Define traffic signs

Traffic Sign: Traffic signs are one of the most important traffic control devices.

Traffic signs should be placed in such a way on the roadside so that they could be seen and recognised by the road users easily and also in time.

The location of the traffic signs may be such that:

• In the case of roads with kerbs, the edge of the sign adjacent to the road is not less than 0.6 m away from the corner of the kerb.
• In the case of roads without kerbs, the nearby edge distance may be 2 to 3m  from the edge of the pathway.

The signs should be arranged at signposts painted continuous with 25 cm black and white bands.

The size, shape, color code, symbols used and locations of the signs should be as specified in standards under each category.

The back side of all the sign boards or plates should be painted grey.

According to Indian Motor Vehicle Act, traffic signs have been divided into three categories:

• Regulatory signs
• Warning signs
• Informatory signs

Regulatory signs: These signs are meant to inform the road users of certain laws, regulations, and prohibitions and the violation of these signs is a legal offence

Some most important regulatory signs are as ;

• Stop and give–way signs
• Prohibitory signs
• No parking and No stopping signs
• Speed limit and Vehicle control signs
• Restriction Ends signs
• Compulsory Direction Control and other signs

Warning signs: These signs are also called “Cautionary signs “. These signs are used to warn road users of certain hazardous conditions that exist on or adjacent to the roadway.

The warning signs boards are in the shape of an equilateral triangle with its apex pointing upwards.

Informatory signs: These signs are used to guide road users along routes, and information to make travel easier and safe.

Some important information signs are as follows:

• Direction and place identification signs
• Facility information signs
• Other useful information signs
• Parking signs