Complete Guide to Road Signals and Symbols: Traffic Signs & Their Meanings

(A) CIRCLES

(B) TRIANGLES

(C) RECTANGLES

There are three basic types of traffic sign: signs that give orders, signs that warn and signs that give information. Each type has a different shape. Circles give orders, Triangles warn and Rectangles inform.

Road signs which were broadly categorized into

(A) Danger warning signs

(B) Regulatory signs

(C) Informative signs

MANDATORY SIGNS

STOP

GIVE WAY

NO ENTRY

ALL MOTOR VEHICLES PROHIBITED

TRUCK PROHIBITED

BULLOCK & HAND CART PROHIBITED

PRIORITY FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC

BULLOCK CART PROHIBITED

HAND CART PROHIBITED

TONGAS PROHIBITED

PEDESTRIANS

CYCLE PROHIBITED

LEFT TURN PROHIBITED

RIGHT TURN PROHIBITED

OVERTAKING PROHIBITED

U-TURN PROHIBITED

HEIGHT LIMIT

WIDTH LIMIT

LENGTH LIMIT

HORN PROHIBITED

LOAD LIMIT

AXLE LOAD LIMIT

SPEED LIMIT

NO PARKING

NO STOPPING OR STANDING

COMPULSORY TURN LEFT

COMPULSORY AHEAD (ONLY)

COMPULSORY TURN RIGHT AHEAD

COMPULSORY AHEAD OR TURN RIGHT

COMPULSORY AHEAD OR TURN LEFT

COMPULSORY KEEP LEFT

COMPULSORY CYCLE TRACK

COMPULSORY SOUND HORN

COMPULSORY MINIMUM SPEED

RESTRICTION ENDS

This is one of the most important and prominent Road signs. This sign indicates that the driver should immediately stop. : usually Police, traffic, and toll authorities use this sign at checkposts.

This sign notifies that entry is prohibited for all vehicles. Certain pockets of an area or road are demarcated as 'no entry' areas for traffic. This could be entry to a restricted area or no-traffic Zone. So the driver should obey it and divert his route.

This sign signifies that there should be no movement of traffic in the designated area either from outside or within. This is used to decongest the area. It is also used at pedestrian areas.

This sign indicates that the road has been prohibited for plying of Bullock & Hand Carts. These slow moving carts many a times hinder the smooth flow of traffic.

The slowest form of transport many a times becomes obstruction to the free flow of traffic hence certain zones have been demarcated where bullock carts are not allowed to ply.

This sign indicates that the Hand cart is prohibited on the demarcated road as it would hinder the flow of fast moving traffic.

In order to ensure the safety of cyclists certain roads which are meant for fast moving vehicles are prohibited for cyclists. So the cyclists should not use the roads where this sign has been installed.

This sign directs driver not to turn towards right side in any circumstance.

With advancement in highways and automobile technology speed of vehicles has increased. With this, overtaking has become very crucial on road. Place where the roads are narrow, at bridges, at turns, overtaking becomes dangerous. At these places this sign is installed which prohibits overtaking ensuring safety.

This sign indicates the width of the vehicle, which is allowed to enter the zone beyond it. The vehicle with width above 2 meters is restricted to enter this zone. This could be a bridge or a narrow lane

There are certain roads which pass under bridges, railway lines etc. of low height. To avoid any untoward incident authorities earmark height of vehicle which can easily pass under the bridge. The specified limit should be strictly adhered to avoid crashes and penal action.

Excessive and unnecessary honking is treated as unruly behaviour in modern society. However, there are silence zones where honking is completely prohibited such as near hospitals, schools etc. This sign directs driver to respect the silence zone and not to use horn.

This road sign limits the load of the vehicle which should ply on the road further. This sign indicates that a vehicle weighing more than 5 tonnes cannot use the road further as there may be a bridge which cannot bear the weight beyond 5 tonnes or the road is soft to accommodate the weight of the vehicle.

This sign indicates the traffic should move in straight direction and turning to either side would lead to penal action and safety hazard.

This sign directs the traffic to either move straight or take right turn. Turning towards left is prohibited.

Compulsory cycle track signifies that cyclists should compulsorily use this track. It also restricts the movement of any traffic accept cyclist of the track.

This sign indicates that vehicles using the Road, at the entrance to which the sign is placed shall travel at the specified speed. The limit specified must be invariably followed to avoid penal action and crashes on the road.

There are some conditions when blowing horn becomes compulsory. While manoeuvering a blind turn especially in hilly roads blowing horn before turn is one of the safety measures. Whenever you see this sign blow horn to let oncoming traffic know your presence on road.

Any restriction conveyed through sign on road ends here. This sign indicates that the restriction imposed by the sign/signs is no more valid beyond this point. However, drivers should not be complacent and take care of all safety measure to avoid crashes.

GIVE WAY

NO ENTRY

PRIORITY FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC

ALL MOTOR VEHICLES PROHIBITED

BULLOCK & HAND CART PROHIBITED

BULLOCK CART PROHIBITED

TONGAS PROHIBITED

CYCLE PROHIBITED

LEFT TURN PROHIBITED

U-TURN PROHIBITED

OVERTAKING PROHIBITED

WIDTH LIMIT

HEIGHT LIMIT

HORN PROHIBITED

LENGTH LIMIT

LOAD LIMIT

AXLE LOAD LIMIT

SPEED LIMIT

NO PARKING

NO STOPPING OR STANDING

COMPULSORY TURN LEFT

COMPULSORY AHEAD

COMPULSORY TURN RIGHT AHEAD

COMPULSORY AHEAD OR TURN LEFT

COMPULSORY KEEP LEFT

COMPULSORY CYCLE TRACK

COMPULSORY SOUND HORN

COMPULSORY MINIMUM SPEED

RESTRICTION ENDS

COMPULSORY AHEAD OR TURN RIGHT

STOP

MANDATORY ROAD SIGNS

This sign on road indicates that length of the vehicle, which can be manoeuvred through that passage. It could be a sharp turn, a hairpin bend etc. This is meant for long and oversized vehicles which cannot negotiate a safe turn.

This sign is usually installed before a bridge. It indicates the load that a bridge can bear. The limit of this sign is 4 tonnes which indicates that only vehicles axle load of 4 tonnes or less can pass over the bridge.

This sign is very significant in major cities. It prohibits parking of a vehicle in the designated area. Any vehicle parked here is towed away and occupant/driver is liable to penal action. Therefore, drivers should park their vehicle in authorized parking areas only.

TRUCK PROHIBITED

PEDESTRIANS

RIGHT TURN PROHIBITED

This sign directs the traffic to either move straight or take left turn. Turning towards right is prohibited. Violation of these sign may Jeopardize your safety and may also lead to penal action.

One has to turn towards left after seeing this sign. This may have been installed due to diversion.

As sign itself speaks the area designated is a no entry zone for Trucks or HMV. These could be narrow lanes or congested areas where entry of heavy transport vehicle could obstruct smooth flow of traffic.

This sign can be seen at some of the busy intersections on roads. The U-turn at these intersection could result in major crashes or traffic jams. The driver should not violate this sign to avoid fine and any untoward incident

Tongs or Horse carts were extensively used as a popular means of transport in recent past. With the advent of new and faster means of transport this vehicle becomes hurdle in the smooth traffic flow. Certain areas/roads have been prohibited for Tongas.

Some roads demand continuous flow of traffic and stopping of one vehicle disrupt the whole traffic flow. At these areas 'No Stopping' signs are installed. Any vehicle stopping at these places could meet an crash and also a penal action.

This sign indicates that left turn is prohibited.

This sign designates the speed of traffic on road. The limit specified must be invariably followed to avoid penal action and crashes on the road.

This sign restricts the movement of pedestrians on road or the adjoining area. This could be lane for fast moving vehicles, highways etc. This could be installed at intersection where alternate crossing arrangements like underpass, foot over-bridge etc are there for crossing the road.

This sign, at the entrance of road, indicates the priority should be given to oncoming traffic. At narrow section of road where passing is difficult or impossible, traffic is regulated by preferable movement. Such regulation is carried out by giving priority to traffic moving in one direction and not by installing traffic light signals. This sign is set up facing the traffic on the side which does not have priority. The traffic from the side where the sign is erected should move only when there is no oncoming traffic.

This sign indicates that the driver should drive in left lane for smooth traffic flow. This sign is installed mainly on the roads which do not have divider in between and two way traffic flows on the same road.

This sign directs the driver to turn right only. Obeying this sign will lead to safety and hassle free drive.

This sign is used at roundabouts where a specific lane discipline is to be followed. This sign directs the traffic to give way to the fellow traffic on your right side.

CAUTIONARY SIGNS

RIGHT HAND CURVE

LEFT HAND CURVE

RIGHT HAIR PIN BEND

RIGHT REVERSE BEND

STEEP ASCENT

LEFT HAIR PIN BEND

NARROW ROAD AHEAD

ROAD WIDENS HEAD

SLIPPERY ROAD

NARROW BRIDGE

CYCLE CROSSING

LOOSE GRAVEL

SCHOOL AHEAD

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

FERRY

CATTLE

FALLING ROCKS

TRAFFIC SIGNAL

DANGEROUS DIP

HUMP OR ROUGH ROAD

BARRIER AHEAD

GAP IN MEDIAN

CROSS ROAD

Y-INTERSECTION

SIDE ROAD LEFT

STAGGERED INTERSECTION

ROUND ABOUT

GUARDED LEVEL CROSSING

UNGAURDED LEVEL CROSSING

QUAYSIDE OR RIVER BANK

LEFT REVERSE BEND

STEEP DESCENT

SIDE ROAD RIGHT

T-INTERSECTION

MEN AT WORK

Y-INTERSECTION

This sign cautions you about a Right Hand Curve on the road ahead. This helps you in maneuvering accordingly and nullifies the possibility of crash due to sudden appearance of turn.

Hair Pin Bends are sharp turns specially on hilly roads. This sign cautions you about a sharp right turn on the road ahead. It gives time to reduce the speed to mange the turn and also sets eyes of the drive on turn. Absence of the sign could lead to major crashes as sharp bends in hilly road don't get sighted easily.

This road sign indicates the actual design i.e a sort of Z formation of the road ahead. It cautions the driver about the zig zag turn towards Right. The driver should reduce the speed at the sight of this sign and maneuver the vehicle cautiously.

This road sign indicates that there is steep descent ahead and driver should get ready to descent by putting the vehicle in relevant gear. Most of the times, these signs are found on hilly road where steep ascent and descent are normal part of travel.

This sign signifies that the road ahead is wide. The width of the road widens after this sign and thus traffic should adjust accordingly.

When the width of the road decreases and the road merges into a narrow road, there is a possibility that a speeding vehicle may collide with oncoming traffic. This sign cautions the driver to be careful as the road ahead is narrow.

Sometimes road converges to a bridge which is of less width than that of road. This sign is erected before such bridges which are narrow than the road. The driver should reduce the speed and watch for oncoming traffic for save drive.

This sign is usually erected on hilly roads where loose earth or gravel keeps on falling on the road. Driver should drive slowly and carefully after this sign as little carelessness can cause major crashes here.

Pedestrian is the king of the traffic. This sign cautions the driver to either slow down or stop the vehicle and allow the pedestrian to cross the road. The part of road is also demarcated in white strips known as zebra crossing. At zebra crossing the pedestrian has first right on the road.

This sign indicates that there is a great possibility of cattle straying on the road. Cattle on road can cause major crashes as animal reacts unpredictably in traffic. So drive carefully wherever you see this sign.

In hilly roads the rocks fall on road during landslides climates. This sign shows that the road ahead is prone to such falling of rocks and driver should drive carefully to avoid crash.

Sometimes there is a hump on road intentionally created for slowing the traffic. This sign cautions the driver that he should reduce the speed to cross the hump comfortably.

This sign indicates that there is a crossing of roads ahead. This sign indicates that the vehicle should be slowed and intersection should be crossed cautiously by looking on both side.

These road signs cautions about the actual formation of road ahead. The road is divided into two in the shapes of y. This helps driver in managing the intersection carefully.

Round About is a substitute of a road intersection. It allows smooth flow of traffic without the aid of traffic lights. This sign cautions about that there is a round about ahead and the driver has to take relevant lane well before maneuvering the round about.

The sign indicates that there is a Railway crossing which is not manned by personnel. This unguarded railway crossing has to be crossed by driver himself very cautiously after ensuring that there is no train on track near by single or double red stripe indicates that the crossing is at 100 mts. or 200 mtrs. respectively.

This sign indicates that this road leads on to quay or river bank. Drivers should take care and drive cautiously.

This sign shows that there is some repair/cleaning etc. being undertaken on the road and workers are involved in it. People working on road need safety from the traffic and hence this sign is erected before the site of repair on road. The driver should drive slowly and carefully to ensure safety of the worker.

RIGHT HAND CURVE

LEFT HAND CURVE

RIGHT HAIR PIN BEND

LEFT HAIR PIN BEND

RIGHT REVERSE BEND

LEFT REVERSE BEND

STEEP ASCENT

STEEP DESCENT

NARROW ROAD AHEAD

NARROW BRIDGES

SLIPPERY ROAD

LOOSE GRAVEL

CYCLE CROSSING

PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

SCHOOL AHEAD

CATTLE

FERRY

FALLING ROCKS

DANGEROUS DIP

HUMP OR ROUGH ROAD

BARRIER AHEAD

GAP IN MEDIAN

CROSS ROAD

SIDE ROAD LEFT

SIDE ROAD RIGHT

Y- INTERSECTION

T - INTERSECTION

STAGGERED INTERSECTION

ROUND ABOUT

GUARDED LEVEL CROSSING

QUAYSIDE OR RIVER BANK

UNGUARDED LEVEL CROSSING

MEN AT WORK

CAUTIONARY ROAD SIGNS

This sign cautions you about a Left Hand Curve on the road ahead. This also help you in maneuvering vehicle accordingly. You get time to slow your speed and set your eyes on the curve. It also reduces the possibility of crash due to sudden appearance of turn.

This sign cautions you about a sharp left turn on the road ahead. These are essentially erected on hilly roads. It gives time to reduce the speed to mange the turn and also sets eyes of the driver on turn. Absence of this sign could lead to major crashes as sharp bends in hilly road don't get sighted easily.

This road sign indicates the actual design i.e a sort of Z formation of the road ahead. It cautions the driver about the zig zag turn towards Left. The driver should reduce the speed at the sight of this sign and maneuver the vehicle cautiously.

This road sign indicates that there is steep ascent ahead and driver should get ready to climb and put the vehicle in relevant gear. Most of the times, these sign are found on hilly road where steep ascent and descent are normal part of travel.

This sign indicates the slippery condition of the road ahead. This condition could be due to seepage of water or oil spill etc. The driver should invariably slow the vehicle at sight of this sign to avoid crash.

This road sign indicates that there is a cycle path intersecting the major road or is frequented by cyclist. The driver should carefully cross this intersection so that cyclist could cross the major road safely.

This road sign indicates that there is a school ahead/nearby. Driver is required to slow down the vehicle and drive carefully to avoid crashes. Children often try to cross the road by running or make unprecedented moves. So for their safety always drive carefully near school.

This sign on road indicates that this road is regulated by three-colour light signals, as driver may not expect such section of some roads.

This sign cautions that there is a dip on road ahead. This sign helps driver to reduce the speed to cross the plunge on road.

This sign indicates that there is a gap in the divider of a road and there is a provision of U-turn. The driver should slow and take relevant lane to avoid any crash.

This sign belongs to the family of Give Way sign. This particular sign indicates that there is side road on left. This sign is used on conjunction with a give way sign on the side road.

This belongs to the family of Give Way sign. This particular sign indicates that there is side road on right. This sign is used in conjunction with a give way sign on the side road.

These road cautions about the actual formation of road ahead. The is divided into two in the shapes of y. This helps driver in managing the intersection carefully.

This sign cautions about that there is T-intersection on the road ahead and there is no forward movement. Traffic has to either turn left or right. This helps driver in planning his movement on road.

These sign indicate that there is a left/right and right/left turn available on the straight road with small distance between them. It is an intersection with does not allow crossing of road.

Many a times road intersects the railway line. This sign indicates that there is a Railway crossing which is guarded by a person. The driver should take extra precautions and act accordingly. Single or double red stripe indicates that the crossing is at 100 mtrs. or 200 mtrs. respectively.

Many a times the road passes through toll collection point/check posts etc. One can find barriers on such places. This sign indicates that there is a barrier ahead on the road and vehicle has to stop there.

Some times road are intersected by the river without the provision of bridge. These roads are connected through ferry services. This sign indicates that there is a ferry services available to cross the river.

ROAD WIDENS AHEAD

TRAFFIC SIGNAL

Y- INTERSECTION

FIRST AID POST

ADVANCE DIRECTION SIGN

PUBLIC TELEPHONE

ADVANCE DESTINATION SIGN ON ROTARY INTERSECTION

ADVANCE DIRECTION SIGN (WITH DISTANCES)

PLACE INDENTIFICATION SIGN

PETROL PUMP

HOSPITAL

EATING PLACE

LIGHT REFRESHMENT

BUS STOP

NO THROUGH ROAD

RESTING PLACE

RAILWAY STATION

TUNNEL AHEAD

PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY

PARK BOTH SIDES

PARKING LOT CYCLES

PARKING LOT CYCLE RICKSHAWS

PARKING LOT TAXIS

PARKING LOT SCOOTERS & MOTOR CYCLES

PARKING LOT AUTO RICKSHAWS

INFORMATORY ROAD SIGNS

This sign indicates the various destinations falling on that particular road. These signs are generally installed before intersection.

This sign indicates the direction and distance to various destinations falling on that particular road. These signs are generally installed before intersection.

This information sign indicates that there is a Petrol Pump ahead. Sometimes distance is also indicated on this sign which gives an idea about the location of the Petrol Pump from the sign post.

This sign shows that there is a First Aid facility nearby which is very useful in case of emergencies or crashes. These signs are normally erected on highways and rural roads.

This sign indicates that there is an eating place in the vicinity. This sign is common on highways and long stretches of road.

This sign is erected near motels, lodges, or any other place where a facility for resting is available. These sign can be seen on highways.

This sign indicates location of Railway Station.

This sign indicates the tunnel on road. This sign sometimes may also indicate the name and length of tunnel.

"PARKING" sign indicates places where the parking of vehicle is authorized for particular type of vehicle. Drivers should, therefore, ensure that they are parking their vehicles at right and authorized place. Like this sign signifies that this place is reserved for parking cycles.

"PARKING" sign indicates places where the parking of vehicles is authorized for particular type of vehicle. Driver should, therefore, ensure that they are parking there vehicle at right and authorized place. Like this sign signifies that this place is reserved for parking car only.

"PARKING" sign indicates places where the parking of vehicles is authorized for particular type of vehicle. Driver should, therefore, ensure that they are parking there vehicle at right and authorized place. Like this sign signifies that this place is reserved for parking scooters and motor cycles.

ADVANCE DIRECTION SIGN

ADVANCE DESTINATION SIGN ON ROTARY INTERSECTION

ADVANCE DIRECTION SIGN (WITH DISTANCES)

PLACE IDENTIFICATION SIGN

PETROL PUMP

HOSPITAL

FIRST AID POST

EATING PLACE

LIGHT REFRESHMENT

RESTING PLACE

NO THROUGH ROAD

BUS STOP

RAILWAY STATION

PUBLIC TELEPHONE

TUNNEL AHEAD

PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY

PARK BOTH SIDE

PARKING LOT-CYCLE

PARKING LOT- CYCLE RICKSHAWS

PARKING LOT- TAXI

PARKING LOT- AUTO RICKSHAWS

PARKING LOT- SCOOTER & MOTOR CYCLE

This advance sign is erected before an intersection indicating the way to the destination by arrows, facilitating the diver to ensure that he is on the correct route.

This sign identifies the area. This sign tells that the limit of the particular area has started. This sign is illustrative on national highway.

This sign indicates that there is a Hospital nearby. The driver should be careful while driving through this stretch and should not honk unnecessarily.

This sign indicates that there is facility of light refreshment nearby on the road.

This sign indicates a Bus Stop. It shows that all buses (public transport) will stop at this place.

This sign indicates the availability of Telephone near road.

"PARKING" sign indicates places where the parking of vehicle is authorized for particular type of vehicle. Drivers should, therefore, ensure that they are parking their vehicles at right and authorized place. Like this sign signifies that vehicles can be parked on both sides.

"PARKING" sign indicates places where the parking of vehicles is authorized for particular type of vehicle. Driver should, therefore, ensure that they are parking their vehicle at right and authorized place. Like this sign signifies that this place is reserved for parking cycle rickshaws.

"PARKING" sign indicates places where the parking of vehicles is authorized for particular type of vehicle. Driver should, therefore, ensure that they are parking there vehicle at right and authorized place. Like this sign signifies that this place is reserved for parking auto rickshaws only.

This sign indicates entry to a pedestrian underpass/subway. Pedestrians should invariably use these underpass/subway to cross the road.

INFORMATORY ROAD SIGNS

"NO THROUGH ROAD" sign indicates that there is no throughway. This signs informs drivers that there is no way ahead on the road.