Road Signs, Signals and Markings
Why signs matter on Bhutanese roads
Bhutan's roads combine steep mountain gradients, narrow carriageways and unpredictable traffic, so signs are your first warning of danger ahead. Learn signs by shape and colour first, then by symbol. Circles give orders (red border = prohibition, blue = mandatory instruction). Triangles warn. Rectangles inform or guide. Octagons mean stop; inverted triangles mean give way.
The categories you must know
Warning signs flag bends, steep ascents and descents, narrow bridges, falling rocks, slippery surfaces, school zones and cattle or livestock crossings - a real hazard where free-roaming animals are common. Regulatory signs cover speed limits, no overtaking, no entry, weight and height limits, and prohibitions on parking. Information signs direct you to towns, hospitals, police checkpoints and rest areas. Traffic signals and hand signals from police officers override signs; a police officer's signal outranks a light.
Road markings
Solid white or yellow centre lines mean no crossing or overtaking. Broken lines permit crossing when safe. Edge lines mark the carriageway limit. Zebra crossings belong to pedestrians once they step on. Stop lines mark where you must halt at a junction or signal.
Traps in exam questions
- A blue circle is a mandatory instruction, not a warning.
- A give-way sign requires you to slow and yield; it does not require a full stop unless traffic demands it, whereas a stop sign always requires a complete halt.
- A flashing red signal means stop and proceed only when clear, not "hurry through".
- Hand signals from police override traffic lights and markings.
Rule of thumb
Ask three questions in order: What shape? What colour? What symbol? If a question describes a sign, match shape and colour before the picture in your mind.