Road Traffic Signs are mostly in symbols rather than in words. Symbols are easy to understand and remember. Also they transcend over language, so people can understand traffic signs anywhere in the country irrespective of the languages that they know. Other than that traffic signs are very similar all over world, so recognising them well will help while traveling overseas. Familiarity with symbols on traffic signs is important for every road user in order to maintain the safety and efficiency of transportation facilities.
Colour of Traffic Signs
The color of road sign is an important indicator of the information they contain.
- Use of red color for signs is limited to stop, yield, and prohibition signs.
- A white background with red colored sign indicates a mandatory or cautionary sign
- White signs on blue background indicates about permitted traffic movements or directional guidance.
- White text on green background generally tell about the road name and / or destination where road goes.
- Fluorescent yellow/white indicates pedestrian crossings and school zones.
- Orange is used for warning and guidance in road work zones.
- Blue colored signs indicate roadside user services, tourist information, and evacuation routes.
Shape of Traffic Signs
Each category of Traffic Signs have a different shape, which helps to identify them easily.
- Mandatory Road Signs are of circular shape.
- Stop Sign and Yield Signs are two exceptions to this rule.
- Cautionary Road Signs are of triangular shape.
- Informative Road Signs are of rectangular shape.
Classification of Traffic Signs
Traffic Signs in Bharat can be classified into following categories.
