What is defined as a freeway according to vehicle regulations?

A freeway is characterized as a controlled access highway primarily designed for the efficient movement of through traffic. This definition emphasizes that freeways are built to reduce interruptions caused by intersections and traffic signals, ensuring a smooth flow of vehicles. They achieve this by limiting access points, meaning that vehicles can enter and exit only at designated interchanges rather than at random points along the roadway. This design enhances safety and allows for higher speed limits compared to regular roads.

While other options mention various types of roadways, they lack the specific attributes that define a freeway. For example, a route exclusively for public transportation does not encompass the broader definition of freeways, and any multi-lane road, regardless of access controls or traffic flow, does not necessarily qualify as a freeway. Furthermore, highways with traffic lights are explicitly contrary to the controlled access nature of freeways, as the traffic signals create stops that disrupt the free flow of through traffic. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify what constitutes a freeway and the role it plays in the overall traffic system.