) of annex 6 to
the said Convention, they will only permit that one trailer
be drawn by a vehicle, that they will not permit an
articulated vehicle to draw a trailer and that they will not
permit articulated vehicles to be used for the transport of
passengers for hire or reward."
VENEZUELA (BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF)
14,20
Amendments to the Convention shall not enter into
force with respect to the Republic of Venezuela until the
relevant constitutional requirements have been complied
with.
The Republic shall be bound by the terms of Article
36 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice.
That is to say, no case may be submitted to the
International Court of Justice except by agreement
between the Parties.
Territorial Application
Participant
Date of receipt of the
notification
Territories
Australia
3 May 1961
Papua and Trust Territory of New Guinea
Belgium
23 Apr 1954
Belgian Congo and Trust Territory of Ruanda-Urundi
France
29 Oct 1952
French Protectorates of Morocco and Tunisia, all French
Overseas Territories and Togoland and the Cameroons
under French Mandate
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 6
Participant
Date of receipt of the
notification
Territories
19 Jan 1953
Principality of Andorra
Japan
21
7 Aug 1964
Okinawa
Netherlands (Kingdom
of the)
9
19 Jan 1955
Netherlands New Guinea and Suriname
9 May 1957
Netherlands Antilles
New Zealand
10
29 Nov 1961
Trust Territory of Western Samoa
Portugal
4
19 Jan 1956
All Overseas Provinces-excluding Macau
South Africa
9 Jul 1952
South West Africa
Spain
13 Feb 1958
African localities and provinces
United Kingdom of
Great Britain and
Northern
Ireland
5,22,23,24
22 Jan 1958
Isle of Man
28 May 1958
Guernsey and Bailiwick of Jersey
27 Aug 1958
British Guiana, British Honduras, Colony of Aden, Cyprus,
Gibraltar, Seychelles and Uganda
25 Mar 1959
Gambia
13 May 1959
Singapore
13 May 1959
Mauritius
20 Nov 1959
Northern Rhodesia, Nyasaland and Southern Rhodesia
23 Nov 1959
Malta
8 Feb 1960
Zanzibar
25 Mar 1960
Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland
22 Apr 1960
Sierra Leone
22 Apr 1960
North Borneo
22 Apr 1960
St. Vincent
27 Sep 1960
Barbados
12 Jan 1961
Hong Kong
3 Aug 1961
Bahamas
14 Jul 1965
Grenada and Swaziland
16 Dec 1965
Fiji
United States of
America
30 Aug 1950
All the territories for the international relations of which the
United States of America is responsible
Declarations and Reservations
(Unless otherwise indicated the declarations and reservations were made upon notification of territorial
application.)
NETHERLANDS (KINGDOM OF THE)
9
Netherlands New Guinea
Excluding annexes 1 and 2.
Netherlands Antilles
Excluding annexes 1 and 2.
NEW ZEALAND
Trust Territory of Western Samoa
"Excluding annexes 1 and 2."
PORTUGAL
4
Portuguese Overseas Provinces (excluding Macao)
Subject to the declaration made on accession by the
Government of Portugal.
UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN
IRELAND
5,22,23,24
Isle of Man
The Convention is applied to the Isle of Man subject
to declarations and reservations the terms of which are
identical to those of the United Kingdom set out under
Nos. 1 and 2 above.
Bailiwick of Guernsey
The declarations made by the Insular Authorities of
the Bailiwick of Guernsey are identical to those made by
the United Kingdom upon signature and on deposit of its
instrument of ratification.
Reservations:
"(1) The provisions of the said Convention concerning
motor vehicles shall not apply in the Island of Sark, in
which Island the use of motor vehicles, except motor
tractors for use for certain limited purposes, is prohibited.
"(2) In connexion with article 24 of the said
Convention, the Insular Authorities of the Bailiwick of
Guernsey reserve the right not to permit a person to drive
a vehicle, other than one brought into and only
temporarily in the Bailiwick if (i) the vehicle is used for
the carriage of persons for hire or reward and (ii) the
driver of such vehicle would, by domestic legislation of
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 7
the Bailiwick, be required to have a special vocational
licence.
"(3) In connexion with article 26 of the said
Convention, cycles in international traffic admitted to the
Bailiwick of Guernsey shall, from nightfall and during the
night or whenever atmospheric conditions render it
necessary, show only a white light to the front and show
to the rear a red reflex reflector, in accordance with the
domestic legislation of the Bailiwick."
States of Jersey
The declarations made by the States of Jersey are
identical to those made by the United Kingdom upon
signature and on deposit of its instrument of ratification.
Reservations:
[Same, mutatis mutandis, as those made for the
Bailiwick of Guernsey, under Nos. 2 and 3.]
Aden Colony, British Guiana, and Seychelles
The declarations made by the Governments of Aden
Colony, British Guiana and Seychelles are identical to
those made by the United Kingdom upon signature and on
deposit of its instrument of ratification.
Reservations:
[Same, mutatis mutandis, as those made for the
Bailiwick of Guernsey, under Nos. 2 and 3.]
Cyprus
[With the same declarations and reservations as those
made on behalf of the Governments of Aden Colony,
British Guiana, and Seychelles; see above.]
Gibraltar
The declarations made by the Government of Gibraltar
are identical to those made by the United Kingdom upon
signature and on deposit of its instrument of ratification.
Reservation:
[Same, mutatis mutandis, as those made for the
Bailiwick of Guernsey, under No. 2.]
British Honduras
Reservations:
[Same, mutatis mutandis, as those made for the
Bailiwick of Guernsey, under Nos. 2 and 3.]
Uganda
Reservation:
[Same, mutatis mutandis, as those made for the
Bailiwick of Guernsey, under No. 2.]
Jamaica
Reservation:
[Same, mutatis mutandis, as those made for the
Bailiwick of Guernsey, under No. 2.]
St. Lucia and Trinidad
The declarations made by the Governments of St.
Lucia and Trinidad are identical to those made by the
United Kingdom upon signature and on deposit of its
instrument of ratification.
Reservations:
[Same, mutatis mutandis, as those made for the
Bailiwick of Guernsey, under Nos. 2 and 3.]
Mauritius
"In accordancewith the provisions of paragraph 1 of
article 2 of the Convention, the Government of Mauritius
excludes annex 2 from its application of the Convention.
Reservations:
"(1) In accordance with the provisions of paragraph
(b) of section IV of annex 6, the Government of Mauritius
will only permit that one trailer be drawn by a vehicle,
will not permit an articulated vehicle to draw a trailer or
that articulated vehicles shall be used for the transport of
passengers for hire or reward.
"(2) The Government of Mauritius reserves the right
not to apply the provisions of paragraph 1 of annex 8 of
the said Con- vention whereby the minimum age for
driving a motor vehicle under the conditions set out in
article 24 of the Convention shall be eighteen years."
Singapore
"In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of
article 2 of the Convention, the Government of Singapore
excludes annexes 1 and 2 from its application of the
Convention."
Malta
"In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of
article 2 of the Convention, the Government of Malta
excludes annex 1 from its application of the Convention."
Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland
"In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of
article 2 of the Convention, the Government of the
Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland exclude annexes 1
and 2 from their application of the Convention."
St. Vincent
The declarations made by the Government of St.
Vincent are identical to those made by the United
Kingdom upon signature and on deposit of its instrument
of ratification.
Reservations:
[Same, mutatis mutandis, as those made for the
Bailiwick of Guernsey, under Nos. 2 and 3.]
North Borneo
Reservations:
[Same, mutatis mutandis, as those made for the
Bailiwick of Guernsey, under No. 2.]
Sierra Leone
[Same, mutatis mutandis, as those made for St.
Vincent.]
Barbados
"The declarations and reservations relating to
Barbados are the same as those made by the United
Kingdom in its instrument of ratification."
Hong Kong
The declarations made by the Government of Hong
Kong are identical to those made by the United Kingdom
upon signature and on deposit of its instrument of
ratification.
Reservations:
"(1) In connexion with article 26 of the said
Convention, cycles in international traffic admitted to the
territory shall, from nightfall and during the night or
whenever atmospheric condi- tions render it necessary,
show only a white light to the front, and show to the rear a
red light and a red reflex reflector in accordance with the
domestic legislation of Hong Kong.
"(2) In connexion with paragraph (b) of Section II of
Annex 6-Lighting, Hong Kong legislation stipulates that
every motor vehicle, other than a motor cycle with or
without a sidecar, shall be equipped with direction
indicators of one of the types described in that
paragraph."
Bahamas
"In accordance with the provisions of paragraph 1 of
article 2 of the Convention, the Government of the
Bahamas exclude annexes 1 and 2 from their application
of the Convention."
Swaziland and Grenada
"Subject to the reservations contained in the United
Kingdom instrument of ratification."
Fiji
"Subject to the same reservations and declarations
made in respect of the United Kingdom on ratification."
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 8
Distinguishing Sign of Vehicles in International Traffic (Distinctive letters notified to the Secretary-General)
Aden.............................................................
ADN
Albania.........................................................
AL
Alderney ......................................................
GBA
Algeria .........................................................
DZ
Andorra........................................................
AND
Argentina .....................................................
RA
Australia.......................................................
AUS
Austria .........................................................
A
Bahamas.......................................................
BS
Bailiwick of Jersey ......................................
GBJ
Bangladesh...................................................
BD
Barbados
25
...................................................
BDS
Belgium .......................................................
B
Benin............................................................
DY
Botswana
26
...................................................
BW
Brazil ...........................................................
BR
British Honduras..........................................
BH
Brunei ..........................................................
BRU
Bulgaria .......................................................
BG
Cambodia
27
..................................................
KH
Canada .........................................................
CDN
Central African Republic.............................
RCA
Chile.............................................................
RCH
China
6
..........................................................
RC
Congo...........................................................
RCB
Costa Rica....................................................
CR
Côte d'Ivoire ................................................
CI
Croatia .........................................................
HR
Cyprus..........................................................
CY
Democratic Republic of the Congo .............
CGO
Denmark ......................................................
DK
Dominican Republic ....................................
DOM
Ecuador........................................................
EC
Egypt
28
.........................................................
EG
Estonia .........................................................
EST
Faroe Islands
29
.............................................
FO
Fiji ...............................................................
FJI
Finland .........................................................
SF
France
30
........................................................
F
Gambia
25
......................................................
WAG
Georgia ........................................................
GE
Ghana...........................................................
GH
Gibraltar.......................................................
GBZ
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 9
Greece..........................................................
GR
Grenada........................................................
WG
Guatemala....................................................
GCA
Guernsey......................................................
GBG
Haiti .............................................................
RH
Holy See ......................................................
V
Hong Kong
5
.................................................
HK
Hungary .......................................................
H
Iceland .........................................................
IS
India .............................................................
IND
Indonesia......................................................
RI
Iran (Islamic Republic of)............................
IR
Ireland..........................................................
IRL
Isle of Man...................................................
GBM
Israel ............................................................
IL
Italy..............................................................
I
Jamaica ........................................................
JA
Japan ............................................................
J
Jordan...........................................................
HKJ
Kenya
25
........................................................
EAK
Kyrgyzstan
31
................................................
KG
Lao People's Democratic Republic..............
LAO
Lebanon .......................................................
RL
Lesotho
25
......................................................
LS
Liechtenstein................................................
FL
Lithuania......................................................
LT
Luxembourg.................................................
L
Madagascar..................................................
RM
Malawi .........................................................
MW
Malaysia.......................................................
MAL
Mali..............................................................
RMM
Malta............................................................
M
Mauritius
25
...................................................
MS
Mexico .........................................................
MEX
Monaco ........................................................
MC
Morocco.......................................................
MA
Myanmar......................................................
BUR
Namibia .......................................................
NAM
Netherlands..................................................
NL
Netherlands Antilles
9
...................................
NA
New Zealand................................................
NZ
Nicaragua.....................................................
NIC
Niger ............................................................
NIG
Nigeria
25
.......................................................
WAN
Norway ........................................................
N
Pakistan........................................................
PAK
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 10
Papua New Guinea ......................................
PNG
Paraguay ......................................................
PY
Peru..............................................................
PE
Philippines ...................................................
PI
Poland ..........................................................
PL
Portugal........................................................
P
Republic of Korea........................................
ROK
Romania.......................................................
R
Russian Federation ......................................
SU
Rwanda ........................................................
RWA
Samoa
25
........................................................
WS
San Marino ..................................................
RSM
Senegal.........................................................
SN
Serbia ...........................................................
SRB
Seychelles ....................................................
SY
Sierra Leone.................................................
WAL
Singapore .....................................................
SGP
Slovakia
7
......................................................
SK
South Africa.................................................
ZA
Southern Rhodesia.......................................
RSR
Spain
32
.........................................................
E
Sri Lanka......................................................
CL
St. Lucia.......................................................
WL
St. Vincent ...................................................
WV
Suriname......................................................
SME
Swaziland.....................................................
SD
Sweden.........................................................
S
Switzerland ..................................................
CH
Syrian Arab Republic ..................................
SYR
Tanganyika
25
................................................
EAT
Thailand .......................................................
T
Togo.............................................................
TG
Trinidad and Tobago ...................................
TT
Tunisia .........................................................
TN
Turkey..........................................................
TR
Uganda.........................................................
EAU
United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland
33
...........................
UK
United States of America.............................
USA
Uruguay .......................................................
U
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) ............
YV
Zambia
25
......................................................
RNR
Zanzibar .......................................................
EAZ
Zimbabwe ....................................................
ZW
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 11
Notes:
1
Amendments to the Convention were proposed by the
Governments of Austria (communicated by circular letter 8
October 1962) and France (communicated by circular letter of
11 March 1964). The proposed amendments were not put into
effect since the conditions set forth in article 31 of the
Convention were not met.
2
Resolutions adopted by the Economic and Social Council,
during its seventh session (E/1065), p. 8.
3
The Republic of Viet-Nam had acceded to the Convention
on 2 November 1953 notifying VN as a distinguishing sign of
vehicles in international traffic. See also note 1 under “Viet
Nam” in the “Historical Infomration” section in the front matter
of this volume.
4
On 24 September 1999, the Government of Portugal
informed the Secretary-General that the Convention will apply
to Macau.
In a communication received on 1 November 1999, the
Government of Portugal notified the Secretary-General that
“...in accordance with the section IV (b) of annex 6 of the
Convention, in Macau it will only be permitted one trailer to be
drawn by a vehicle and it will not be permitted an articulated
vehicle to draw a trailer, and it will not be permitted articulated
vehicles for the transport of passengers.”
Subsequently, on 9 and 15 December 1999, the Secretary-
General received communications regarding the status of Macao
from China and Portugal (see also note 3 under “China” and
note 1 under “Portgual” in the “Historical Information” section
in the front matter of this volume). Upon resuming the exercise
of sovereignty over Macao, China notified the Secretary-General
that the Convention will also apply to the Macao Special
Administrative Region.
5
On 6 and 10 June 1997, respectively, Secretary-General
received communications regarding the status of Hong Kong
from China and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland (see also note 2 under “China” and note 2
under “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”
in the “Historical Information” section in the front matter of this
volume). Upon resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Hong
Kong, China notified the Secretary-General that the Convention
will also apply to the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region.
In addition, the notification made by the Government of China
contained the following declaration:
1. In accordance with paragraph 1 of article 2 of the
Convention, annexes 1 and 2 to the Convention are excluded
from application in the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region.
2. In accordance with section IV (b) of annex 6 to the
Convention, in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
an articulated vehicle is neither permitted to draw a trailer nor to
be used for the transport of passengers.
3. In connection with article 26 (c) of the Convention cycles
in international traffic admitted to the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region shall, from nightfall and during the night
or whenever atmospheric conditions render it necessary, show
only a white light in front and show to the rear both a red light
and a red reflex reflector.
4. In connection with section II of annex 6, in the Hong
Kong Special Administrative Region every motor vehicle other
than a motor cycle with or without a sidecar, shall be equipped
with direction indicators of one of the types described in
paragraph (1) of section II.
5. The Government of the People's Republic of China has
reservation to article 33 of the Convention.
6. The accession by the Taiwan authorities on 27 June 1957
by usurping the name of "China" to the Convention is illegal and
therefore null and void.
6
Accession on behalf of the Republic of China on 27 June
1957. See note concerning signatures, ratifications, accessions,
etc. on behalf of China (note 1 under “China” in the “Historical
Information” section in the front matter of this volume).
In communications addressed to the Secretary-General, with
reference to the above-mentioned accession, communications
have been addressed to the Secretary-General by the
Governments of Poland, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
and Yugoslavia stating that, since their Governments did not
recognize the Nationalist Chinese authorities as the Government
of China, they could not regard the said accession as valid. The
Permanent Missions of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
further stated that the sole authorities entitled to act for China
and the Chinese people in the United Nations and in
international relations, and to sign, ratify, accede or denounce
treaties, conventions and agreements on behalf of China, were
the Government of the People's Republic of China and its duly
appointed representatives.
In a note addressed to the Secretary-General, the Permanent
Mission of China to the United Nations stated that the
Government of the Republic of China was the only legal
Government which represented China and the Chinese people in
international relations and that, therefore, the allegations made
in the above-mentioned communica tions as to the lack of
validity of the signature or ratification in question had no legal
foundation whatever.
7
Czechoslovakia had signed and ratified the Convention on
28 December 1949 and 3 November 1950, respectively,
choosing the letters "CS" as distinguishing sign and with a
reservation. For the text of the reservation, see United Nations,
Treaty Series , vol. 125, p. 53. See also note 1 under “Czech
Republic” and note 1 under “Slovakia” in the “Historical
Information” section in the front matter of this volume.
It should also be noted that, upon succession, the Government
of Slovakia had selected the distinctive letters "SQ" in
application of paragraph 3 of annex 4. Subsequently, on 14 April
1993, the Government of Slovakia notified the Secretary-
General that it had replaced those letters by "SK".
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 12
8
See note 1 under "Montenegro" in the "Historical
Information" section in the front matter of this volume.
9
See note 1 under “Netherlands” regarding
Aruba/Netherlands Antillies in the “Historical Information”
section in the front matter of this volume
10
See note 1 under “New Zealand” regarding Tokelau in the
“Historical Information” section in the front matter of this
volume.
11
In communications addressed to the Secretary-General
with reference to the accession by the Republic of Korea, the
Permanent Representatives of the Permanent Missions to the
United Nations of Bulgaria, Mongolia and Romania stated that
their Governments considered the said accession as null and
void since the authorities of South Korea had no right or
competence whatsoever to speak on behalf of Korea.
12
The former Yugoslavia had signed and ratified the
Convention on 19 September 1949 and 8 October 1956,
respectively, adopting the letters “YU” as Distinguishing sign
of vehicles in International Traffic. See also note 1 under
“Bosnia and Herzegovina”, “Croatia”, “former Yugoslavia”,
“Slovenia”, “The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia” and
“Yugoslavia” in the “Historical Information” section in the front
matter of this volume.
13
See under "Declarations and Reservations made upon
notification of territorial application" .
14
The Government of the United Kingdom has informed the
Secretary-General that it is unable to accept [the reservation to
article 33 of the Convention] because in its view it is not of the
kind which intending parties to the Convention have the right to
make.
15
Subsequently, in a notification received on 6 May 1994,
the Government of Bulgaria notified the Secretary-General that
it had decided to withdraw the reservation made upon accession
with regard to article 33. For the text of the reservation, see
United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 453, p. 354.
16
In a communication received on 8 December 1989, the
Government of Hungary notified the Secretary-General that it
had decided to withdraw its reservation to article 33 of the
Convention made upon accession. For the text of the
reservation see United Nations, Treaty Series , vol. 434, p.
288.
17
The Government of the United States of America has
informed the Secretary-General that it has no objection to this
reservation, but "considers that it may and hereby states that it
will apply this reservation reciprocally with respect to
Romania".
18
The Government of the United States of America has
informed the Secretary-General that it has no objection to this
reservation, but "considers that it may and hereby states that it
will apply this reservation reciprocally with respect to the Soviet
Union".
The Governments of Greece and of the Netherlands informed
the Secretary-General that they do not consider themselves
bound by the provisions to which the reservation is made, as far
as the Soviet Union is concerned.
19
At the 1949 United Nations Conference on Road and
Motor Transport, the Conference placed on record that there
would be no objection to a reservation by the United Kingdom
in respect of article 26 of the Convention. In the letter
transmitting the instrument of ratification of the Convention, the
Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom drew the
attention of the Secretary-General to the fact that ". . the
reservation made in respect of article 26 of the Convention omits
the phrase `and a white surface' between the words `a red reflex
reflector' and the words `in accordance with the domestic
legislation of the United Kingdom,' which were included in the
text of the reservation set out in sub-paragraph (d) of paragraph
7 of the Final Act of the United Nations Conference on Road
and Motor Transport, 1949. This omission is occasioned by the
fact that the white surface requirement has since been repealed
by United Kingdom legislation."
20
The Government of the Republic of Viet-Nam had
informed the Secretary-General that it objects to the reservation
made to article 33 of the Convention. (See also note 1 under
“Viet Nam” in the “Historical Information” section in the front
matter of this volume.
21
In a communication received by the Secretary-General on
12 June 1972, the Permanent Representative of Japan to the
United Nations, upon instructions from his Government, made
the following statement:
"Japan has assumed as of May 15, 1972 full responsibility and
authority for the exercise of all and any powers of
administration, legislation and jurisdiction over "Okinawa" in
accordance with the Agreement between Japan and the United
States of America concerning the Ryukyu Islands and the Daito
Islands signed on June 17, 1971. Under the United States
administration, all vehicles were required to keep to the right
side of the road in Okinawa. Upon reversion of Okinawa to
Japan, the Government of Japan began to take the measures, in
conformity with Article 9, paragraph 1 of the Convention on
Road Traffic, necessary for shifting the side to which vehicles
are required to keep in Okinawa from the right to the left so that
there shall be uniformity with the rest of Japan. It is estimated
that it will take at least three years before the changes may be
smoothly carried out."
Subsequently, in a communication received on 21 August
1978, the Government of Japan informed the Secretary-General
that "the said change was completed as of July 30, 1978, there
being now the uniform ity in Okinawa with the rest of Japan in
conformity with article 9, paragraph 1 of the said Convention".
22
See note 1 under “United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland” in the “Historical Information” section in the
front matter of this volume.
23
For declarations and reservations made by these territories
upon accession or notification of succession after attaining
statehood, see under "Declarations and Reservations" .
24
In a communication received on 11 May 1971, the
Government of the United Kingdom informed the Secretary-
General of the follow- ing:
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 13
"At the time of the notification of the extension of this
Convention to Jamaica in 1959, the Cayman Islands were a
dependency of Jamaica, and the extension of the Convention to
Jamaica therefore extended it automatically to the Cayman
Islands.
"The Convention continued to apply and still applies to the
Cayman Islands, which, when Jamaica became independent
remained a territory for whose international relations the United
Kingdom is responsible."
25
Distinctive letters notified to the Secretary-General, prior
to the independence of that country, by the Government
responsible for its international relations.
26
As from 15 May 2003. Previously: "RB".
27
As from 18 November 2009. Previously: "K".
28
As from 23 April 2024. Previously "ET".
29
From 1 July 1976 to 1 January 1996: "FR".
30
Including French overseas territories.
31
As from 17 December 2015. Previously: "KS"
32
Including African localities and provinces.
33
As from 28 September 2021. Previously: "GB".
On 28 June 2021, the Secretary-General received from the
Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland, in accordance with Article 20 (1) and Annex 4
of the Convention, a notification stating that the United
Kingdom is changing the distinguishing sign it had previously
selected for display in international traffic on vehicles registered
in the United Kingdom, from “GB” to “UK”, and that “this
change will apply only to the United Kingdom of Great Britain
and Northern Ireland, and will not extend to any territories for
the international relations of which the United Kingdom is
responsible”. This change will take effect on 28 September
2021, the same date when the change in the distinguishing sign
of the United Kingdom under the 1968 Convention on Road
Traffic will come into effect.
XI B 1. TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS - ROAD TRAFFIC 14
