Traffic Signs, Signals and Road Markings
Singapore's signs follow a colour-and-shape code that answers many exam questions by itself. Circular signs with a red border are prohibitory (speed limits, no entry, no parking, weight limits). Triangular signs with a red border are warnings (bend, junction, slippery road, pedestrian crossing). Rectangular or square blue/green signs give information and directions. Two shapes break the pattern: the eight-sided STOP sign and the inverted-triangle GIVE WAY sign.
Signals
Red: stop behind the stop line. Amber: stop, unless you are so close that stopping would itself be dangerous. Green: proceed only if the junction is clear - green is permission, not a right of way. A flashing green man at a pedestrian crossing means do not start crossing. A police officer's signals override lights, signs and markings.
Road markings
- Continuous double white lines: no crossing, no overtaking.
- Broken white centre line: cross to overtake only when safe and legal.
- Solid white stop line at STOP signs; double broken lines at GIVE WAY.
- Yellow box junction: do not enter unless your exit is clear.
- Double yellow lines at the kerb: no parking at any time; a single yellow line restricts parking during stated hours.
- Lane arrows must be obeyed; never drive over hatched areas bounded by a solid line.
Traps: treating GIVE WAY as a rolling stop, answering 'yes' to proceeding on amber, and confusing warning triangles with the GIVE WAY sign.
Rule of thumb: read the shape first, the colour second, the symbol third.