Road Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings

These have been devised to direct and guide the flow of traffic. They are mounted on poles at the side of the road, or on overhead structures, or may be painted on the surface of the road.

Road Signs

These are divided into three categories, each set having its own shape and colour coding. Temporary signs differ from permanent signs in that they have a yellow background to attract attention.

I. Regulatory Signs

  • Are used to regulate, control or restrict the actions of road users.
  • They set speed limits and determine right of way in the interest of orderly traffic flow.
  • They also indicate changes in road layout or design, whether permanent or temporary.
  • There are seven sets of regulatory signs.
    1. Control signs
    Control the STOP, YIELD or ENTRY actions of drivers.
    Indicate DIRECTION of travel or PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY.
    Are white on a red background.

    2. Command signs
    Indicate actions that MUST BE TAKEN or the CLASS of road user that must act.
    Are round signs with white on a blue background.

    3. Prohibition signs
    Indicate MAXIMUM LIMITS that must not be exceeded.
    They RESTRICT certain ACTIONS or CLASSES of vehicle.
    Are round signs with black on a white background having a red border. Except for LIMIT signs, they usually have a red line across to indicate 'Not Allowed'.

    4. Reservation signs
    Indicate that a road, part of a road or parking area is reserved for only a certain CLASS of vehicle.
    Are rectangular in shape with white on a blue background.

    5. Comprehensive signs
    Indicate that a road or part of it is subject to comprehensive REGULATIONS and RESTRICTIONS.
    Are rectangular with white on a blue background having a red border. Where the rules no longer apply, the sign has a red cross through it.

    6. Exclusive secondary signs
    Used in conjunction with regulatory signs.
    LIMIT the accompanying regulatory sign to the specific CONDITIONS or TIMES.


During reduced visibility

During daytime

During nighttime

Applies to company vehicles operated by (per logo shown)

Maximum number of vehicles

Reserved movement direction by vehicle class

Reserved movement direction by vehicle class

Reserved movement direction by vehicle class

Pay & display applies

During times specified

During times specified

During times specified

During times on days specified

During times on days specified

During times on days specified
    7. Selective restrictive signs
    Also used in conjunction with regulatory signs.
    RESTRICT the regulations to certain CONDITIONS, TIMES or CLASS of vehicle.

 
II. Warning Signs

  • Are used to alert drivers to hazardous conditions.
  • They indicate a need for extra caution and may require a decrease in speed.
  • They are triangular with black on a white background having a red border.
  • Temporary signs have a yellow background.
  • There are five groupings.
    1. Road layout signs
    Warn of changes in the layout of the road ahead.

    2. Direction of movement signs
    Warn of changes to the direction of travel on the road ahead.

    3. Symbolic signs
    Potential hazards are indicated by symbols.

    4. Hazard marker signs
    Indicates the position of the hazard by marking the site.
    Are red and white rectangular plates.

    5. Sign combinations
    The warning sign is used in conjunction with a supplementary plate giving a description or suggestion.
    Advisory speed limits suggest safe speeds and are not enforceable.

 

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