Road traffic is one of the main sources of particulate matter in the atmosphere. Despite its importance, there are significant challenges in quantitative evaluation of its contribution to airborne concentrations. This article first reviews the nature of the particle emissions from road vehicles including both exhaust and non-exhaust (abrasion and re-suspension sources). It then briefly reviews the various methods available for quantification of the road traffic contribution. This includes tunnel/roadway measurements, twin site studies, use of vehicle-specific tracers and other methods. Finally, the application of receptor modelling methods is briefly described. Based on the review, it can be concluded that while traffic emissions continue to contribute substantially to primary PM emissions in urban areas, quantitative knowledge of the contribution, especially of non-exhaust emissions to PM concentrations remain inadequate. •Road traffic contributes emissions from exhaust, abrasion and re-suspension sources.•Chemical and physical properties of the emitted particles are described.•Available methods for quantification of traffic-derived concentrations are reviewed.