Residential zones and courtyards
In a residential zone and a courtyard, people come first, not cars. The speed is low, pedestrians and cyclists may use the full width of the carriageway, and on the way out you give way to everyone.
Speed and surroundings
In residential zones, apartment-block courtyards, and fuel-station and parking areas, the speed is up to 20 km/h (para. 101). Expect children, pedestrians and cyclists close to the car.
Priority for pedestrians and cyclists
In a residential zone, pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter riders may move both on the sidewalks and on the carriageway across its full width (para. 139), and they have priority (para. 140). But they, too, must not obstruct vehicles without good reason.
Where you may park
Parking in residential zones is allowed only in specially designated spaces. If there are none or they are taken, you may park only where it does not obstruct pedestrians or other vehicles (para. 141).
Leaving the zone
When leaving a residential zone, the driver must give way to all other road users (para. 143). The same rules apply to apartment-block courtyards (para. 144).
Real-world situations
Children are walking down the middle of a courtyard lane.
They may use the full width and have priority (paras. 139–140). Slow to 20 and wait; don't honk them aside.
There is no free marked space in the courtyard.
Park only where you don't obstruct pedestrians or other cars (para. 141). Don't invent a spot on the sidewalk or lawn.
You are leaving the residential zone onto a street.
Give way to all traffic and pedestrians on the street (para. 143) — you are the one exiting, so you wait.
Common mistakes
Driving through a courtyard like a normal road, 30–40 km/h.
In a courtyard the speed is 20 km/h (para. 101).
Expecting pedestrians to keep to the edge.
In a residential zone pedestrians may use the full width (para. 139) — you adapt.
Parking on the sidewalk or lawn when the spaces are taken.
Park only where you obstruct no one (para. 141); a sidewalk obstructs pedestrians.
Key takeaways
- In residential zones, courtyards, fuel stations and parking areas — 20 km/h (para. 101).
- Pedestrians and cyclists have priority and the full carriageway (paras. 139–140).
- Park only in marked spaces, or where you obstruct no one (para. 141).
- On leaving the zone, give way to everyone (para. 143).
Check yourself
What is the maximum speed in a residential zone?
A pedestrian walks down the middle of the courtyard lane. What do you do?
Leaving a residential zone onto a street, who gives way?
In a residential zone
- Speed — up to 20 km/h (para. 101)
- Expect pedestrians and cyclists across the full width of the carriageway
- Give way to them; don't force your way through
- Park only in marked spaces, or where you obstruct no one
- On leaving the zone, give way to everyone
Frequent questions
How do I know I'm in a residential zone?
It is marked by the residential-zone sign at the entrance; the 20 km/h and pedestrian-priority rules apply until the end-of-zone sign.
May I park anywhere in a courtyard?
No — only in marked spaces; if there are none, only where you obstruct no pedestrian or vehicle (para. 141).
Are courtyard rules the same as residential-zone rules?
Yes; para. 144 extends these rules to apartment-block courtyards.
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