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TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND SIGNS WITH MEANING IN INDIA
We all see the traffic signs on roads and they play a huge role in our daily traveling routine to securely walk, talk, drive and stand on the roads. You will find the traffic signs everywhere in India. With the help of these traffic signs we understand when to stop, where to turn, where to park and what to do and what not to do. Traffic signage is a noiseless announcer that helps us to navigate the road's direction perfectly and drive safely on roads for us and animals as well.
According to official news data of year 2024, there are more than five lakh accidents in India each year, resulting in around 1.7 lakh deaths.
Let us take you on the survey on traffic signs and symbols used on Indian roads and what is the purpose of Traffic signs in India. Traffic signs commonly connected with the basic driving rules of traffic in India.
Additionally, understand the different types of traffic signs and Traffic symbols used on Indian roads and Highways. They are mandatory as they have looked for the lives that saves. Read this article to understand traffic signs along with their names and detailed meanings.
What are the types of Traffic signs in India?
There are 3 main types of Traffic signages in which they are separated in Mandatory signs, cautionary signs and informatory signs.
Mandatory Signs
Mandatory signs are those traffic signs that denote what you absolutely have to follow while driving. These signs clearly indicate the instructions that everyone should follow to keep you safe and things orderly. Mandatory traffic signs are circular and dictate what road users must or must not do.
They are easy to spot on roads. They are round in shape with blue background and white symbol or Red in colour with black border. By guiding what you should do like turning or keeping to a certain lane, these signs help prevent accidents and make sure traffic flows smoothly.
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Stop sign
This sign tells you to completely stop your vehicle before moving forward. It’s usually found at intersections or pedestrian crossings.
You must slow down and let other vehicles pass before you move forward. It tells you that the other traffic has priority.
You are not allowed to enter this road or area. It’s usually placed on one-way streets to stop vehicles from going the wrong way.
You must wait and allow vehicles coming from the opposite direction to pass first.
No cars, bikes, or any motor vehicles are allowed beyond this sign. It’s usually for pedestrian areas.
Trucks are not allowed to enter this road or area. It's for places where heavy vehicles are restricted.
Bullock carts and hand-pulled carts cannot use this road or area.
Only bullock carts are restricted from entering this place.
Horse-drawn carriages (tongas) are not allowed in this area.
Hand-pulled carts cannot use this road or enter this area.
Bicycles are not allowed to ride on this road or path.
People are not allowed to walk beyond this point. This is usually for high-speed roads where walking can be dangerous.
You are not allowed to make a right turn at this point.
You are not allowed to make a left turn at this point.
This sign stops you from making a U-turn on this road.
You are not allowed to overtake other vehicles on this road.
You cannot use your horn in this area, usually found in silent zones like near hospitals or schools.
Only vehicles narrower than the limit shown can pass through this area. It tells you there’s a space restriction ahead.
Only vehicles shorter than the limit shown are allowed to pass. This is for low bridges or tunnels.
Vehicles longer than the limit shown cannot enter this road.
This sign tells you the maximum weight a vehicle can carry on this road.
It tells you the maximum weight each axle of a vehicle can bear on this road.
You must not drive faster than the speed shown. It’s the maximum safe speed for the road.
You are not allowed to park your vehicle where this sign is displayed.
You have to turn left (or right if the sign is reversed). You don’t have a choice to go straight or in another direction.
You can only go straight; turning left or right is not allowed.
You must turn right ahead, or left if the sign is reversed. It tells you what’s coming up ahead.
You can either go straight or turn right, but those are your only options.
You can either go straight or turn left, but those are your only options.
If you are on a bicycle, you must use the cycle path marked by this sign.
You must blow your vehicle’s horn here, often at blind turns or narrow roads where visibility is poor.
You must drive at least the minimum speed shown. This is usually for highways to ensure vehicles don’t go too slow.
Any restrictions you were following (like speed limits or no overtaking) no longer apply beyond this point.
2. Cautionary Signs
Also known as warning signs, these are usually triangular and are meant to warn drivers of potential dangers ahead. For instance, a 'Sharp Curve' sign alerts the driver to slow down and be prepared for a sudden turn. A 'School Ahead' sign signals drivers to reduce speed and be cautious of children crossing the road.
These signs help in reducing the likelihood of accidents by preparing drivers for what's ahead.
Warns that the road curves to the right, so drivers should slow down and navigate carefully.
Warns that the road curves to the left, requiring drivers to be cautious and reduce speed.
The road takes a sharp right turn, almost a U-turn. Drivers should slow down and handle the turn carefully.
The road takes a sharp left turn. Vehicles must reduce speed and navigate cautiously.
There are two consecutive bends, first to the right, then to the left. Drivers need to slow down and be cautious.
There are two consecutive bends, first to the left, then to the right. Drivers should reduce speed.
The road ahead goes uphill. Vehicles, especially heavy ones, may need to adjust their gears for the climb.
The road goes downhill. Drivers need to control their speed to avoid accidents.
The road becomes narrower ahead, requiring extra caution, especially when passing other vehicles.
The road ahead becomes wider, providing more space for vehicles.
Warns of a narrow bridge ahead, so vehicles need to slow down and possibly wait for oncoming traffic to pass.
The road ahead might be slippery due to rain or other conditions, requiring slower speeds and cautious driving.
The road surface may have loose gravel, which can reduce tire traction. Drivers should slow down.
Warns that there is a crossing where cyclists might enter the road, so vehicles need to be alert.
Pedestrians may be crossing the road ahead, and vehicles should reduce speed and stop if necessary.
There is a school nearby, so drivers should watch for children crossing the road and drive carefully.
A traffic light is ahead, so drivers should be prepared to stop or slow down as per the signal.
Cattle may be crossing or moving along the road ahead. Drivers need to slow down and give way to animals.
A ferry crossing is ahead. Drivers may need to stop and wait for the ferry.
Warns of potential falling rocks from cliffs or mountainsides, so drivers should be extra cautious.
The road has a sudden dip, which can be dangerous if approached at high speed.
There is a hump or uneven surface ahead that could cause discomfort or damage to vehicles if driven over too fast.
There is a barrier or gate ahead, possibly for toll booths or checkpoints, so vehicles need to slow down and be ready to stop.
Warns of a break in the road's divider where vehicles can cross from one side to the other. Drivers need to be cautious.
There is a four-way intersection ahead, requiring vehicles to slow down and watch for cross-traffic.
There’s a road joining from the left side, and drivers should be cautious of vehicles merging from that direction.
There’s a road joining from the right side, so vehicles must be aware of merging traffic.
The road splits into two branches ahead, forming a Y-shape, and drivers must decide which direction to take.
The road ends in a T-shape, where drivers must turn either left or right.
There are two side roads, one on each side of the main road but not directly opposite. Drivers need to be aware of merging traffic from both sides.
A roundabout or circular intersection is ahead. Drivers must yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
A railway crossing with gates or barriers is ahead. Vehicles should slow down and stop when the gates are closed.
A railway crossing without gates or barriers is ahead. Drivers need to stop, look, and listen for trains before crossing.
Warns that the road ends near a quayside or riverbank. Drivers should slow down to avoid driving into water.
Road workers are ahead, and drivers should slow down, be cautious, and possibly expect delays or detours.
Informatory Signs
These signs are rectangular and provide information to drivers and pedestrians about routes, distances, and nearby amenities. Examples include 'Hospital Ahead' signs, which indicate the presence of medical facilities, or 'Parking' signs, which show where vehicles can be parked.
This sign gives directions to places that are coming up ahead on the road. It shows you which way to go.
At a roundabout, this sign shows you the directions to different destinations at the intersection, helping you choose the right exit.
This sign not only tells you the direction of a place but also the distance to reach it.
This sign provides directions to a particular destination, guiding drivers towards a specific place.