Traffic Signs, Signals, and Road Markings
Reading the road before you move
Bermuda uses a British-influenced sign and marking system, so learn the shape and colour logic rather than memorising isolated signs. Circles give orders (red border = prohibition, blue = mandatory direction). Triangles warn. Rectangles inform. Octagons mean stop and nothing else. A red circle with a number inside is a speed limit; a red circle with a diagonal slash forbids whatever is pictured.
Signals and markings
Traffic lights follow the familiar red-amber-green sequence; a flashing amber at a pelican-style crossing means give way to anyone already on the crossing. Markings carry legal weight: a solid white centre line means do not cross, a broken line means you may cross when safe, double yellow lines along the kerb prohibit waiting, and yellow zig-zags near crossings prohibit stopping at all. Box junctions marked with a yellow criss-cross must not be entered unless your exit is clear.
Traps to expect
Questions love the near-misses. A give way sign is an inverted triangle, not a stop sign - you need not stop if the road is clear, but you must yield. A stop sign requires a complete halt even when nothing is coming. A blue circular sign with a white arrow is a mandatory direction, not a suggestion. Beware questions that ask what a marking means at night or in rain, when paint is less visible.
Rule of thumb
Ask three questions in order: what shape is it (order, warning, or information)? What colour? Then what does the symbol add? That sequence answers most sign questions without memorising each plate.