Traffic Signs and Road Markings
Read the family before the symbol
Every sign in Abu Dhabi belongs to a family, and the family tells you what kind of message to expect. Red triangles warn of a hazard ahead - a bend, a junction, a pedestrian crossing, a slippery surface. Red circles prohibit or restrict: no entry, no overtaking, no parking, maximum speed. Blue circles give a positive instruction you must obey, such as turn left, keep right, or a minimum speed. Rectangles inform: blue for motorway and general information, green for directional guidance, brown for tourist sites. Yellow temporary signs, often diamond-shaped, mean roadworks.
Lines that carry the law
A broken white line may be crossed when it is safe, after checking mirrors and blind spot. A solid white or yellow line must not be crossed, except to pass a stationary obstruction, and never to overtake. Yellow lines along the kerb mark parking restrictions; yellow boxes and zig-zags mean keep clear. Stop lines, give-way triangles and lane arrows tell you where to stop and which lane to use.
Traps in questions
A frequent trap pairs a red circle showing 60 with a blue circle showing 60: the red is a maximum speed, the blue a minimum. Another is a sign that seems to contradict a road marking - permanent signs generally override markings, and a police officer's signal overrides both. Do not confuse a downward-pointing give-way triangle with a warning triangle.
Worked rule of thumb
Ask three questions in order: shape, colour, symbol. A red triangle with a pedestrian means pedestrians may cross ahead - slow down and be ready to stop, not that pedestrians own the road everywhere.