Road Signs and Road Markings
Read shape and colour first
Road signs in Singapore follow international shapes. Red-bordered circles are prohibitory: no entry, no right turn, speed limits. Blue circles are mandatory: turn left, minimum speed, keep left. Triangles with red borders warn of hazards ahead: bends, humps, slippery road, road works, pedestrian crossings. Rectangular signs give information or directions. A red circle with '70' is a maximum speed; a blue circle with '70' is a minimum speed.
Markings
A solid white stop line means stop at the line. A double broken give-way line means slow down and give way. Broken white lane lines may be crossed for a safe lane change; continuous white lines should not be crossed. Double continuous white lines prohibit overtaking. Double yellow lines mean no parking at any time; a single yellow line restricts parking during stated hours. Yellow box junctions must be kept clear. Zig-zag lines near schools and pedestrian crossings mean no stopping or parking and warn you to expect pedestrians. Chevron markings separate traffic and should not be driven over.
Traps
Questions mix up 'no parking' with 'no stopping', or show a warning sign and ask whether it is mandatory. Look at the border colour and shape before reading the symbol. Another trap is a sign that applies only at certain times; the plate below the sign matters.
Worked example
A red-bordered circle showing a car and motorcycle side by side means no motor vehicles, not 'cars only'. If the sign is a blue circle with a white arrow, the action is compulsory.
Rule of thumb
Red ring means prohibition; blue circle means command; triangle means warning.