Understanding Road Signs

Road signs provide significant information to drivers and other road users. They give us the rules and conditions that keep us safe, and warn us of possible danger ahead. Road signs are an important reminder when driving or travelling: they give the message to drivers and road users, and are mainly used to reduce accidents and maintain order. Neglecting them can lead to a serious accident.

To keep our day-to-day travels and longer road trips safe, we need to understand road signs. This is essential, especially for first-time drivers. Traffic signs are there to help us follow road rules, and they are designed to keep everyone safe on the roads.

In Australia there are three main types of road signs: regulatory, warning and information. In this article we help you discover what they mean. The signs below are simplified illustrations of each sign family.

Regulatory signs

Regulatory signs are perhaps the most important road signs because they relate to specific road rules. They notify drivers of traffic laws and regulations, and can be identified by their colour: most are black and white, sometimes with red to show danger or a limit. Always pay attention to these signs, because penalties apply if you disobey them. Here are some of the most common regulatory signs.

Speed signsThese show the maximum speed you can drive. You must not drive faster than the speed limit sign shows.

School zonesThe speed limit in a school zone during peak drop-off and pick-up hours is 40 km/h and must be followed during the displayed times.

Stop signYou must stop completely and give way to all traffic.

Give waySlow down and, if required, stop and obey the give-way rules.

One-way trafficYou must only drive in the direction of the arrow.

No left (or right) turnYou are not allowed to turn left or right.

No U-turnYou are not allowed to do a U-turn.

Parking signsSome parking signs mean you can’t even stop there for a short amount of time.

No entryYou must not drive beyond the sign.

Give way at roundaboutSlow down, stop or give way to vehicles already in the roundabout.

Warning signs

Warning signs alert you to possible danger ahead: an upcoming hazard or road condition that needs extra caution. They are usually yellow diamonds with black symbols or words. There are two types of warning signs: permanent and temporary.

Permanent warning signs

These signs let you know about upcoming conditions in a particular area. Common signs are listed below.

Winding roadThis sign often has a number of kilometres written underneath. It belongs to the curve and bend signs.

Unexpected or hidden dipThere will be a sudden slope down, then up.

T-intersection aheadBe prepared to slow down: the road you are driving on ends, and you must give way to all traffic.

Steep downhill slope aheadWatch your brakes.

Temporary warning signs

Temporary road signs alert drivers to a temporary hazard. They are always placed at the beginning of an area where extra caution is required. These are the kind of signs set out ahead of road work.

Road worksPlaced before the work area so drivers know about possible traffic ahead.

Animal warning signsThese can show practically any animal.

Left or right lane closedPut out by road workers to tell drivers to indicate and move into the open lane.

Information signs

Information signs are freeway and guide signs that tell the driver the distance to the next town, where you are, and about the route you are travelling on. They are generally rectangular and come in various colours and sizes.

Guide signsDirection and distance signs, usually green with white lettering on Australian roads.

Safety on the roads is everybody’s responsibility. It is up to everyone to stay alert and follow all Australian road and traffic signs. By doing so, you do your part to make the roads a safer place for everyone.