I'm looking for an free online site with the traffic rules of austria
(or germany or switzerland) explained in text and graphics.

Dear agentsmith,

These websites should cover your needs:

Driving in Germany: Traffic Rules and Regulations
http://www.texhwyman.com/regeln.htm

Driving in Germany: Traffic Signs, Signals, and Markings 
http://www.texhwyman.com/zeichen.htm

Driving in Germany: Driving and Parking in German Cities
http://home.att.net/~texhwyman/parken.htm

Taken from:
The Complete Guide to Getting Around Germany, by Brian K. Purcell
http://home.att.net/~texhwyman/verkehr.htm

There are only minor differences in the traffic rules and signs in
Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, so the guides above should prove
adequate for good driving in those three countries. Being German
myself, I checked the content and found it to be comprehensive and
correct. The complete official German traffic rules fill a book of the
size of a mass-market paperback, so I assume this basic version is far
more useful for you.
One thing I would like to add: Never use a cellphone while driving. It
is strictly forbidden and can cause serious inconvenience if you are
caught by the police.

Search terms used:
"traffic rules" austria germany switzerland
://www.google.de/search?hl=de&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&newwindow=1&q=%22traffic+rules%22+austria+germany+switzerland&btnG=Google+Suche
österreichischer automobilclub
://www.google.de/search?hl=de&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&newwindow=1&q=%C3%B6sterreichischer+automobilclub&btnG=Google+Suche
germany "traffic rules"
://www.google.de/search?q=germany+%22traffic+rules%22&hl=de&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&newwindow=1&start=0&sa=N


Hope this is what you were looking for!
Best regards,
Scriptor

---

Clarification of Answer by scriptor-ga on 18 Jan 2004 11:03 PST

In addition, you may find this guide to German traffic rules useful,
issued by the Military Police of the United States Army in Germany. It
includes illustrations and an extensive appendix showing traffic
signs:
http://rmv.hqusareur.army.mil/drivrman/190-34.htm#P01-C02-S02

Regards,
Scriptor

Hi

The main problem for Americans driving in Europe is learning the rules
concerning 'Roundabouts'.

The same rules apply throughout the world, but until recently the
'roundabout' was not found in the US Highway system.

Here is a site in the US describing this startling 'new' invention
that has been around in Europe for about 35 years.

http://www.roundaboutsusa.com/

Albanaich