ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Module 4
Traffic Signs
Syllabus
Role Of Signs And Markings In Safety: Types Of Signs, Design Specifications, Guidelines For
Installation,Role Of Signs In Safety, Types Of Road Markings,Design Specifications, Role Of
Road Markings In Safety.

Importance of Traffic Signs

Traffic signs perform a number of functions:
(i) They give timely warning of hazardous situations when they are not self evident.
(ii) They are of great help in regulating traffic by imparting messages to the drivers about the need
to stop, give way and limit their speeds.
(iii) They give information as to highway routes, directions and points of interest.
In view of the above, traffic signs occupy a significant place in traffic engineering.

General Principles of Traffic Signing

The objectives in pursuance of which traffic signs are installed can best be achieved if some
general principles are observed in their installation. These are:

(i) Traffic signs should be installed only by the authority of law. Unofficial and non-essential
signs should not be permitted.
(ii) For imparting a sense of respect towards signs, proper enforcement measures should be
undertaken.
(iii) Signs should be put up only after traffic engineering studies and sound engineering judgment.
(iv) Excessive use of signs should not be resorted to. A conser-vative use of regulatory and
warning signs is recommended as these signs, if used in excess, tend to lose their effectiveness.
(v) The signs should be designed for the foreseeable traffic conditions and speeds on the roads on
which they are proposed to be used.
(vi) The basic requirements of a sign are that it be legible to those using it and that it be
understood in time to produce a proper response. This means:
(a) high visibility, both during night and day.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 1

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

(b) lettering or symbols of adequate size for being read from far away by a speeding driver
without diverting the gaze through too great an angle.
(c) location at a conspicuous position to be able to be seen by drivers, without being obscured by
vehicles and other objects.
(d) Simplicity and uniformity in design, position and applications.
(vii) It is desirable that there should be two sizes for each type of sign, namely
(a) standard size
(b) a reduced size where conditions do not permit or the safety of road users does not require the
erection of the standard size.

Types of Traffic Signs

According to the U.N. Protocol , the international system of traffic signs comprises of the
following classes:
(a) Danger signs, also known as warning signs or cautionery signs
(b) Signs giving definite instruction, also known as regulatory signs in some countries.
These are further sub-divided into:
(i) Prohibitory signs.
(ii) Mandatory signs.

Danger Signs (Warning Signs or Cautionery Signs)

 Danger signs are used when it is deemed necessary to warn traffic of existing or potentially
hazardous conditions on or adjacent to a highway or street.
 Warning signs are of great help in ensuring safety of traffic. The use of warning signs should
be kept to a minimum, however, because their unnecessary use tends to breed disrespect for all
signs.
 The U.N. Protocol recommends an equilateral triangle with me point upwards.
 The side of the triangle, as per the I.R.C. Stan-dard, is 900 mm for a standard size and 600
mm for a reduced size. These signs have a red border and the symbols indicated therein are in
black colour against a white background.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 2

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Prohibitory Signs
These signs are part of the regulatory signs, which are intended te inform the highway users of
traffic laws or regulations. The prohibitory signs give definite negative instructions prohibiting the
motorist from making particular manoeuvres.

They may be of the allowing types:

(i) Movement prohibition, such as prohibition of certain turns, prohibition of entry, prohibition of
overtaking, one-way traffic, exclusion of certain types of vehicles or all vehicles etc.
(ii) Waiting restriction signs, such as prohibited waiting etc.
(iii) Restrictions on dimensions, weight or speed of vehicle.

According to the I.R.C. Standards, the prohibitory signs are of circular shape, with a diameter of
0-60 m for signs of the standard and 0-40 m for the reduced size. The signs have a red border. The
lour of the background is white for speed control, blue for waiting and parking restrictions, and
blue for direction control and other signs. The symbols are in black colour for prohibitory signs
and white in colour for direction control signs.

Mandatory Signs
Mandatory signs are part of regulatory signs and are intended to convey detinite positive
instructions when it is desired that motorists takes some some positive action. The two most
important mandatory signs are the (i) STOP sign and the (ii) YIELD or GIVE WAY sign.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 3

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

It is generally used at an intersection where the following conditions exist:

(i) Intersection of a less important road with a main road where the application of the normal
right-of-way rule is unduly hazardous.
(ii) Street entering a through highway or street.
(iii) Unsignalised intersection in a signalised area.
(iv) Other intersections where a combination of high speed, restricted view and serious accident
record indicates a need for control by the STOP sign.

The STOP sign should not be used:

(i) on through roadways or expressways.
(ii) for speed control.
(iii) at signalised intersections.

The various designs used for the STOP sign are:

 American practice: Octagon with written message STOP in white on a red background, with
white border.
 European practice: Octagon with written message STOP and border in white or yellow on a
red background.
 U.N. practice: Red triangle with point downwards inscribed within a red circle, the world
STOP may be written within the triangle.
 I.R.C. Standards: Octagon with a white border and red back-ground, the side of the octagon
being 900 mm for the standard sized sign, and 600 mm for the smaller sized sign.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 4

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Yield Signs
It is used under the following conditions:
(i) On a minor road at the entrance to an intersection where it is necessary to assign right-of-way
to the major road, but where a stop is not necessary at all times.
(ii) On the entrance ramp to an express-way when an accelera-tion lane is not provided.
(iii) Within an intersection with a divided highway where a STOP sign is present at the entrance
to the first roadway and further control is necessary at the entrance to the second roadway and
where the median width between the two roadways exceeds 9 m.
(iv) Where there is a separate or channelised left-turn lane, without an adequate acceleration lane.
(v) At any intersection where a special problem exists and where an engineering study indicates
the problem to be susceptible correction by the use of the YIELD sign.

THE YIELD sign should not be used:

(i) to control the major flow of traffic at an intersection.
(ii) on the approaches of more than one of the intersection streets or highways or at any
intersection where there are STOP signs on one or more of the approaches, except, under special
circumstances, to provide minor movement control within complex intersections.
(iii) on the through roadways or expressways.

The following are the designs used for the YIELD or GIVE WAY signs by various authorities:
 American practice. Downward pointing equilateral triangle having a red border band, a white
interior, with the word YIELD in red.
 U.K. practice. Downward pointing equilateral triangle having a red border.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 5

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

 IRC standards - Downward pointing equilateral triangle having a red border and white
background. The side of equilateral triangle is 900mm long in the standard sized sign and 600 mm
long in the smaller sized sign. It shall be used in combination with a definition plate carrying the
message "GIVE WAY".

Informatory Signs
Informatory signs are intended to guide the motorist along streets and highways, to inform him of
intersecting routes, to direct him to cities, towns, villages or other important destinations, to
identify nearby rivers and streams, parks, forests and historical sites, and generally to give him
such information as will help him along his way in the most simple, direct manner possible.

 A considerable of importance in dealing with the provision of informatory signs is the size of
lettering.
 The letters should be of such a size as can be easily read when the vehicles are moving at
speed. The American practice (Ref. 6) is to relate the size of letter to the highway type rather
than to variable speeds on any class of highway.
 Work at the Road Research Laboratory, U.K. has resulted in the following formulae for height
of letters.
 The size of letters depends also upon the type of signs. For advance direction signs on rural
roads, the letter size may be 8 to 15 cm.

 In urban areas, the letter size is 8 to 10 cm. For overhead signs, the letter size is in the range
of 20-25 cm; the numericals are slightly larger and are in the range of 25-30 cm.
 It is perhaps preferable to adopt only upper case letters for words like STOP, DANGER,
POLICE etc. which present themselves more boldly when written in upper case letters.
 The American practice is to use uppercase letters generally, except that destination names
may be in lower case lettering, with initial upper case.
 In India, the present practice is to adopt only upper case letters.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 6

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Indication Signs
One of the sub-classes of Informatory signs are Indication signs. They generally provide
information of facilities such as hospi-tal, filling station, telephone, eating place, rest house, first-
aid post etc. They are generally rectangular in shape. The I.R.C. Standard provides for a size of
600 mm x 450 mm with a black symboltandard a white rectangle and blue background. The
indication mended in this Code are given in Fig. 13.4.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 7

 ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Information regarding parking facilities are frequently needed. Some of the signs recommended in
the I.R.C. Standard are given in Fig. 13.4.

Direction Signs, Advance Direction Signs and Place Identification Signs

Direction signs indicate the name of the place and are rectan-gular in shape, terminating in the
form of an arrow head. A typical form is given in Fig. 13.5.

Advance direction signs are necessary at intersections of roads. They are generally rectangular in
shape. An example of an advance direction recommended by the I.R.C. is given in Fig. 13.6.

A destination sign indicates the names of places and the distances thereto. Fig. 13-7 gives such a
sign.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 8

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 9

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

TRAFFIC SIGNS - DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS (IRC:67-2012)

1.1 Classification of Traffic Signs

IRC classifies signs into three major categories:

1. Regulatory Signs (Mandatory + Prohibitory): Indicate laws and regulations (e.g.,

STOP, speed limit).
2. Warning Signs: Provide advance warning of hazards (e.g., sharp curve, pedestrian
crossing).
3. Informatory / Guide Signs: Give information about routes, destinations, services, etc.

1.2 Shape and Colour Specifications

Type of Sign Shape Colour Scheme

Mandatory Circular Red border, white background, black symbol
STOP sign Octagonal Red background, white legend
Give Way Inverted triangle Red border, white background
Warning signs Equilateral triangle Red border, white background
Informatory signs Rectangular Blue background, white legend

1.3 Size of Signs

Typical sizes based on road type (approximate, as per IRC tables):

Road Type Regulatory Sign Warning Sign Informatory Sign

Urban Roads 600 mm 600 mm 600×450 mm
Rural Roads 900 mm 900 mm 900×600 mm
Highways/Expressways 1200 mm 1200 mm 1200×800 mm

1.4 Lettering and Symbols

 Lettering uses transport medium or highway gothic typeface.

 Minimum letter height for guide signs:
o Urban roads: 100 mm
o High-speed roads: 150–200 mm
 Symbols follow ISO 3864 for uniformity.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 10

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

1.5 Materials and Retro-reflectivity

 High-intensity prismatic sheeting (HIP), micro-prismatic or encapsulated lens-type

reflective sheeting.
 Reflective grade must comply with IRC-67: Class A/B/C.
 Sign plates made of aluminium or composite materials.

1.6 Placement and Installation

 Lateral clearance: Minimum 0.6–1.5 m from edge of pavement.

 Mounting height:
o Urban: 2.1 m (to bottom edge)
o Rural/Highway: 2.0–2.5 m
 Longitudinal distance before hazard:
o Urban roads: 50–100 m
o Highways: 150–250 m
 Signs should face approaching traffic at right angles.

1.7 Maintenance Requirements

 Signs must be cleaned, oriented correctly, and replaced when retro-reflectivity fades.
 Vegetation must not obstruct visibility.

GUIDELINES FOR INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS

1. Introduction

Traffic signs are crucial elements of road safety engineering. Even well-designed signs will
fail to serve their purpose if they are not installed properly at suitable locations, heights, and
orientations.
Hence, IRC:67–2012 provides standard guidelines for installation, positioning, mounting
height, lateral clearance, and maintenance of traffic signs.

2. General Principles

Before installing a sign, the following points must be considered:

 Visibility: The sign should be visible both during day and night.
 Legibility: The symbols or words must be easily readable at the approach speed.
Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 11
ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

 Simplicity: Only essential signs should be installed — avoid cluttering.

 Uniformity: All signs must conform to IRC specifications (shape, color, size).
 Placement: Signs must be installed at standard heights and distances for consistency
and driver familiarity.
 Retroreflectivity: For visibility during night or adverse weather, signs must be
retroreflective.

3. Location and Positioning of Signs

a) Lateral Placement

 Signs should be placed on the left-hand side of the road (or right-hand side in some
multilane/divided roads for better visibility).
 Lateral clearance from the edge of the carriageway:
o Urban areas: Minimum 0.6 m
o Rural areas: Minimum 1.2 m

b) Longitudinal Placement (Advance Distance)

Distance between the sign and the hazard/point of regulation depends on vehicle speed and
type of road:

Design Speed (km/h) Regulatory / Warning Sign Distance (m)

30–50 50–80
60–80 80–150
100 150–250

For urban areas, distances are smaller; for rural highways, larger distances are used to give
more reaction time.

4. Mounting Height

Type of Area Height from Road Surface to Bottom of Sign (m)

Urban Areas 2.1 m
Rural Areas 1.5 m
Overhead Signs 5.5 m clearance above road surface

Signs should be mounted high enough to be visible over roadside objects such as parked
vehicles or vegetation.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 12

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

5. Lateral Alignment and Orientation

 Signs should be perpendicular to the direction of the approaching traffic.

 On horizontal curves, the sign should be turned slightly toward the driver to ensure
visibility.
 Signs should not be hidden by trees, poles, or other signs.
 When multiple signs are installed, they must be vertically aligned with proper spacing
(≥ 300 mm between plates).

6. Illumination and Reflectivity

 Retroreflective sheeting (Type IV, Type XI, etc.) is mandatory for night visibility.
 Overhead and critical signs on expressways or urban roads may have external
illumination or internal lighting.
 Materials should conform to IRC:67 and ASTM D4956 standards.

7. Sign Supports and Foundations

 Signs must be supported on steel or aluminum poles, firmly fixed to concrete

foundations.
 The structure should resist wind pressure, vibration, and vehicle impact.
 In urban areas, crash-safe or breakaway supports are recommended for safety.

8. Placement Order (Priority of Signs)

When several types of signs are required at a single location, the order from top to bottom is:

1. Regulatory Sign
2. Warning Sign
3. Informatory Sign

This hierarchy helps drivers respond first to mandatory controls.

9. Special Location Guidelines

 On Curves: Place signs before the beginning of the curve to allow adequate reaction
time.
 At Intersections: Install STOP, GIVE WAY, and directional signs 5–10 m before the
junction.
 On Expressways: Signs should be larger, overhead-mounted, and repeated on both
sides of the carriageway.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 13

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

 Work Zones: Temporary signs should be placed as per IRC:SP:55 – Safety in Road
Construction Zones.

10. Maintenance of Signs

 Regular inspection and cleaning to remove dust, mud, or vegetation obstruction.

 Replace faded or damaged retroreflective sheets immediately.
 Ensure stability of poles and foundations.
 Maintain uniformity and visibility throughout the road network.

11. Common Errors to Avoid

 Installing signs too close to intersections or behind obstacles.

 Using non-standard colors, fonts, or symbols.
 Overuse of signs leading to driver confusion.
 Failing to maintain reflectivity at night.
 Inconsistent mounting height or angle across routes.

12. Importance of Proper Installation

Proper installation ensures:

 Maximum effectiveness of traffic control devices.

 Early driver response and accident prevention.
 Uniformity and discipline in road networks.
 Durability and cost efficiency over the long term.

ROLE OF TRAFFIC SIGNS IN ROAD SAFETY

1. Objectives of Traffic Signs

The main objectives are to:

1. Promote Road Safety by warning of potential hazards.

2. Regulate Traffic Movement through legal restrictions.
3. Provide Information about routes, destinations, and facilities.
4. Guide Drivers for better decision-making.
5. Enhance Road Discipline and uniform behavior among road users.

2. Role of Traffic Signs in Road Safety

Traffic signs contribute to road safety in multiple ways.

Their role can be discussed under the following headings:

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 14

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

A. Regulation of Driver Behavior

 Regulatory signs such as STOP, SPEED LIMIT, and NO ENTRY enforce rules and
ensure disciplined driving.
 Prevents dangerous behaviors like over-speeding, overtaking in unsafe zones, or
entering restricted areas.
 Ensures uniform driver response at all similar road situations, reducing conflicts and
crashes.

B. Early Warning of Hazards

 Warning or Cautionary Signs (like Sharp Curve Ahead, Slippery Road, School Zone,
Men at Work) alert drivers about potential dangers ahead.
 They give advance notice so drivers can reduce speed and take precautions, preventing
run-off-road and collision accidents.
 Particularly crucial in low-visibility conditions, night driving, and rural roads.

C. Information and Guidance

 Informatory / Guide Signs provide directions, distances, and locations of essential

services like hospitals, petrol pumps, or parking.
 Reduce driver stress and confusion, which are common causes of errors and crashes.
 Help in smooth traffic flow and route selection, reducing congestion and unsafe lane
changes.

D. Enhancing Pedestrian and School Zone Safety

 Signs such as Pedestrian Crossing, School Ahead, and Speed Limit 20 km/h near
sensitive areas protect vulnerable road users.
 Encourage drivers to slow down and remain alert in mixed-traffic or populated zones.
 Reduces child and pedestrian accidents in urban areas.

E. Night-time and Adverse Weather Safety

 Modern traffic signs use retro-reflective sheeting for visibility in darkness or rain/fog.
 Helps drivers to read and react quickly, even under poor visibility, preventing night-
time crashes.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 15

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

F. Road Work and Temporary Hazards

 Temporary warning signs (e.g., “Men at Work”, “Detour”, “Road Closed”) protect
both workers and drivers.
 Prevents accidents in construction zones, one of the most accident-prone areas on
highways.

G. Support for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

 Traffic signs complement modern safety systems like automatic speed detection,
navigation, and lane discipline enforcement.
 Digital and variable message signs (VMS) provide real-time safety alerts, improving
response to dynamic hazards (e.g., fog, accidents, diversions).

H. Psychological Role

 Standardized signs improve driver confidence and decision-making.

 Reduce reaction time, prevent panic or indecision, and promote predictable behavior.
 Support the concept of a self-explaining road, where signs intuitively guide safe
driving.

3. Examples of Safety-Oriented Signs

Type Example Safety Role

Regulatory STOP, SPEED LIMIT Enforce safe behavior
Warning SHARP CURVE, SCHOOL AHEAD Alert driver to hazards
Informatory HOSPITAL, FUEL STATION Help driver plan safe stops
Temporary MEN AT WORK, DETOUR Ensure safety in work zones
Pedestrian CROSSING ZONE Protect vulnerable users

4. Factors Affecting Effectiveness of Signs

The safety role of signs depends on:

 Proper design (shape, color, size, legibility).

 Correct location and height as per IRC:67.
 Regular maintenance and cleaning for visibility.
 Driver education for correct interpretation of symbols.
 Night reflectivity and illumination.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 16

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

If poorly maintained or incorrectly placed, signs can confuse drivers and cause accidents
instead of preventing them.

5. Importance of Uniformity

Uniformity in color, shape, and symbols ensures instant recognition by drivers from any part
of the country.
This helps maintain consistent driver expectations, which is vital for safety and efficiency.

ROAD MARKINGS

General Principles of Longitudinal Pavement Markings

The practice of pavement markings in different countries varies. However, some general
principles of longitudinal pavement markings are common in many countries. Some of these
are (Ref. 1, 2, 3, 4):

1. Solid lines are restrictive in nature and it is an offence to cross or straddle such a line.

2. Broken lines are restrictive in character, and vehicles can cross such a line provided this
can be done with safety.

3. When a combination of a solid and broken lines is used, in countries where the traffic
moves to the left (right), a vehicle should not cross the continuous line adjacent to and to the
left (right) of a broken line on the right (left) of the lane in which it is moving.

4. Double lines indicate maximum restrictions.

Material and Colour

 The material commonly used for pavement, curb and object markings is paint.
 Ordinary paints for road markings are covered by Indian Standards IS: 164-1981 (First
Revision Reaffirmed in 1986) .
 They also have short life.
 The better alternative is hot applied thermoplastic paints, which are now-a-days specified
for roads. Improved night visibility is obtained by the use of minute glass beads
incorporated in the markings to produce a "retro-reflective" surface.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 17

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Types of Road Markings

Road markings are basically of two types: carriageway markings and object markings. As the
name implies, the former type of markings are those that are applied to the carriageway itself
(The latter type covers markings on objects such as abutment, piers, kerbs, traffic islands,
culvert headwalls, etc.)

Carriageway markings are of the following categories:

1. Centre line.

2. Traffic lane lines.

3. No-overtaking zone markings.

4. Pavement edge lines.

5. Carriageway width reduction transition markings.

6. Obstruction approach markings.

7. Stop lines

8. Pedestrian crossings.

9. Cyclist crossings.

10. Route direction arrows etc.

11. Word messages.

12. Markings at approaches to intersections.

13. Parking space limits.

14. Bus stops.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 18

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Object markings are of the following categories:

1. Objects within the carriageway.

2. Kerb marking for visibility.

3. Kerb marking for parking restriction.

4. Objects adjacent to the carriageway.

Centre Lines

 A centre line marking is provided to demarcate the centre of a carriageway and to

separate traffic in opposite directions.
 The pattern of centre line markings depends upon whether the road is in an urban section
or rural section.
 On rural sections, the segments and gaps are double in length than for an urban location.
 The length of gap is shorter near approaches to intersection and on curves than on straight
reaches.
 The gap is half the value on straight sections.

Traffic Lane Lines

The division of the carriageway into separate lanes for traffic travelling in the same direction
on either side of the centre-line or median strip helps to promote travel in proper lanes and
curb the meandering tendency of the drivers, thus promoting safety and ensuring maximum
capacity. Traffic lane lines are broken lines which permit lane changing with caution.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 19

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Fig: Centre line and lane markings

No Overtaking Zone Markings

 No overtaking zone markings are provided on summit curves, horizontal curves and
elsewhere in two and three lane highways where overtaking and passing manoeuvres
must be prohibited be-cause of non-availability of safe overtaking sight distances or other
hazardous conditions.
 The marking for a "no overtaking" zone consists of a combintion line along the centre
line.
 The combination line consists of a double line, the left hand element of which shall be a
solid barrier line.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 20

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

 The right hand element will be either a normal broken centre line or solid barrier line
governing the traffic from the opposite direction.
 Where a solid barrier line is to the right of the broken line, the overtaking restriction shall
apply only to the opposing traffic.
 If both the lines are solid lines, no overtaking is permitted in both the directions.

Pavement Edge Lines

 Pavement edge lines are used to indicate the edges of carriage-ways which have no kerbs.
 They serve as a visual guidance for the drivers, indicating to them the limits upto which
the driver can safely venture.
 They especially are useful during adverse weather and poor visibility.
 Where the paved shoulder is of a lesser structural strength than the main pavement, the
edge lines are used to promote travel on the main pavement itself.
 Edge lines are in the form of a single continuous line placed about 15 cm from the edge.
 The width of the line is 15-20 cm.

Carriageway Width Reduction Transition Markings

Reduction in the carriageway width is made known by a combination of carriageway

markings and road signs. A typical design for carriageway marking showing reduction from 4
lanes to 2 lanes as per current Indian practice is given in Fig. 14.3

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 21

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Obstruction Approach Markings

Obstruction approach markings are necessary to guide traffic on the approach to fixed
obstructions within the carriageway. The markings must be designed to guide the traffic away
from the obstruction. Typical markings for median strip approach and approach to an
obstruction on a four lane road as per current Indian practice are given in Fig. 14.5

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 22

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Stop Lines

 Stop lines are solid white lines provided transversely to the carriageway and used to
indicate the point behind which vehicles are required to stop in compliance with a STOP
sign, traffic signal or traffic police.
 The width of the stop line as per current Indian practice is: Urban and sub-urban roads: 20
cm and Rural roads: 30 cm.
 Stop lines are ordinarily located not less than 2 m and not more than 3 m in advance and
parallel to the nearest boundary of the pedestrian crossing marking.
 Where there is no pedestrian crossing, the stop line is placed not less than 1.25 m and not
more than 9 m from the nearest carriageway edge of the intersecting road.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 23

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Pedestrian Crossings

 Pedestrian crossings are very important for pedestrian safety as they guide pedestrians in
the proper paths.
 They are marked at all intersections where there is substantial conflict between vehicle
and pedestrian movements.
 The location of the pedestrian crossings should be selected properly to ensure adequate
visibility, sufficient space on the footway for the pedestrians to wait and freedom from
obstructions.
 As per current Indian requirements the minimum width of the pedestrian crossing should
be 2 m and the maximum width should be 4 m.
 At mid-block locations, it may be advantageous to instal flashing signals in combination
with pedestrian crossing markings.
 The location of pedestrian crossings at right-angled and acute angled crossings is
indicated.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 24

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Cyclist Crossings

Cyclist crossings should have the same width as the cycle tracks. They are marked by means
of squares 50 cm x 50 cm at a centre-to-centre spacing of 100 cm.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 25

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Route Direction Arrows

Route direction arrows are used to guide effectively the traffic in the correct direction and
lanes. Because of low angle at which such markings are viewed by the drivers, these markings
must be elongat-ed in the direction of traffic to be properly legible.

Word Messages

Word messages are used to convey information to guide, warn or regulate traffic. Some of the
common messages used are: "STOP," "SLOW," and "SPEED" limits like "SPEED 25,"

Markings at Approaches to Intersections

For orderly and guided traffic movement at intersections, markings can be profitably
employed. Markings at intersections can be a combination of centre-lines, turn markings, lane
markings, stop lines, route direction arrows etc.

Parking Space Limits

The delineation of the parking space limits promotes more efficient use of the parking spaces
and helps in preventing encroachment on fire hydrant zones, bus stops loading zones and
locations where parking of vehicles will be undesirable.

Object Markings

Obstructions in the carriageway are marked in this country by alternating black and white
stripes, sloping down at an angle of 45° towards the side of the obstruction on which traffic
passes. When the vertical clearance of an underpass is less than the prescribed mini-mum, the
available clearance is marked by painting vertical strips, alternately black and white.

Kerbs of all islands are normally painted with either alternate black and white strips or a
chequered black and white design, as indicated in Fig. 14-14.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 26

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

For indicating restrictions on waiting and parking, the kerb (top and face) or the carriageway
is generally marked with a continuous yellow line. In U.K, yellow solid lines (single or
double) are used to mark the edge of carriageways defining the limits of waiting restrictions.

Objects such as guard rails, guard stones, drums or trees are generally marked in solid white
colour.

ROAD MARKINGS – DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS (IRC:35-2015)

Types of Road Markings

1. Longitudinal markings – centre line, lane line, edge line

2. Transverse markings – stop line, give way line
3. Object markings – obstructions, medians
4. Word/symbol markings – arrows, speed limit markings
5. Parking markings
6. Kerb markings

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 27

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Colours Used

 White: Centre lines, lane lines, arrows, stop lines

 Yellow: No-overtaking zones, parking restrictions, median markings

 Black & Yellow: Hazard/object markings

Dimensions of Longitudinal Markings

 Line width: 100–150 mm

 Broken line pattern: 3 m line + 9 m gap
 Continuous lines: 150 mm width on high-speed roads
 Double lines: Used for strong no-overtaking zones

Transverse Markings

 Stop line width: 300–400 mm

 Give-way line: Broken/triangular pattern, 300 mm thickness
 Pedestrian crossing (Zebra): 300–600 mm wide stripes spaced 300–600 mm apart

Arrows and Word Messages

 Direction arrows: 2–4 m in length, depending on speed

 Word messages (“SLOW”, “STOP”): Minimum letter height 2–3 m

Road Studs / Cat’s Eyes

 Used to enhance night visibility

 Colors:
o White – lane lines
o Red – left edge
o Yellow – median
Must comply with retro-reflective standards.

Materials and Application

 Paint: Thermoplastic (hot-applied) with glass beads

 Durability: High skid resistance and visibility
 Retro-reflectivity: 100–300 mcd/m²/lux depending on class

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 28

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

Placement Criteria

 Markings must be placed based on design speed, visibility, and road geometry.
 Adequate contrast with pavement surface is mandatory.

Conclusion

Traffic signs and road markings designed as per IRC:67-2012 and IRC:35-2015 ensure
uniformity, clarity, and safety on Indian roads. Proper selection of size, shape, materials,
placement, and maintenance enhances road user information, reduces accidents, and support
efficient traffic management. This comprehensive design-based understanding is essential in
transportation engineering practice.

ROLES OF ROAD MARKINGS IN ROAD SAFETY

Road markings are important traffic control devices that guide, warn, and regulate road users.
As per IRC:35-2015, properly designed and maintained markings significantly enhance road
safety. Their main roles in safety are as follows:

1. Lane Discipline and Traffic Guidance

 Longitudinal markings such as lane lines, centre lines, and edge lines help drivers
maintain their lane.
 Prevents weaving and conflicts between vehicles.
 Essential on multilane and high-speed roads.
2. Regulating Overtaking and Passing

 Continuous yellow/white lines restrict overtaking in hazardous sections (curves,

bridges, summits).
 Broken lines allow safe overtaking.
 Reduces head-on collisions due to improper passing maneuvers.

3. Enhancing Night-Time and Low-Visibility Safety

 Retro-reflective markings improve visibility during nighttime, rain, and fog.

 Edge lines help prevent run-off-road accidents.
 Road studs (“cat’s eyes”) reinforce markings in low-light conditions.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 29

ROAD SAFETY ENGINEERING BCV755A

4. Warning of Approaching Hazards

 Chevron markings, diagonal/hatched areas, and markings near narrow bridges or sharp
curves alert drivers to upcoming dangers.
 Helps reduce speed and improve defensive driving.
5. Safe Pedestrian Movement

 Zebra crossings indicate designated pedestrian crossing areas.

 Improves pedestrian priority and reduces vehicle–pedestrian conflict.
 Stop lines ensure vehicles halt before the crossing.
6. Speed Management

 Speed markings (e.g., “SLOW”, “40”) reinforce regulatory signs.

 Rumbling strips/thermoplastic transverse bars alert drivers to reduce speed near
schools, intersections, and toll plazas.
7. Intersection Safety

 Stop lines, give-way lines, and directional arrows streamline movement.

 Prevents confusion and conflict among vehicles.
 Ensures orderly merging, turning, and right-of-way control.
8. Channelization of Traffic

 Hatch markings, painted islands, and medians guide vehicles into proper paths.
 Eliminates dangerous shortcuts and erratic movements.
9. Parking Control and Urban Safety

 Marked parking bays, no-parking yellow lines, and loading zones reduce roadside
chaos.
 Enhances safety for moving and parked vehicles.
10. Clear Communication with Drivers

 Road markings supplement traffic signs and signals by providing continuous, visible
guidance.
 Reduce driver workload and enhance decision-making.

Dept of Civil Engg, CIT, Mandya 30