Six families, six different jobs
Read a road sign in three steps: identify its family, read its particular symbol or message, then locate the road, lane or distance to which it applies. A familiar colour alone is not enough to decide what you may do.
Regulatory signs impose instructions or restrictions. Warning signs identify a hazard ahead so that you can adjust early. Guidance signs help you select routes and destinations. Information signs add useful details. Road markings place instructions and guidance on the road surface. Traffic signals control movements by lights or authorised signals.
- A speed-limit circle is a maximum restriction; a curve warning with a recommended-speed plate is advice about the bend. Neither makes that speed safe in every condition.
- A guidance arrow tells you where a destination lies; a mandatory directional arrow tells you which movement is allowed.
- Use the symbol and any supplementary plate together. A vehicle symbol may identify a compulsory-use route, a prohibited class, a reserved lane or a destination depending on its surrounding sign.
Recognise the pattern, then check the exceptions
The usual pattern is circular regulatory signs, upright triangular warning signs and rectangular guidance or information panels. The most important shape exceptions are the octagonal STOP, the inverted triangle YIELD and the diamond pedestrian-priority sign. Recognise their silhouettes even when the wording is difficult to read.
A red border often accompanies a prohibition and a blue circle often gives a positive instruction. A blue rectangular reservation sign does not mean the same thing as a blue circle. Temporary signs commonly use yellow backgrounds where their permanent counterparts use white; the symbol still determines the instruction.
- STOP requires a complete stop; YIELD requires you to give way and to stop when necessary. Their different shapes help you distinguish them early.
- Compare the permanent and temporary versions in the reference cards. A T prefix in the manual identifies a temporary version; motorists respond to the displayed sign, not to a code printed in a study table.
Turn recognition into a safe approach
Scan far enough ahead to see the sign before the decision point. Check mirrors before slowing, choose a suitable speed and position, and avoid abrupt last-second lane changes. A warning sign prepares you for a hazard; it does not grant priority through it.
Signs may be mounted above a particular lane or repeated beside a carriageway. Follow the instruction applying to your approach or lane. If an authorised traffic officer directs you, follow that direction even when a signal would otherwise stop or release you.
- At a roadworks queue, first identify the temporary control and the safe stopping point. A green-looking direction board beyond the works does not authorise you to pass a STOP control.
- After missing an exit, continue to a lawful route back. Do not reverse, cross a painted island or cut across a solid line to reach it.