Road Signs, Signals and Road Markings
Why signs matter
Signs, signals and markings are the shared language of the road. In the Maldives, most driving happens on narrow island roads shared with motorcycles, scooters, pedestrians and the occasional hand cart, so reading signs early buys you reaction time you will not otherwise have.
The three sign families
- Regulatory signs give orders: stop, give way, no entry, speed limits, no overtaking. Ignoring them is an offence, not a suggestion.
- Warning signs are usually triangular with a red border and tell you a hazard is ahead: bends, junctions, hump bridges, pedestrians, animals.
- Information signs are typically rectangular and guide you: place names, parking, hospital, ferry terminal.
Signals and markings
Traffic lights follow the universal order: red, red-and-amber, green, amber, red. A flashing amber at a pedestrian crossing means give way to anyone still on the crossing. Road markings reinforce signs: a solid centre line means no crossing, a broken line permits overtaking when safe, stop lines mark where you must halt, and hatched areas should not be entered.
Traps in questions
- A give way sign requires you to slow and yield; a stop sign requires a complete halt even if the road looks empty.
- A sign with a red circle and no symbol inside means no vehicles; a red circle with a number is a speed limit.
- Blue circular signs are usually mandatory instructions (e.g. turn left ahead), not warnings.
Rule of thumb
If you cannot identify a sign within two seconds of seeing it, treat it as a warning and reduce speed until you can.