Road Signs, Signals and Markings
Angolan road signs follow the international (Vienna-style) system, so signs are grouped by shape and colour. Danger/warning signs are triangles with a red border and yellow or white background. Prohibition signs are circles with a red border (e.g. speed limits, no overtaking, no entry). Mandatory signs are blue circles instructing an action (turn left, keep right, minimum speed). Information signs are blue or green rectangles. Priority signs include the inverted red-bordered triangle (give way) and the red octagon (STOP).
Markings carry equal legal weight to signs. A continuous white line must not be crossed. A broken line may be crossed when safe. Zebra crossings give pedestrians priority once they step onto them. Yellow markings typically indicate parking restrictions or bus stops.
Traps in exam questions:
- Confusing a give way triangle with a warning triangle - the give-way triangle points down.
- Assuming a flashing amber or a police officer's signal can be ignored - traffic officers override signals and signs.
- Forgetting that a STOP sign requires a complete stop, even when the road looks clear.
Rule of thumb: identify the shape first, then the colour, then the symbol - this narrows the answer even if the pictogram is unfamiliar.
Worked example: A question shows a red-bordered circle with the number 60. Shape = circle/red border = prohibition; number = speed limit. Answer: maximum speed 60 km/h, not a minimum.