Traffic signs help keep roads safe in India. They give clear instructions, warnings, and information so drivers and people can move safely. In this guide, we will discuss three main types of Indian traffic signs mandatory, cautionary, and informative with their meanings and purpose. Understanding these signs helps reduce accidents and improves road safety for everyone
Importance of Traffic signs in India
Traffic signs show road rules, warnings, and directions using clear symbols. They help drivers and road users understand what to do while driving. Ignoring traffic signs can lead to traffic penalties. New Motor Vehicles Act 2019 requires all drivers to follow traffic signs. Traffic signs help keep roads safe and traffic under control. They –
- Guide drivers on speed limits and parking rules
- Warn about road conditions like curves, potholes, and crossings
- Help prevent accidents and traffic violations
- Support smooth traffic movement
- Alert pedestrians about vehicle movement
- Help drivers follow correct routes
Types of Traffic Signs
There are basically 3 types of Traffic signs in India.
1. Mandatory Signs
- These road signs tell you what to do and what not to do.
- They are obligatory.
- They are represented by red circles with a red border.
2. Cautionary Signs
- These road signs give warnings to the drivers about potential threats and safety hazards on roads.
- They are represented by red triangles like diamond
- There are 40 cautionary signs in India.
3. Informative Signs
● These road signs provide information to the drivers even without a map.
● They are represented by blue rectangles with a thick blue border
Apart from these road signs, there are another 3 kinds of traffic signals in India :
- Traffic police’s Hand signals
- Traffic light signals
- Road markings or Pavement markings
1. Mandatory Traffic Signs
| Mandatory Sign | Meaning |
| Stop | Drivers should immediately stop after seeing this. |
| Give Way | Indicates the traffic to give way to the fellow traffic on the right. |
| One Way | Traffic flow is allowed in one-direction only. |
| No Entry | This area is restricted and no traffic zone. Divert your vehicle to another route. |
| No Way Both Directions | Traffic flow is prohibited from both sides for the area. |
| Right-Turn Prohibited | Do not take a right-turn at all in the area |
| Left-Turn Prohibited | Do not take a left-turn at all in the area |
| U-Turn Prohibited | Do not take a U-turn at all in the area |
| Overtaking Prohibited | Overtaking is not allowed in the area. |
| Horns Prohibited | Unnecessary honking is not allowed |
| Speed Limit | Specifies the speed limit |
| Compulsory Turn Left | Turn left after seeing the sign |
| Compulsory Ahead only | Go straight without taking any turns on either sides |
| Compulsory Turn Right | Take a right-turn after seeing the sign |
| Compulsory Ahead or Turn Right | Either go straight or take a right turn. Left turn isn’t allowed |
| Compulsory Ahead or Turn Left | Either go straight or take a left turn. Right turn isn’t allowed |
| Compulsory Keep Left | Driving on the left lane is compulsory |
| Compulsory Sound Horn | Keep Honking |
| No- Parking | Parking is not allowed |
2. Cautionary Traffic Signs
| Cautionary Sign | Meaning |
| Right Hand Curve | Warns the driver about a right hand curve. |
| Left Hand Curve | Warns the driver about a left hand curve. |
| Right Hair Pin Bend | Warns about a sharp right turn on the road ahead |
| Left Hair Pin Bend | Warns about a sharp left turn on the road ahead. |
| Right Reverse Bend | Warns the driver that there is a zigzag turn towards right. |
| Left Reverse Bend | Warns the driver that there is a zigzag turn towards left. |
| Steep Ascent | Indicates that there is a steep rising upwards nearby |
| Steep Descent | Indicates that there is a steep descending downwards nearby |
| Narrow Road Ahead | Indicates to the driver that the road ahead merges into a narrow road. |
| Road Widens Ahead | Indicates to driver that the road ahead widens. |
| Narrow Bridge | Indicates driver about a narrow bridge on the road ahead. |
| Slippery Road | Warns driver that the road ahead is slippery. |
| Loose Gravel | Warns the driver that gravel or loose earth keeps falling on the road. |
| Pedestrian Crossing | Warns that pedestrians should cross the road. |
| School Ahead | Warns drivers about school zone nearby. |
| Men At Work | Indicates that labourers are working on the road ahead. |
| Cross Road | There is crossing of roads ahead. |
| Gap in Median | There is gap or median on the road ahead |
| Side Road Right | The sign signals right side turn along with a straight way ahead. |
| Side Road Left | The sign signals left side turn along with straight way ahead. |
| 3 signs of Y intersection | There is Y-shaped formation on the road ahead |
| T intersection | There is T-shaped formation on the road ahead. You cannot drive straight on the road. |
| 2 signs of Staggered Intersection | This sign placed where there are left and right turns are closely located on the straight road |
| 2 signs major Road Ahead | A major crossroad is on the road ahead. |
| Round about | A road crossing. |
| Dangerous Dip | There is dip ahead on the road. |
| Hump or Rough Road | There is hump or rough road ahead |
| Unguarded Level Crossing | There is railway crossing ahead |
| Guarded Level Crossing | There is railway crossing ahead that is guarded by a person. |
| Cattle | Indicates that there is possibility of cattle on the road nearby. |
| Falling Rocks | Warns the drivers that the road ahead is prone to falling rocks. |
| Ferry | Indicates that there is a ferry service ahead. |
| Barrier Ahead | Indicates to the driver that there is barrier in the road ahead. For example: Toll |
3. Informatory Traffic signs
| Informatory Sign | Meaning |
| Public Telephone | A telephone is present nearby. |
| Petrol Pump | A petrol pump is present nearby. |
| Hospital | A hospital is present nearby. |
| First Aid Post | Indicates that there is a first aid facility nearby. |
| Eating Place | Indicates that there is an eating place nearby like restaurants, cafes, etc. |
| Light Refreshment | Indicates that there is a light refreshment facility nearby. |
| Resting Place | Indicates that there is a resting place nearby. |
| Thorough Road | Indicates the availability of exit on the road. |
| Thorough Side Road | Indicates the availability of a thorough side road on the main road. |
| Park This Side | Shows where to park the vehicle. |
| Parking Lot Scooter and Motorcycle | Indicates the parking lot for scooters and motorcycles. |
| Parking Lot Cycle | Indicates the parking lot for bicycles |
| Parking Lot Cars | Indicates the parking lot for cars. |
FAQs
What are the 3 types of traffic signals?
There are 3 types of traffic signals i.e., red, yellow, green
What is traffic signs and symbols?
Visual communications that provide information, warnings, or directions to road users.
What is traffic sign warning
Warning signs (Cautionary signs) alert drivers to upcoming hazards like sharp curves, narrow bridges or slippery roads.
Leave a Reply