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Names of Different Road Signs

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Last updated date: 25th Apr 2024
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Introduction to Road Signs

Road signs often known as traffic signs are posted along the side of roadways to inform and direct drivers. Simple wooden or stone milestones were the oldest types of signs. Since the 1930s, as traffic volumes have increased, many nations have adopted pictorial signs or have similarly standardized and simplified their signs to overcome language barriers and improve traffic safety. There are many different types of road signs that are utilized, so it's important that you understand what they indicate and how to use them.


Each traffic sign is used in a specific area of the road, and these signs indicate what one must do and must not do. Following all the traffic rules and signs will result in lesser accidents and will make the roads safe for the general public.


Road Symbols

Traffic lights, also known as traffic signals, are lights that are used to regulate the flow of traffic. They are positioned at crossings and intersections of roads. The multiple light hues instruct drivers on what to do. The colours of traffic lights always change in order which is red to yellow and then green. 

When traffic lights change, they typically do so in the following order:

  • When the red light is on, the traffic must halt.

  • When the green light is on, the driver may now begin or continue driving.

  • Drivers are advised to stop when it is safe to do so since the light is going to turn red when the yellow light is on.


Traffic Signal Light


Traffic Signal Light


Important Traffic Signs to Follow in India

  • In order to warn vehicles and pedestrians about potential dangers on the road, traffic signs serve as prominent speakers.

  • Three categories cover the majority of traffic signs in India:


1. Mandatory Traffic Signs

Traffic Signs     

  Meanings

Right Hair Pin Bend

Cautions about a sharp right turn.

Left Hair Pin Bend

Cautions about a sharp left turn

Narrow Road Ahead

Cautions the driver about a narrow road.

No Parking

Restricts parking of vehicles

Pedestrian Prohibited

Place is restricted for walking.

Speed Limited

Following mentioned speed limit in designated areas

Narrow Bridge

Narrow bridge on the road ahead.

Pedestrian Crossing

Pedestrians should cross the street.

School Ahead

School is near

Stop

Drivers should immediately stop after seeing this.

Hump or Rough

Cautions the driver about a hump nearby.

No Entry

restricted area

Horn Prohibited

Honking is restricted in areas 

Right-Hand Curve

Cautions the driver about a right-hand curve.

Left-Hand Curve

warns the driver of a left-hand curve.

Round About

Driver about a circular intersection

Barrier Ahead

warns the vehicle that a barrier is ahead on the route..


Mandatory Warning Sign


Mandatory Warning Sign


2. Traffic Warning Signs

Traffic sign

Meaning

Right-hand curve

Cautious in right-hand curve

Left-hand curve

Cautious in left-hand curve

Right hairpin bend

Cautious - sharp right turn

Left hairpin bend

Cautious - sharp left turn

Falling rocks

Road ahead is dangerous; rocks can fall

Narrow road ahead

Road merges with narrow road

Wide road ahead

Road ahead widens

Slippery road

Loose gravel on the road

Men at work

Men working ahead

School ahead

School nearby

Pedestrian crossing

Pedestrian should cross the road

Narrow bridge

Narrow bridge ahead; cautious.


Traffic Warning Signs


Traffic Warning Signs


3. Traffic Signs that Provide Information

Traffic Signs     

  Meaning

Public telephone

Telephone present nearby

Petrol pump

Petrol pump present nearby

Resting place

Presence of resting place nearby

Parking sign

Place to park vehicle

Hospital

Hospital present nearby

Eating place

Restaurants, cafe present nearby

Scooty or motorcycle parking

Area to part motorcycle

Car parking lot

Area to park car

First aid facility

First aid facility present nearby

No thorough road

No exit on the road

No thorough side road

No exit on the side road


Informative Traffic Signs


Informative Traffic Signs


Summary

Traffic moves smoothly, and there is no congestion with the help of road signs and signals. It reduces the likelihood of accidents and gives relevant details about the upcoming route. It also prevents traffic violations. These indicators greatly aid drivers in having a pleasant driving experience. To maintain a better system of road traffic, the Roadways and Traffic Department of India updates the traffic signs chart.

FAQs on Names of Different Road Signs

1. What purposes do traffic signs serve in India?

Different traffic signs used in India serve a variety of purposes. These include:

  • Provides information to drivers regarding the route, nearby facilities, the best lane to drive in, maintains traffic discipline, gives driving directions, explains parking options

  • Traffic signs also protect against incidences of road rage, aggressive acceleration, etc. 

  • The New Motor Vehicle Act of 2019 makes traffic law violations punishable by stricter and more severe fines. Knowing and obeying all the traffic signs is therefore important and advised.

2. How do traffic lights function?

The functions of traffic lights are:

  • Lights are adjusted by traffic responsive controllers based on the volume of traffic flowing in each direction. 

  • To enable most vehicles to pass through the intersection before reacting to the presence of vehicles on another approach, these controllers use sensors to detect the vehicles' numbers and automatically alter the length of green time. 

  • A new generation of microcomputer traffic controllers makes the signalized intersection much more efficient, eliminating time-consuming delays; these sorts of traffic controllers are used for many years.