Traffic Signs
Overview Traffic control device is the medium used for communicating between
traffic engineer and road users.
The major types of traffic control devices used are- traffic signs, road markings ,
traffic signals and parking control.
. Different types of traffic signs are regulatory signs, warning signs and informatory
signs.
• Requirements:
• The requirements of traffic control devices are listed below:
• 1. The control device should fulfill a need :
Each device must have a specific purpose for the safe and efficient operation of traffic
flow.
• 2. It should command attention from the road users:
For commanding attention, proper visibility should be there.
Also the sign should be distinctive and clear.
The sign should be placed in such a way that the driver requires no extra effort to see the sign.
• 3. It should convey a clear, simple meaning:
• Clarity and simplicity of message is essential for the driver to properly understand the meaning
in short time.
• The use of color, shape and legend as codes becomes important in this regard.
• The legend should be kept short and simple so that even a less educated driver could
understand the message in less time
• 4. Road users must respect the signs:
• Respect is commanded only when the drivers are conditioned to expect that all devices carry
meaningful and important messages.
• Overuse, misuse and confusing messages of devices tends the drivers to ignore them.
• 5. The control device should provide adequate time for proper response from the road users:
• The sign boards should be placed at a distance such that the driver could see it and gets
sufficient time to respond to the situation.
• For example, the STOP sign which is always placed at the stop line of the intersection should
be visible for at least one safe stopping sight distance away from the stop line
• Types of traffic signs
• There are several hundreds of traffic signs available covering wide variety of traffic
situations. They can be classified into three main categories.
• 1. Regulatory signs:
• These signs require the driver to obey the signs for the safety of other road users.
• 2. Warning signs:
• These signs are for the safety of oneself who is driving and advice the drivers to
obey these signs.
• 3. Informative signs:
• These signs provide information to the driver about the facilities available ahead,
• Regulatory signs: These signs are also called mandatory signs because it is mandatory that the
drivers must obey these signs.
• If the driver fails to obey them, the control agency has the right to take legal action against the
driver.
• These signs are primarily meant for the safety of other road users.
• These signs have generally black legend on a white background. They are circular in shape with
red borders.
• The regulatory signs can be further classified into :
• 1. Right of way series:
• These include two unique signs that assign the right of way to the selected approaches of an
intersection.
• They are the STOP sign and GIVE WAY sign For example, when one minor road and major road
meets at an intersection, preference should be given to the vehicles passing through the major
road.
• Hence the give way sign board will be placed on the minor road to inform the driver on the
minor road that he should give way for the vehicles on the major road.
• In case two major roads are meeting, then the traffic engineer decides based on the traffic on
which approach the sign board has to be placed. Stop sign is another example of regulatory
signs that comes in right of way series which requires the driver to stop the vehicle at the stop
line.
• 2. Speed series:
• Number of speed signs may be used to limit the speed of the vehicle on the road.
• They include typical speed limit signs, truck speed, minimum speed signs etc.
• Speed limit signs are placed to limit the speed of the vehicle to a particular speed
for many reasons.
• Separate truck speed limits are applied on high speed roadways where heavy
commercial vehicles must be limited to slower speeds than passenger cars for
safety reasons.
• Minimum speed limits are applied on high speed roads like expressways,
freeways etc. where safety is again a predominant reason.
• Very slow vehicles may present hazard to themselves and other vehicles also.
• 3. Movement series:
• They contain a number of signs that affect specific vehicle maneuvers.
• These include turn signs, alignment signs, exclusion signs, one way signs etc.
• Turn signs include turn prohibitions and lane use control signs.
• Lane use signs make use of arrows to specify the movements which all vehicles in
the lane must take.
• Turn signs are used to safely accommodate turns in unsignalized intersections.
• 4. Parking series:
• They include parking signs which indicate not only parking prohibitions or restrictions, but also
indicate places where parking is permitted, the type of vehicle to be parked, duration for
parking etc.
• 5. Pedestrian series:
• They include both legend and symbol signs. These signs are meant for the safety of pedestrians
and include signs indicating pedestrian only roads, pedestrian crossing sites etc.
• 6. Miscellaneous:
• Wide variety of signs that are included in this category are: a ”KEEP OF MEDIAN” sign, signs
indicating road closures, signs restricting vehicles carrying hazardous cargo or substances, signs
indicating vehicle weight limitations etc.
• Some examples of the regulatory signs are
• They include a stop sign, give way sign, signs for no entry, sign indicating prohibition for right
turn, vehicle width limit sign, speed limit sign etc.
Warning signs
Warning signs or cautionary signs give information to the driver about the
impending road condition.
They advice the driver to obey the rules.
These signs are meant for the own safety of drivers.
They call for extra vigilance from the part of drivers.
Mandatory Signs
Cautionary Signs
Informatory Signs