Traffic Signs and Road Markings
Reading the road before you read the question
Libyan signs follow international practice: triangular signs with red borders warn, circular signs with red borders prohibit, circular blue signs command, and rectangular or square signs inform. Learn the shape-and-colour logic first, because exam questions often show a sign in poor condition or ask what it means without its symbol being obvious.
Markings carry equal weight. A solid white centre line means no crossing; a broken white line may be crossed to overtake or change lane when safe. Double solid lines forbid crossing from either side. Yellow markings near the kerb indicate parking or stopping restrictions. Zebra crossings (broad white stripes) require you to give way to pedestrians on them. Stop lines are solid and paired with a STOP sign; give-way lines are broken.
Traps to watch
- A no-entry sign (red disc, white bar) versus a no vehicles sign (red ring, empty) - similar at a glance.
- Warning triangles do not impose a speed; they alert you to a hazard such as a bend, school, or uneven road.
- Temporary or roadworks signs are usually yellow and override normal markings.
- A sign with a red diagonal slash through a blue symbol cancels a previous instruction (e.g. end of overtaking prohibition).
Rule of thumb
Ask three questions in order: What shape? What colour? What symbol? Shape tells you the category, colour tells you whether it warns, forbids, or commands, and only then interpret the symbol.