Though established principally for professionals in its 122 member countries round the world, it also provides an overview of the policies and trends that affect all road users.

The Association was founded in 1909,[1] following the first international road congress held in Paris when it was the called the Association Internationale Permanente des Congrès de la Route (AIPCR), or in English, the Permanent International Association of Road Congresses (PIARC).

In 1931, the first edition of the "Road Dictionary" was published in six languages (Danish, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish).

The World Road Association has continued working on terminology ever since.

In 2007, the eighth edition was released in five languages (English, French, German, Portuguese, and Spanish).