Road Signs, Signals and Markings
Bahamian road signs follow international conventions, so learn the shapes and colours first because they tell you the sign's purpose before you read a word. Circles give orders: a red circle with a white bar means no entry, a red ring with a number is a speed limit. Triangles give warnings, and in The Bahamas they are usually red-bordered with a symbol inside, such as a bend, a junction, or a pedestrian crossing. Rectangles give information or directions, including place names, hospital symbols and parking rules. Octagons are reserved for STOP and inverted triangles for GIVE WAY (yield).
Signals matter as much as signs. A steady red light means stop behind the line; a flashing red is treated like a stop sign, so stop, then proceed when clear. A flashing amber means proceed with caution. Green means go only if the way is clear, and a green arrow permits only the movement shown. Police officers and traffic wardens override lights, so watch for hand signals.
Road markings carry legal force. A solid white centre line means do not cross or straddle it. A broken white line may be crossed when safe and the road is clear. Double solid yellow lines prohibit overtaking and crossing. A solid white line at the edge marks the shoulder. Box junctions and hatched areas should not be entered unless your exit is clear.
A common trap is confusing a warning triangle with a regulatory circle, or assuming a flashing red light means 'go carefully' rather than a full stop. Another trap is treating a broken line as permission to overtake on a blind bend.
Rule of thumb: shape first, colour second, symbol third. If the sign is a red circle, expect a prohibition and look for what exactly is banned.