The purpose of traffic signs

Signs are an essential part of any traffic system. They tell you about the rules you must obey and warn you about the hazards you may meet on the road ahead.

Signs can be in the form of words or symbols on panels, road markings, beacons, bollards or traffic lights.

To do its job, a sign must give its message clearly and early enough for you to see it, understand it and then act safely on it.

This section deals with the various types of traffic signs and their meaning.

For more information, refer to Know Your Traffic Signs, which illustrates and explains the vast majority of traffic signs.

Symbols

Symbols are used as much as possible because they’re

• more easily recognised and understood
• mainly standardised, particularly throughout Europe.

What are the basic rules when it comes to recognising signs?