Word on road signs

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Contents

• 1 Signs giving orders
• 2 Warning signs
• 3 Direction signs
• 4 Information signs
• 5 Road works signs

Although The Highway Code shows many of the signs commonly in use, a comprehensive explanation of our signing system is given in the Department’s booklet Know Your Traffic Signs, which is on sale at booksellers. The booklet also illustrates and explains the vast majority of signs the road user is likely to encounter.

The signs illustrated in The Highway Code are not all drawn to the same scale. In Wales, bilingual versions of some signs are used including Welsh and English versions of place names. Some older designs of signs may still be seen on the roads.

Download ‘Traffic signs’ (PDF, 821KB)

Signs giving orders

Signs with red circles are mostly prohibitive. Plates below signs qualify their message.

Entry to 20 mph zone

End of 20 mph zone

Maximum speed

National speed limit applies

School crossing patrol

Stop and give way

Give way to traffic on major road

Manually operated temporary STOP and GO signs

Manually operated temporary STOP and GO signs

No entry for vehicular traffic

No vehicles except bicycles being pushed

No cycling

No motor vehicles

No buses (over 8 passenger seats)

No overtaking

No towed caravans

No vehicles carrying explosives

No vehicle or combination of vehicles over length shown

No vehicles over height shown

No vehicles over width shown

Give priority to vehicles from opposite direction

No right turn

No left turn

No U-turns

No goods vehicles over maximum gross weight shown (in tonnes) except for loading and unloading

No vehicles over maximum gross weight shown (in tonnes)

Parking restricted to permit holders

No stopping during period indicated except for buses

No stopping during times shown except for as long as necessary to set down or pick up passengers

No waiting

No stopping (Clearway)

Signs with blue circles but no red border mostly give positive instruction.

Ahead only

Turn left ahead (right if symbol reversed)

Turn left (right if symbol reversed)

Keep left (right if symbol reversed)

Vehicles may pass either side to reach same destination

Mini-roundabout (roundabout circulation – give way to vehicles from the immediate right)

Route to be used by pedal cycles only

Segregated pedal cycle and pedestrian route

Minimum speed

End of minimum speed

Buses and cycles only

Trams only

Pedestrian crossing point over tramway

One-way traffic (note: compare circular ‘Ahead only’ sign)

With-flow bus and cycle lane

Contra-flow bus lane

With-flow pedal cycle lane

Warning signs

Mostly triangular

Distance to ‘STOP’ line ahead

Dual carriageway ends

Road narrows on right (left if symbol reversed)

Road narrows on both sides

Distance to ‘Give Way’ line ahead

Crossroads

Junction on bend ahead

T-junction with priority over vehicles from the right

Staggered junction

Traffic merging from left aheadThe priority through route is indicated by the broader line.

Double bend first to left (symbol may be reversed)

Bend to right (or left if symbol reversed)

Roundabout

Uneven road

Plate below some signs

Two-way traffic crosses one-way road

Two-way traffic straight ahead

Opening or swing bridge ahead

Low-flying aircraft or sudden aircraft noise

Falling or fallen rocks

Traffic signals not in use

Traffic signals

Slippery road

Steep hill downwards

Steep hill upwardsGradients may be shown as a ratio i.e. 20% = 1:5

Tunnel ahead

Trams crossing ahead

Level crossing with barrier or gate ahead

Level crossing without barrier or gate ahead

Level crossing without barrier

School crossing patrol ahead (some signs have amber lights which flash when crossings are in use)

Frail (or blind or disabled if shown) pedestrians likely to cross road ahead

Pedestrians in road ahead

Zebra crossing

Overhead electric cable; plate indicates maximum height of vehicles which can pass safely

Available width of headroom indicated

Sharp deviation of route to left (or right if chevrons reversed)

Light signals ahead at level crossing, airfield or bridge

Miniature warning lights at level crossings

Cattle

Wild animals

Wild horses or ponies

Accompanied horses or ponies

Cycle route ahead

Risk of ice

Traffic queues likely ahead

Distance over which road humps extend

Other danger; plate indicates nature of danger

Soft verges

Side winds

Hump bridge

Worded warning sign

Quayside or river bank

Risk of grounding

Direction signs

Mostly rectangular

Signs on motorways – blue backgrounds

At a junction leading directly into a motorway (junction number may be shown on a black background)

On approaches to junctions (junction number on black background)

Route confirmatory sign after junction

Downward pointing arrows mean ‘Get in lane’ The left-hand lane leads to a different destination from the other lanes.

The panel with the inclined arrow indicates the destinations which can be reached by leaving the motorway at the next junction

Signs on primary routes – green backgrounds

Blue panels indicate that the motorway starts at the junction ahead. Motorways shown in brackets can also be reached along the route indicated. White panels indicate local or non-primary routes leading from the junction ahead. Brown panels show the route to tourist attractions. The name of the junction may be shown at the top of the sign. The aircraft symbol indicates the route to an airport. A symbol may be included to warn of a hazard or restriction along that route.

On approaches to junctions

At the junction

Route confirmatory sign after junction

On approaches to junctions

On approach to a junction in Wales (bilingual)

Primary route forming part of a ring road

Primary route forming part of a ring road

Signs on non-primary and local routes – black borders

Green panels indicate that the primary route starts at the junction ahead. Route numbers on a blue background show the direction to a motorway. Route numbers on a green background show the direction to a primary route.

On approaches to junctions

On approaches to junctions

At the junction

Direction to toilets with access for the disabled

Other direction signs

Picnic site

Ancient monument in the care of English Heritage

Direction to a car park

Tourist attraction

Direction to camping and caravan site

Advisory route for lorries

Route for pedal cycles forming part of a network

Recommended route for pedal cycles to place shown

Route for pedestrians

Symbols showing emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic

Symbols showing emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic

Symbols showing emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic

Symbols showing emergency diversion route for motorway and other main road traffic

Diversion route

Information signs

All rectangular

Entrance to controlled parking zone

Entrance to congestion charging zone

End of controlled parking zone

Advance warning of restriction or prohibition ahead

Parking place for solo motorcycles

With-flow bus lane ahead which pedal cycles and taxis may also use

Lane designated for use by high occupancy vehicles (HOV) – see rule 142

Vehicles permitted to use an HOV lane ahead

End of motorway

Start of motorway and point from which motorway regulations apply

Appropriate traffic lanes at junction ahead

Traffic on the main carriageway coming from right has priority over joining traffic

Additional traffic joining from left ahead. Traffic on main carriageway has priority over joining traffic from right hand lane of slip road

Traffic in right hand lane of slip road joining the main carriageway has priority over left hand lane

‘Countdown’ markers at exit from motorway (each bar represents 100 yards to the exit). Green-backed markers may be used on primary routes and white-backed markers with black bars on other routes. At approaches to concealed level crossings white-backed markers with red bars may be used. Although these will be erected at equal distances the bars do not represent 100 yard intervals.

Motorway service area sign showing the operator’s name

Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles

Hospital ahead with Accident and Emergency facilities

Tourist information point

No through road for vehicles

Recommended route for pedal cycles

Home Zone Entry

Area in which cameras are used to enforce traffic regulations

Bus lane on road at junction ahead

Road works signs

Road works

Loose chippings

Temporary hazard at road works

Temporary lane closure (the number and position of arrows and red bars may be varied according to lanes open and closed)

Slow-moving or stationary works vehicle blocking a traffic lane. Pass in the direction shown by the arrow.

Mandatory speed limit ahead

Road works 1 mile ahead

End of road works and any temporary restrictions including speed limits

Signs used on the back of slow-moving or stationary vehicles warning of a lane closed ahead by a works vehicle. There are no cones on the road.

Signs used on the back of slow-moving or stationary vehicles warning of a lane closed ahead by a works vehicle. There are no cones on the road.

Lane restrictions at road works ahead

One lane crossover at contraflow road works

Warning signs often take the shape of an equilateral triangle and are used to warn a driver of an impending hazard that might otherwise not be obvious whilst driving.

Both the colour and thickness of the border vary from country to country. A large part of the theory test is designated to road signs.

Warning signs are used to to bring your attention to any hazards, or a particular traffic condition or obstacle that may be up ahead.

This section is detailing the warning signs used on UK roads complete with pictures and meanings. It is important to understand road signs for safety reasons and to aid in passing the driving theory test and practical driving test.

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Road signs test quiz

Once you have studied the road signs and feel confident in your ability to recognise them and to understand their meanings, take the road sign test quiz

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Road signs test quiz

Once you have studied the road signs and feel confident in your ability to recognise them and to understand their meanings, take the road sign test quiz.

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Other UK road signs

Below details other types of UK road signs typically asked on the theory test.

• Order road signs
• Blue road signs
• Brown road signs
• White road signs
• Speed limit signs
• Direction signs
• Low bridge signs
• Parking and no parking signs
• Bus lane and bus stop signs
• Road works and temporary signs

Vocabulary Road Signs: You have just started driving, and it’s difficult for you to remember all the road and traffic signs. Well, do not worry, we have got you covered. It is essential for anyone who starts driving to know all these street signs before driving on the main roads or highways. So, here is a list of road signs, traffic signs, and street signs that will help you increase your knowledge about all the symbols you need to keep in mind while driving.

Study the most important English Vocabulary Words identified by our experts and learn the right vocabulary to use in your day to day conversations

• Name of Road Signs, Traffic Signs, and Street Signs Vocabulary words
• Description of the Road Signs, Traffic Signs, and Street Signs Vocabulary words.

Name of Road Signs, Traffic Signs, and Street Signs Vocabulary words

You must know that there are different types of road signs, some of which are very alike, but they are all different from each other. You must understand all the traffic signs with their meanings to avoid any form of trouble on the road.

List of Road Signs, Traffic, Signs, and Street Signs

• Ahead only
• Bend to right
• Crossroads ahead
• Dead end street
• Double bend
• Falling rocks
• Give priority to vehicles from opposite direction
• Give way
• Hump
• Maximum speed
• Minimum speed
• No blowing of horn
• No cycling
• No entry
• No left turn
• No motor vehicles
• No overtaking
• No stopping
• No U-turn
• No waiting
• One-way traffic
• Parking lot
• Pedestrian crossing ahead
• Priority over oncoming vehicles
• Road narrows on both sides
• Road work
• Roundabout
• Roundabout ahead
• School crossing
• Slippery road
• Stop and yield
• Traffic signs ahead
• Turn left
• Turn left ahead
• Two-way traffic ahead
• Uneven road
• Wild animals

Description of the Road Signs, Traffic Signs, and Street Signs Vocabulary words.

Ahead only

This looks somewhat similar to a one-way sign but is very different from it. For example, you could be at a junction that says “no turning left or right,” but it’s on a two-way street. This is a required sign indicating that you may be driving into a one-way street against the traffic flow if you make a left or right turn.

Bend to right

This sign symbolizes that the roads bend to the right ahead.

Crossroads ahead

A crossroads sign indicates an intersection ahead, with traffic arriving from the left, right, and straight ahead. Therefore, you must be prepared to stop to allow vehicles the right of way even if no traffic lights, stop signs, or give way signs are there.

Dead end street

Dead-end signs are placed at the beginning of a road or street to alert drivers that the path they are traveling leads to a dead-end or cul-de-sac.

Double bend

The double bend sign advises drivers that there is a bend in the road following the bend they can probably see ahead of them.

Falling rocks

This sign is placed when boulders are likely to fall on the road at any time of year. One can flip the symbol to reflect the expected side of rockfall.

Give priority to vehicles from opposite direction

As the sign states, it means that the driver must give priority to vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.

Give way

A give-way sign indicates that merging cars must be prepared to halt if necessary to allow another approach driver to proceed.

Hump

A speed hump ahead sign warns vehicles that there is a hump ahead on the road and should slow down.

Maximum speed

This sign indicates the maximum speed of traffic on the route, as defined by the sign. To avoid penalties and accidents on the road, the set limit must be strictly adhered to.

Minimum speed

This sign indicates the minimum speed of traffic on the route, as defined by the sign. To avoid penalties and accidents on the road, the set limit must be strictly adhered to.

No blowing of horn

The No Blowing of Horn sign, as the name suggests, is regulation signage that instructs drivers entering a specific area to refrain from blasting their automobile horn.

No cycling

Certain roadways designated for fast-moving automobiles are off-limits to cyclists to safeguard their safety. As a result, cyclists should avoid the routes where this notice has been posted.

No entry

No Entry is used on signs to signify that you are not permitted to enter a specific area or pass through a specific door or gate.

No left turn

This sign instructs drivers not to turn to the left under any circumstances.

No motor vehicles

This sign indicates that you cannot drive any motor vehicle down the road where this notice is visible. The space maybe only for pedestrians and bikes.

No overtaking

The no overtaking road sign is round with a red border, indicating issuing a directive to vehicles. It is forbidden to overtake because the no-overtaking sign is a regulatory sign.

No stopping

No stopping signs imply that you may not stop for any reason, including drop-off or pick-up of passengers, waiting for people to arrive, or loading or unloading merchandise.

No U-turn

This sign is used where cars are not permitted to turn in the opposite direction of travel between the sign and the next inter-section past it.

No waiting

This sign is used where cars are not permitted to turn in the opposite direction of travel between the sign and the next inter-section beyond it.

One-way traffic

The one-way traffic sign is a directional sign. Drivers who come across a one-way sign must proceed in the direction indicated by the sign. One-way signs indicate the direction in which traffic is moving.

Parking lot

Most people recognize the blue square with the white letter ‘P’ as free parking without time restrictions.

Pedestrian crossing ahead

This sign warns the driver to either slow down or stops to allow the pedestrian to cross the street. The road is also marked with white stripes known as zebra crossings.

Priority over oncoming vehicles

This sign indicates that your side has priority over traffic coming from the opposite direction. On narrow roadways, this will be employed.

Road narrows on both sides

The road narrows sign serves as a warning. Road narrows signs suggest that the road ahead will be narrower than the one you’re on now. This sign serves as a warning of potential hazards ahead, but no urgent action is required.

Road work

Road Work Signs are posted to notify road users of conditions along the way, ensuring that vehicles and pedestrians are as safe as possible from the hazards of road work sites. These signs warn cars and pedestrians to be cautious, and they may also divert traffic to an alternate path.

Roundabout

A Roundabout sign indicates that you are approaching a roundabout intersection, also known as a traffic circle, in which traffic circulates counterclockwise around a central island.

Roundabout ahead

Roundabout ahead signs warn vehicles that highways from multiple directions will merge ahead. As a result, drivers are more conscious and attentive to traffic.

School crossing

A pedestrian crossing where students cross a street on their way to school.

Slippery road

It is, in reality, a warning of a slick road, which could be caused by an oil spill or by monsoon rains. It encourages cars to slow down and be cautious as they pass by.

Stop and yield

A stop and yield or give way sign on the road warns that merging drivers must be ready to halt if necessary to let a driver on another route progress.

Traffic signs ahead

The traffic signal ahead warns the vehicle to slow down and prepare to come to a complete stop if the signal turns red.

Turn left

When you see this sign, you must turn left. It could have been established as a result of the diversion.

Turn left ahead

This traffic sign advises that all automobiles must turn left and that no other directions are permitted.

Two-way traffic ahead

This sign shows that you are exiting one-way streets and entering two-way streets. It also serves as a reminder to drivers that they are on a two-way street.

Uneven road

The uneven road signs alert drivers about problems in the road surface that would cause a vehicle to lose control if hit at the regular speed limit.

Wild animals

The Animal Crossing sign warns drivers that they are approaching an area where deer, elk, and other wildlife may cross the road.

A Road sign and traffic symbols are a picturized way of providing information about the road conditions ahead for them, or to ensure the proper function of the traffic on the road. These signals act like silent speakers. 

All drivers need to know the traffic signs and symbols to ensure the safety of others as well as themselves. The motive of the traffic signals is to inform the details about the road and its conditions or provide details of the distance left to travel to reach the destination. 

The traffic signals are made with materials from durable reflective aluminum so that can also be reflected in the night or the darkness. These signs are made free from crack, chip, fade, or even resist chemical wear.

Types of Traffic Signs and Symbols

The traffic signs and signals are of three types:

1. Mandatory Signs
2. Cautionary signs
3. Informatory signs.

1. Mandatory Signs

The mandatory signs are the traffic signs used to assure the free movement of traffic and provide certain restrictions, rules, and regulations for road users. Violation of road safety signs is considered an offense, as per the law.

Sr no.	Image	Mandatory Traffic Signs Name
1.		STOP
2.		GIVE WAY
3.		NO PARKING
4.		NO STOPPING OR STANDING
5.		NO ENTRY
6.		ONE WAY
7.		ONE WAY
8.		NO WAY BOTH DIRECTION
9.		RIGHT TURN PROHIBITED
10.		LEFT TURN PROHIBITED
11.		U-TURN PROHIBITED
12.		OVER TAKING PROHIBITED
13.		HORN PROHIBITED
14.		NO ENTRY FOR CARS AND MOTORCYCLES
15.		TRUCKS PROHIBITED
16.		BULLOCK CART PROHIBITED
17.		PEDESTRIAN PROHIBITED
18.		SPEED LIMIT
19.		LOAD LIMIT
20.		NO ENTRY FOR VEHICLE HAVING MORE THAN 2 METERS WIDTH
21.		ENTRY FOR VEHICLES HAVING HEIGHT AND NOT EXCEEDING 3.5 METERS
22.		bus stop
23.		LENGTH LIMIT
24.		AXLE LOAD LIMIT
25.		END OF SPEED RESTRICTION
26.		AHEAD ONLY
27.		COMPULSORY TURN LEFT
28.		COMPULSORY KEEP LEFT
29.		COMPULSORY GO AHEAD OR TURN TO LEFT
30.		COMPULSORY GO AHEAD OR TURN TO RIGHT
31.		COMPULSORY CYCLE TRACK
32.		SOUND HORN
33.		COMPULSORY TURN LEFT
34.		COMPULSORY TURN RIGHT

2. Cautionary Signs

The Cautionary road signs provide the details of the roads and the conditions, which are used to alert drivers to drive safely to avoid an accident.

Sr no.	Image	Cautionary Traffic Signs
1.		Y – INTERSECTION LEFT
2.		Y – INTERSECTION RIGHT
3.		Y – INTERSECTION
4.		RIGHT HAND CURVE
5.		LEFT HAND CURVE
6.		LEFT HAIR PIN BEND
7.		RIGHT HAIR PIN BEND
8.		RIGHT REVERSE BEND
9.		LEFT REVERSE BEND
10.		STEEP ASCEND
11.		SPEED DECEND
12.		NAEEOW ROAD AHEAD
13.		ROAD WIDENS AHEAD
14.		NARROW BRIDGE AHEAD
15.		SLIPPERY ROAD
16.		LOOSE GRAVEL
17.		Cycle Crossing
18.		PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
19.		POSSIBILITY OF CATTLE ON ROAD
20.		FERRY
21.		HUMP OR ROUGH ROAD
22.		FALLING ROCKS
23.		GAP IN MEDIAN
24.		DANGEROUS DIP
25.		SCHOOL AHEAD
26.		BARRIER AHEAD
27.		CROSS ROAD
28.		SIDE ROAD LEFT
29.		SIDE ROAD RIGHT
30.		MAJOR ROAD AHEAD
31.		STAGGERED JUNCTION AHEAD
32.		T – INTERSECTION
33.		ROUNDABOUT
34.		MEN AT WORK
35.		UNGUARDED RAILWAY CROSSING 50- 100 METERS
36.		GUARDED RAILWAY CROSSING 50- 100 METERS
37.		LEVEL CROSSING UNGUARDED
38.		GUARDED LEVEL CROSS

3. Informatory Signs

The Informatory type of traffic signs and symbols are the signs which provide information to the drivers about the distances, locations, destinations, and alternative routes ahead in the road like public toilets, fuel stations, restaurants, hospitals, bypasses, etc.

Sr no.	Image	Informatory Traffic Signs
1.		PUBLIC TELEPHONE
2.		PETROL PUMP
3.		HOSPITAL
4.		FIRST AID POST
5.		RESTING PLACE
6.		EATING PLACE AHEAD
7.		LIGHT REFRESHMENT
8.		NO THROUGH SIDE ROAD
9.		NO THROUGH ROAD
10.		PARKING BOTH SIDE
11.		PARKING ON THE RIGHT ALLOWED
12.		PARKING LOT SCOOTERS AND MOTORCYCLES
13.		PARKING LOT- TAXIS
14.		PARKING LOT- AUTO RICKSHAWS
15.		CROSS IT WHEN IT IS SAFE AND COME BACK AFTER OVER TAKING
16.		DON NOT OVERTAKE
17.		CANNOT CROSS FOR OVER TAKING
18.		MOVE FORWARD SINCE PROHIBITED
19.		LANE TRAFFIC

Details of traffic signs:

STOP:
The stop sign indicates to stop the vehicle.

GIVE WAY:
The give way sign is used to indicate the driver to give way for the vehicle behind his vehicle to pass.

NO PARKING:
The no parking sign indicates that there is a prohibition on parking vehicles.

SPEED LIMIT:
It indicates the speed limit of the vehicle up to the mentioned speed.

Max speed: 
Max speed is used on highways to ensure the maximum speed indication.

RIGHT-HAND CURVE:
The right-hand curve indicates to the driver that there is a right-hand curve ahead.

LEFT-HAND CURVE:
The left-hand curve indicates to the driver that there is a left-hand curve ahead.

RIGHT HAIRPIN BEND:
The right hairpin bend sign indicates to the driver that there is a deep right curve road ahead.

LEFT HAIRPIN BEND:
The left hairpin bend sign indicates to the driver that there is a deep left curve road ahead.

NARROW ROAD AHEAD:
It is used to indicate that the width of the road is narrow ahead.

ROAD WIDENESS AHEAD:
This sign indicates that the width of the road is enlarged or wide ahead.

NARROW BRIDGE:
The narrow bridge sign indicates that there is a bridge ahead that is less wide.

NO LEFT TURN:
This sign indicated that there is no left turn for the vehicle.

NO RIGHT TURN:
This sign indicated that there is no right turning for the vehicle.

NO U-TURN:
This sign indicates that there is no U-turn ahead for so long.

NO OVERTAKING:
This sign indicated that the overtaking of vehicles is prohibited.

2-WAY TRAFFIC:
2-way traffic indicates that the vehicles are allowed to pass from both sides.

LINE MERGE AHEAD:
Line merge ahead is used to indicate that the line strip is merging also the lanes are merging too.

HORN PROHIBITED:
Horn prohibited is to indicate that no horns are to be blown in this area to maintain peace near courtyards, hospitals, offices, or some official places.

BICYCLE CROSSING:
This sign indicates the bicycles passing ahead and the vehicle has to stop.

ZEBRA CROSSING:
A Zebra crossing is a crossing found near the traffic where people can cross the road.

MEN AT WORK:
Men at work symbols are used where the construction work is going on.

RED LIGHT:
The red light in the traffic signal indicated to stop the vehicle.

YELLOW LIGHT:
The yellow light of the traffic signal indicated to slow down the vehicle near the traffic signals.

GREENLIGHT:
The green light is used to indicate the vehicles can go ahead as the traffic signal opens.

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Road signs are everywhere! In fact we’re often bombarded with so many different signs we tend to become numb to them. How is your road sign knowledge? Do you know the 3 ways to identify signs?

In this post, we’ll outline the 3 ways we can read and interpret our road signs and how to identify some of the more unique road signs in British Columbia.

The shape of a sign is one of the easiest ways to decipher a sign. Some signs on our roadways have a unique shape that no other sign has, these signs are classfied as unique purpose regulatory signs and include:

The octagon shape is unique to stop signs, no other sign has this shape.  As drivers, when we appraoch a stop sign we are required to make a full STOP!

The inverted triangle represents our yield sign. Yield means you must give the right of way to other road users. Yield signs also mean that a driver may proceed without stopping — provided that it is safe to do so.

Less common to see is a regular triangle shape with the same configuration of colours as the yield sign. When this sign is displayed it means ‘caution’. Drivers may see the upside-down yield sign when vehicles break down on the side of a road. Have you ever noticed the 4-way hazard signal in your vehicle is also an upside-down yield sign?  Again, this serves as a warning for other road users.

This pentagon or “house” shape sign represents our school zone sign. It’s unique shape allows drivers travelling in the opposite direction to easily idenitfy it and therefore determine when the school zone is no longer in effect.

The Big X is called a crossbuck and they are used to indicate railway crossings. A Crossbuck means yield and only requires stopping when a train is present. Crossbucks may also be supplemented with additional warnings like flashing lights, bells and/or a gate that descends to prevent traffic from crossing the railroad tracks when trains are present.

The background colour of road signs are intentional and the different colours represent different content. Knowing what each colour means will help direct your attention to the different signs when and where you need it. 

Signs with a white background are regulatory signs. We are required by law to follow and obey these signs. Failure to obey signs with a white background is against the law and is a ticketable offence. For example, posted speed limits or no parking signs could result in fines if disobeyed.

Signs with a yellow background are warning signs. Signs with a yellow background warn drivers to have an increased level of awareness about the content they display. They warn us of potentials hazards, turns, traffic signals, etc. Some examples include signal lights ahead, winding roads ahead or roundabout ahead.

Signs with an orange background warn of construction and maintenance work.  Drivers are required to obey the posted instruction on these signs, whether it is to obey flaggers or travel within a posted speed. In areas displaying orange signs, traffic fines double in price!

Signs with a green background represent our informational signs. These signs outline distance, direction and route numbers.

Blue background signs tell us of services, attractions, stops of interest, or places that you will find if you take a specific exit from a highway which is listed. Blue background signs often provide information about lodging or fuel stations.

Signs with black backgrounds are lane use signs. They show actions permitted in that lane and are mounted above the lane or beside the lane before the intersection. You must follow the direction indicated by the arrow on the sign when in that designated lane. 

Brown background signs provide details about National and Provincial Parks found inside many of BC’s beautiful parks and campgrounds.

Red or purple background signs are not overly common but they tell us of attractions such as amusment parks or wineries. You’ll see a lot of signs with red background when you enter areas that have a lot of wineries.

In addition to the sign’s shape and colour, the message printed on the sign helps determine the meaning of the sign. The message tells us what to do either via written word (WRONG WAY) or via pictures (road narrows ahead).

British Columbia is home to a number of unique road signs seldom seen during the regular daily commute or a leisurely Sunday drive. Below are some rare and fun signs that are out there along the roadsides of British Columbia.

The Canadian agri-tourism road sign alerts drivers to places or stops of interest, as well as agricultural attractions like farm-to-table or cooperative markets, organic wineries, hop-growers, etc. The sign features a barn and silo structure, and a figure wearing a cowboy hat that appears to be showing others the barn.

Primarily seen by drivers on Vancouver Island and in the Lower Mainland, the road sign for a designated disaster response route (DRR)  is a standardized BC road sign indicating a route that is for the sole purpose of moving emergency supplies, equipment and personnel during a major disaster (environmental or otherwise). Misinterpretation has caused this sign to be revamped, now accompanied by a textual sign below that also explains and identifies the symbol.

Welcome to Canada! These signs are important to motorists who are within populated wildlife territory, and specifically for those who may be unfamiliar with the sheer mass of an adult bull moose. Regarded as one of the toughest and most dangerous animals in North America, and the largest member of the deer family, moose can easily weigh upwards of 1,500 pounds, and can seriously injure drivers and passengers.

These signs are used in areas with large populations of moose and warn drivers to pay attention!

Some British Columbia mountain passes and roads require drivers (most often commerical drivers) to carry chains during the winter months for added traction and stability. The Chain Up Area signs are used to direct drivers to a safe, cleared location where they can install tire chains, if required.

In many BC communities, the provincial government has integrated traditional language names of towns and villages with First Nations languages, not only as a courtesy to growing numbers of local indigenous speakers, but also as a pathway to cultural understanding and reconciliation with Canada’s First Nations. It’s not uncommon to see both the English and First Nations languages appear on highway signs, just as English and French may appear on highway signs in Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick.