Decree No. (247) of 1994  on specifying the provisions and rules on traffic, traffic signals, and traffic etiquette

General People’s Committee for Justice and Public Security Decree No. (247) of 1994

on specifying the provisions and rules on traffic, traffic signals, and traffic etiquette

The General People’s Committee for Justice and Public Security:

Upon review of:

• Law No. (11) of 1984 on public road traffic;

• Law No. (13) of 1423 AH amending certain provisions of Law No. (11) of 1984 AD on public road traffic;

• Secretary of the Interior Decree No. (67) of 1972 on the regulations governing traffic rules, signals, and etiquette;

has decreed:

Article (1)

Users of public roads, shoulders, sidewalks, and squares shall abide by traffic rules and etiquette, obey the instructions of the police and military authorities immediately when they are performing traffic activities in emergencies, and avoid anything that may involve danger, expose the safety of persons or property to harm, hinder the flow of traffic, or create other obstacles of any kind.

Article (2)

Users of public roads and squares shall abide by traffic lights and signals, mandatory, cautionary, and directional signs and warnings, and road surface arrows and lines regulating traffic.

Article (3)

Where there is a traffic light, drivers of motorized and non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians must proceed on the colour green, and stop and yield on the colours red and yellow.

Article (4)

Instructions issued by traffic police shall have priority over traffic lights and other signs, lines, and rules, and traffic lights shall have priority over other traffic signs.

Article (5)

The hand signals of traffic police shall be as follows:

1. Extending the arm straight, to stop oncoming traffic.
2. Extending the arm horizontally at shoulder level and moving it toward the shoulder, to stop traffic coming from any direction intersecting with the signal extending one or both arms together.
3. Moving the red hand baton in a waving motion, to stop the road users toward whom it is directed.

Article (6)

Car horns shall be used lightly and intermittently to caution and give warnings necessary to avert accidents.

The use of such warnings in a continuous manner or without justification shall be prohibited. The use thereof shall also be prohibited in areas located within city limits except in cases of absolute necessity or if animals are blocking traffic. They may never be used in the following cases:

1. While the vehicle is stopped.
2. At night between sunset and sunrise.
3. Near places of worship, hospitals, and schools.
4. The times and locations specified by the traffic police.
5. At weddings and other occasions to express happiness and joy.

Bothersome or unorthodox car horns shall be prohibited from use. This shall not apply to vehicles used by the armed forces, emergency, fire, or police vehicles, or vehicles of other bodies so authorized.

Article (7)

Motorized vehicles that issue bothersome sounds, emit heavy exhaust or unpleasant odours, leak material that is flammable, harmful to public health, or slippery, or that scatter sand, rocks, or the like may not be driven on public roads.

Vehicle drivers are prohibited from intentionally issuing bothersome sounds from their vehicles.

Article (8)

If the cargo of motorized vehicles exceeds one of the length, width, or height limits set for the vehicle type, it may not be driven on public roads except with special authorization from the traffic police. All equipment used to arrange cargo such as ropes, chains, and covers must be well fastened. Police have the right to stop any vehicle in violation of this provision and oblige the driver to adhere to and provide such.

Article (9)

Cargo jutting out from the front, back, or sides of a vehicle must be indicated with clear signs making it easier for the drivers of other vehicles to see it, provided such does not negatively impact the driver’s view or put the vehicle or driving thereof in danger, and not block hand signs, directional signs, or the vehicle’s lights, rear-view mirrors, or license plate numbers. At night, white lights and white reflectors must be used to to show the protrusions at the head of the vehicle, red light and red reflectors to show the protrusions at the back of the vehicle, and red light on the outside edge of the back of the vehicle to indicate the protrusions on the sides of the vehicle.

Article (10)

Explosives and dangerous materials may not be transported on motorized vehicles except by authorization from the competent entities and with protection, if required.

Article (10) (bis)

Through Article (1) of General People’s Committee for Public Security Decree No. (1327) of 2006 adding a provision to Decree No. (247) of 1423 FBP defining traffic provisions, rules, signs, and etiquette.

The transport or possession of sharp objects and other tools or equipment on motorized vehicles where the use of such items to cause personal harm to others can be deduced from the possession or transfer thereof is prohibited.

Article (64) of aforementioned Law No. (11) of 1984 FBP, providing a penalty of a fine not exceeding ten dinars shall apply to persons violating the preceding paragraph, deeming them in violation of a decree issued pursuant to said Law, in addition to the confiscation of said tools and equipment.

Article (11)

Drivers of motor vehicles shall pay attention to the signals of the vehicles in front of them. Vehicles may only pass other vehicles on the permitted roads and on the left, gradually, after confirming that road conditions allow for such. In all cases, a vehicle may not pass another vehicle if there is a vehicle in front of it passing another vehicle.

Article (12)

The speed limit for motorized vehicles on public roads shall be as follows:

1. Inside cities:

50 km/h for private vehicles, public passenger vehicles, and motorcycles.

40 km/h for buses of all types.

30 km/h for cargo vehicles, trucks, and the like.

2. Outside cities:
   1. Highways:

100 km/h for private vehicles and motorcycles.

80 km/h for public passenger vehicles and buses of all types.

65 km/h for cargo vehicles, trucks, and the like.

1. 2. Main roads:

85 km/h for private vehicles and motorcycles.

70 km/h for public passenger vehicles and buses of all types.

60 km/h for cargo vehicles, trucks, trailer vehicles, and the like.

1. 3. Local roads:

70 km/h for private vehicles and motorcycles.

60 km/h for public passenger vehicles and buses of all types.

50 km/h for cargo vehicles, trucks, and the like.

1. 4. Agricultural roads:

50 km/h for private vehicles and motorcycles.

40 km/h for public passenger vehicles and buses of all types.

30 km/h for cargo vehicles, trucks, and the like.

Article (13)

Vehicle drivers must, in all circumstances, remain in control of their vehicle and adjust their speed according to the surrounding conditions, especially road conditions, the condition of their vehicle and cargo, weather conditions, traffic density, and populous areas, so they are able to slow down or stop the vehicle if necessary.

Article (14)

Vehicle drivers may not drive their vehicle at an unusually slow speed without reason, blocking the natural flow of traffic.

Article (15)

Drivers of motor vehicles must leave a sufficient protective space of not less than 50 meters between them and the vehicle in front of them on highways and main roads outside of city and town limits, to ensure their safety and avoid collisions if the vehicle suddenly slows down or stops.

Article (16)

Drivers of motor vehicles may not use their vehicle’s brakes suddenly to reduce their speed or stop, unless there are reasons related to traffic safety that necessitate such.

Article (17)

All drivers of motor vehicles who intend to slow down or reduce speed significantly must, prior to doing so, check if there is a danger or unusual obstruction for the vehicles following them, unless forced to do so due to a sudden danger.

Article (18)

If there are vehicles behind them, all vehicle drivers must signal their intent to slow their vehicle down in a clear manner and a sufficient time prior to doing so, using hand signals or their rear brake lights.

Article (19)

Drivers of vehicles of all types coming from a gravel road, private road, or the like, must stop their vehicle prior to entering a public road and not do so until after they have confirmed that the road is clear of other vehicles.

Article (20)

Right of way at intersections where there are no traffic police, traffic lights, or other traffic signals shall be as follows:

1. Vehicles that have entered the intersection
2. Vehicles coming from a main road, if the intersection is with a local road.
3. Vehicles coming from the right, if unable to identify the main road.
4. Cars over other vehicles.

Article (21)

When meeting an oncoming vehicle, vehicle drivers must move as close as possible to the vehicle lane designated for the direction of traffic so as to leave sufficient empty space on the side. If it is not feasible to leave this space due to the presence of a barrier or other road users, they must slow down or stop when necessary until the oncoming road users pass.

Article (22)

On mountainous or steep roads, drivers of descending vehicles must drive as closely as possible to the vehicle lane designated for the direction of traffic. If such roads are narrow, they must stop completely to allow ascending vehicles to pass without difficulty. If located near a wide place of the road used for stopping, drivers of ascending vehicles must stop their vehicle in this location to allow descending vehicles to pass.

Article (23)

All drivers of vehicles, regardless of type, must posses the physical, mental, and psychological ability needed to drive a vehicle and refrain from driving if tired or if they have taken narcotic drugs. In all cases, all vehicle drivers should be capable of controlling and steering their vehicle.

Article (24)

All drivers of vehicles, regardless of type, must check the road-worthiness of their vehicle and its ability to be driven safely and meet safety and strength requirements in accordance with the set regulations, and always take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users.

Article (25)

All vehicle drivers must drive near the right edge of the carriageway, especially in the following cases:

1. If they want to move to another road located on their right.
2. If they meet an oncoming vehicle.
3. When vehicles behind them are passing their vehicle.
4. When road visibility is poor.
5. If the speed of their vehicle is under the legal limit.

Article (26)

1. 1. If the carriageway is divided into two lanes bordered by long continuous lines, vehicle drivers are prohibited from crossing or driving over these lines.
   2. If the road is a single carriageway divided into three lanes, vehicle drivers may use the middle lane provided they make sure this does not pose a danger to others or the flow of traffic. In all cases, the traffic lane located on the oncoming side may not be used.
   3. If the road is a carriageway divided into several lanes, the vehicle driver must drive in the lane they occupy and may not change their lane until after confirming that this does not pose a danger to others or to the flow of traffic.

Article (27)

Each vehicle driver who wishes to make an action such as exiting the traffic line they are in or entering such line, change direction to the right or left lane, turn to the left or right onto a side road, enter or exit a place alongside the road, or who wishes to turn around or back up must do the following:

1. Confirm that such may be done without exposing themselves or others to danger.
2. Take into consideration the situation, direction, and speed of the other road users.
3. Announce their intent clearly and a sufficient distance ahead through hand signals or their vehicle’s directional signals, and continue to do so throughout the entire action, then discontinue doing so once completed.
4. If wanting to move to another road on their right, move as close as possible to the edge of the carriageway. If wanting to move to another road on their left, move as close as possible to the centre of the carriageway.

Article (28)

When using public roads outside of cities, vehicle drivers must refrain from stopping their vehicle in the carriageway and stop off the shoulder and before backing up, turning, or driving, they must make sure that such does not cause damage, pose a danger, or block traffic.

Article (29)

All motor vehicles must be equipped with two guards preventing mud, water, and dirt from being scattering behind it. Such guards shall be affixed to the rear wheel well of the vehicle above the wheels.

Article (30)

Cyclists must keep to the right side of the carriageway and ride single file one after the other if there are no designated bike lanes. Where there are designated bike lanes, cyclists are prohibited from using the rest of the road designed for other vehicle traffic.

Article (31)

Motorcyclists and cyclists are prohibited from driving without holding onto the handlebars or holding them with one hand, with the exception of using hand signals. Motorcyclists and cyclists are prohibited from holding on to other cycles while in motion or carrying, pushing, or pulling things that block traffic or pose a danger to themselves and other road users.

Article (32)

Motorcyclists and cyclists are prohibited from transporting other persons on their cycles unless equipped with another seat or side car for an additional passenger.

Article (33)

Safety belts must be used when driving cars outside of city and town limits.

The competent entities shall place signs along public roads indicating city and town limits.

Article (34)

Owners of motorcycle workshops and repair and maintenance shops are prohibited from using public roads as a place for doing business.

Article (35)

Before passing, vehicle drivers must observe the following:

1. Make sure that there is no vehicle behind them that has already started to pass them.
2. The driver of the vehicle in front of them in the traffic lane has not signalled their desire to pass as well.
3. The view in the lane they are about to enter is completely clear and take into consideration the difference in speed of their car while passing and the speed of the road users they are trying to pass.
4. Signal to the road users they want to pass and make sure they have responded to this signal.
5. While passing other road users, leave a sufficient space on the side between themselves and the users being passed.
6. Leave a sufficient space in front of them, between themselves and the vehicle they wish to pass.
   • After completion of the pass, the vehicle driver must keep to the far right side of the carriageway without disturbing road users in general, and especially those they passed. The driver may remain in the lane they occupy while passing if they must pass another vehicle, on condition that they do not cause any disturbance or bother vehicle drivers coming up from behind. In all cases the required signals must be used to pass.

Article (36)

Vehicle drivers passed by another vehicle must slow down and keep to the right side of the lane as much as possible, to allow the vehicle passing it to complete the pass. Drivers are prohibited from using the left turn signal for the objective of allowing the rear vehicle to pass.

Article (37)

Vehicle drivers must not pass in the following circumstances and locations:

1. If the view is not clear.
2. If the vehicle ahead is going at a speed that makes it infeasible to complete the pass, is itself passing another vehicle, or if there is another vehicle following it that has started to pass their vehicle.
3. If oncoming traffic does not allow the pass to be completed safely.
4. If there is a line of stopped vehicles in front of it as a result of a traffic blockage or based on a signal to stop.
5. On curves, hills, slopes, bridges, slippery roads, intersections, road junctions, squares, near pedestrian cross walks, and traffic lanes with solid lines.
6. In locations where no passing is allowed according to traffic signs.

Article (38)

Vehicle drivers must slow down or stop if required in order to allow buses to start moving again when continuing to drive from stopping locations. Prior to continuing to move, bus drivers must also make sure the road is clear.

Article (39)

Drivers of army, police, fire, ambulance, and other vehicles authorized to use certain alarms shall only use such devices on official urgent duty, and drivers of motorized and non-motorized vehicles and pedestrians must make room for these vehicles when they are using their alarms.

Article (40)

Without exposing people’s lives or property to danger, drivers of emergency vehicles may exceed the proscribed speed limit and disregard turning and stopping rules and signals and road crossing signals, on condition that they slow down as required for public safety. A large bell or special alarm must be used for such, and at night they must have a red or blue lamp that radiates a beam not less than a distance of 150 meters affixed on the top of the front of these vehicles.

Article (41)

Vehicles must be parked gradually and without disturbing traffic, after signalling the intent to park. Each driver must park their vehicle as closely as possible to the right side of the carriageway and parallel thereto except in locations that permit otherwise. Drivers must not cause any traffic blockage when parking.

Traffic police may take the legal measures and means required to remove vehicles blocking traffic.

Article (42)

Without prejudice to Article (28), vehicle drivers must, in cases where they are forced to park their vehicle on the carriageway, use hazard lights, which must be visible from a sufficient distance.

Article (43)

1. 1. Drivers may not park their vehicles in the following locations:
1. On sidewalks and passageways designated for bicycles, bus stops, and public passenger vehicle and cart stops, or in front of entrances and exits to car garages, gas stations, hospitals, ambulance, fire truck, or police centres, military areas, or public gardens.
2. On or under bridges or inside tunnels, unless they have designated parking areas.
3. On corners, hills, or curves when there is not sufficient visibility.
4. On road surface markings or in locations where parked vehicles block traffic signals or signs from the view of other road users.
5. In locations where parking blocks other parked cars.
6. On the carriageway in cities next to another waiting car.
7. In other locations where parking is prohibited.

2. When parking a vehicle, sufficient space must be left enabling the drivers of other parked vehicles to get in and move their vehicle. Vehicles may not be parked at a distance of less then five meters from road crossings, square entrances, bus stops, and pedestrian cross walks.
3. Traffic police may take the measures and means required to remove vehicles blocking traffic on administrative roads, at the expense of the party committing the violation.

Article (44)

Vehicle drivers and all passengers are prohibited from opening a door of or exiting a vehicle prior to making sure this does not place road users in any danger.

Article (45)

Vehicle drivers must use their vehicle’s lights between sunset and sunrise and during the day when visibility is limited. No less than two lights in the front of the vehicle and another number of red lights on the rear of the vehicle must be used, especially on the left side.

Article (46)

Cyclists and vehicle drivers pulling animals must use a white front light and a red rear light while driving on public roads between sunset and sunrise. Such lights must be secure and visible.

Article (47)

All drivers of vehicles parked at night on a road lit by public lights or when visibility is not sufficient must signal the presence of their vehicle using sidelights.

Article (48)

1. Vehicle drivers must not use lights of any colour other than white and yellow in the front of the vehicle and not use any on the rear other than the original lights, unless such is in implementation of an order issued by the competent authorities or with the approval thereof.
2. The rear license plate light must be lit when driving the vehicle.
3. When driving inside cities, drivers of motor vehicles must limit their use to sidelights on roads with sufficient lighting and meeting beams otherwise.
4. Drivers of motor vehicles are prohibited from using high-beam headlights on public roads inside cities. They may be used outside cities provided such use is discontinued when meeting another vehicle at a distance not less than 500 meters. Such use is prohibited when the distance between vehicles is 50 meters.

Article (49)

Setting up floodlights on public roads or facing the direction of vehicle traffic is prohibited.

Article (50)

Buses must have sufficient interior lighting. Bus drivers are prohibited from talking with a passenger while driving, and passengers are prohibited from talking to or standing or sitting immediately next to the driver.

Article (51)

Drivers of public passenger vehicles are prohibited from waiting in their cars other than in the spots and stops designated therefor. They are also prohibited from refraining from hiring out their vehicles when requested.

Article (52)

Public passenger vehicles must be loaded in a safe manner, especially the roofs thereof. The height of the load on the roof must not exceed 50 cm and may not exceed the width or length of the vehicle.

Article (53)

Drivers of carts pulled by animals shall keep to the right shoulder of the road on public roads outside of cities.

Article (54)

It is prohibited to fix or place any type of video receiver inside the vehicle or more than one radio receiver antenna, with the exception of security or other so authorized vehicles. It is prohibited to place curtains or stickers on the glass of the vehicle, whether inside or outside, with the exception of public vehicles, hospitality vehicles, and buses that transport passengers to distant cities and neighbouring countries.

Article (55)

Drivers of motorized and non-motorized vehicles, regardless of type, must not drive on public roads until after making sure that the road is clear.

Article (56)

The transport of milk and derivatives thereof, meat, fish, bread, and anything whose transport may be harmful to public health is prohibited other than in licensed, properly equipped vehicles.

Article (57)

Animals may only be transported in cargo vehicles and on condition that the height of the animals is not taller than the height of their containers.

Article (58)

Vehicle drivers must carry the vehicle license, driver’s license, and any other documents related thereto with them while driving and show them to the police when requested.

Article (59)

The police have the right to stop any vehicle not meeting the strength and security requirements set out in the Traffic Law or the regulations issued pursuant thereto and direct them to the nearest police station. The vehicle must undergo a technical inspection and the vehicle license and metal plates may be withdrawn until such requirements are met.

Article (60)

Motorcyclists must wear a metal helmet on their head while driving.

Article (61)

Vehicle drivers and passengers are prohibited from spitting or throwing cigarettes or other waste of any kind in public roads.

Article (62)

Pedestrians must walk on the sides of the carriageway, or on the sidewalk if there is one, with the direction of traffic. Pedestrians pushing or carrying bulky items may use the far right of the carriageway if walking on the sidewalk or sides causes difficulties for the other pedestrians. Groups of pedestrians walking under someone’s leadership or that form a procession may walk on the far right of the carriageway.

Article (63)

Pedestrians may walk on the sides of the carriageway against the direction of traffic provided such not lead to blocking traffic or place their safety at risk.

Article (64)

Pedestrians who form a procession must walk single file in orderly lines.

Article (65)

Disabled persons who move using manually-powered chairs specially equipped for them may use the sides of the road or sidewalks.

Article (66)

When crossing a carriageway, pedestrians must exercise full caution and cross after confirming that they are able to do so without any danger or blockage of vehicular traffic. They must use the closest crosswalk or pedestrian bridge, if one exists, and must take into consideration the distance between them and the approaching vehicles as well as the speed of such vehicles. After starting to cross a carriageway, pedestrians may not linger or stop in the carriageway.

Article (67)

When crossing a carriageway from the designated crosswalks as indicated by road surface markings, pedestrians must do as follows:

1. If the crosswalk is equipped with light signals for pedestrians, they must obey these signals.
2. If the crosswalk does not have light signals for pedestrians and only has light signals for vehicles, or if traffic is regulated by a police officer, pedestrians may not cross the carriageway as long as the light signal or traffic police signal allows the vehicles to go.

Article (68)

Pedestrians may not pass through military lines or organized groups that move under the supervision of an official and all other authorized processions.

Article (69)

1. Pedestrians may not cross the carriageway in front of or behind buses and other vehicles that block the view while stopped, until they confirm that the road allows for such.
2. Pedestrians may not read newspapers or anything else when walking on sidewalks or crossing the road.

Article (70)

Violations of the provisions of this Decree shall be punishable with the penalties set out in the aforementioned Law on public road traffic.

Article (71)

Secretary of the Interior Decree No. (67) of 1972 on traffic rules, signals, and etiquette and any provision that conflicts with this Decree shall be repealed.

Article (72)

This Decree shall be published in the Official Gazette, and shall enter into force on the date of its publication.

The General People’s Committee for Justice and Public Security – Libya

Issued on 14 Dhu al-Hijja 1403 FDP

Corresponding to: 25/5/1423 AD