Established a UN-backed international standard for road signs, traffic lights, and road markings to improve safety and consistency across borders.
Key Facts
- Conference dates
- 7 October – 8 November 1968
- Initial signatories
- 31 countries
- Entry into force
- 6 June 1978
- Organizing body
- UN Economic and Social Council
- Companion treaty
- Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (1968)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Growing international road traffic across borders created urgent need for a unified system of road signs, markings, and signals. Without standardization, differing national systems posed safety hazards to drivers traveling between countries and hampered the development of consistent international traffic rules.
The United Nations Economic and Social Council convened a Conference on Road Traffic in Vienna, Austria, from 7 October to 8 November 1968. On the final day, 31 countries signed the Convention on Road Signs and Signals, agreeing to adopt a shared international framework covering road signs, traffic lights, and road markings.
The Convention entered into force on 6 June 1978, providing member states with a binding international standard for road signing systems. Alongside the companion Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, it formed the basis for harmonized traffic regulation across signatory nations, supporting safer cross-border travel.
Political Outcome
Treaty adopted; entered into force 6 June 1978, establishing international standards for road signs, traffic lights, and road markings.