Traffic signs and road markings
Traffic signs and road markings
This domain tests whether you can read the road ahead unaided: what a sign's shape and colour mean, what a line permits or forbids, and which instruction wins when two seem to conflict.
Shape and colour first
A red-bordered triangle warns of a hazard; a red-bordered circle prohibits or restricts; a blue circle is a mandatory order (turn left, keep right, minimum speed); a rectangle or square gives information. Two outlines are unique so they can be recognised from behind or when dirty: the red octagon is STOP, meaning a complete stop at the line every time, even if the road looks empty, and the inverted triangle is GIVE WAY, meaning slow, look and stop only if traffic is coming. A red circle with a white bar is no entry; a red circle containing a car bans motor vehicles but leaves pedestrians and animals free to pass.
Markings
A solid white centre line may not be crossed; a broken one may be crossed to overtake only when the road is clear and overtaking is legal. Hatched chevron areas and solid white islands are not driving space. Yellow lines or a yellow kerb mean parking is restricted - read the accompanying sign, because the restriction may be time-limited. A zebra crossing must be kept clear at all times; parking on it or on its approach is an offence.
Worked example
You approach roadworks where a temporary yellow sign says 30 km/h, but a permanent sign behind it says 50 km/h. The temporary sign governs: works signs are posted for the actual hazard and override the permanent limit until they are removed.
Order of authority
A police officer directing traffic overrides the lights; the lights override the signs; the signs override the markings; the markings override general rules.
Traps
Assuming a blue circle is advice when it is an order. Rolling through a STOP octagon because the road looks clear. Forgetting that a sign banning vehicles still lets pedestrians past.