Traffic Signs and Road Markings
Core concepts
Signs fall into three groups. Regulatory signs give orders you must obey: stop, give way, speed limits, no entry, no U-turn, keep left. Most are circular or rectangular with red, black, or blue elements. Warning signs alert you to hazards ahead, such as curves, pedestrian crossings, school zones, or slippery roads; they are usually triangular with a red border. Information signs guide you: route numbers, destinations, parking, and services. Learn the shapes and colours, because questions often describe a sign in words rather than showing it.
Road markings carry legal meaning. A solid centre line means do not cross; a broken line means you may cross when safe. Double lines with one solid and one broken line mean the side with the broken line may cross. Stop lines mark where you must stop at a stop sign or traffic light. Give-way lines are broken. Zebra crossings give pedestrians priority once they step onto them. Edge lines separate the roadway from the shoulder.
Traps to watch
- A warning sign does not set a speed limit; it tells you a hazard is ahead and you should adjust speed.
- A broken line allows crossing only when it is safe, not automatically.
- Yellow or orange signs often indicate temporary roadworks and override normal markings.
- Do not confuse a "no stopping" sign with a "no parking" sign; stopping is stricter.
Worked example
You see a triangular sign with a red border showing a pedestrian on a crossing. This is a warning, not an order to stop. Slow down and be ready to give way if a pedestrian appears.
Rule of thumb
Red circle means must; red triangle means warning; blue or green rectangle means information.