Road Signs, Signals and Road Markings
Road signs in Papua New Guinea follow international conventions, so the shape and colour of a sign tell you its job before you read a single word.
The three sign families
- Regulatory signs give orders. Most are round with a red border (speed limits, no entry, no overtaking) or a red circle with a diagonal slash for prohibitions. A red octagon means STOP; a red inverted triangle means GIVE WAY. Blue circles usually state a positive requirement, such as "turn left only".
- Warning signs are triangles with a red border and a symbol inside - bends, steep descents, slippery surfaces, pedestrian crossings, livestock, and children. They tell you to slow down and prepare, not to stop.
- Information signs are usually rectangular and blue or green: destinations, distances, hospital, fuel, and lane guidance.
Signals and markings
Traffic signals run red, amber, green. A steady amber means stop unless you are so close that stopping would be unsafe; it does not mean accelerate. A green arrow applies only to traffic moving in that direction. Flashing amber at a crossing means proceed with caution. Police or authorised officers directing traffic override signals and markings.
Markings reinforce the signs: a solid centre line means no overtaking or crossing; a broken line permits it when safe; double lines forbid crossing from either side; yellow lines near the kerb restrict parking; a wide white stop line marks where you must halt at a stop sign or signal.
Trap to watch: questions love the inverted triangle versus the octagon, and the difference between a warning triangle (slow down) and a regulatory round sign (you must obey). Read the shape first, then the symbol.
Rule of thumb: red border = something is being controlled; triangle = hazard ahead; rectangle = information.