Manual Traffic Signs - Section 2 - Road Traffic Signs, Signals and Markings

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Putri

Road traffic signs regulate traffic to promote safe and efficient movement. This section explains the main groups of signs, including regulatory signs, warning signs, guidance signs, information signs, road markings, and traffic signals, along with exceptions and the role of temporary yellow-background signs. It also provides guidance on sign interpretation using the sign numbers, including temporary signs marked with a leading T, and outlines how drivers should apply the system of vehicle control.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages58

Reading Time2 h 26 min

AccessFree to download

SIGNS IN GENERAL

Road Traffic Sign Groups

Exceptions and Temporary Signs

SIGN INTERPRETATION

Numbering System and Driver Actions

REGULATORY SIGNS

Control Signs

Command Signs

Prohibition Signs

Manual Traffic Signs Version 1 June 2012 Copyright © by SA Department of Transport South African Learner Driver Manual Section 2 COMPILED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Department of Transport Forum Building 157 Struben Street Pretoria 0001 [www.transport.gov.za](www.transport.gov.za) [Tel:](Tel:) +27 12 309 3000 Disclaimer: This manual is the property of the Department of Transport and may not be copied and distributed for any financial gain. 2. ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS AND MARKINGS The purpose of road traffic signs is to regulate traffic in such a way that traffic flow and road traffic safety are promoted. 1. SIGNS IN GENERAL Road traffic signs can be divided into the following six main groups: | TYPE OF SIGN | PURPOSE | ORDINARY SHAPE | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Regulatory signs | Regulatory signs regulate and control the actions of road users. They prohibit or command road users to perform certain actions.
Failure to obey these signs is an offence and is punishable by a fine or imprisonment or both. | | | | Warning signs | Warning signs alert road users in time to dangerous conditions on or next to the road. | Triangular
| | | Guidance signs | Guidance signs are an aid to the road user.
If the message is short, these rectangular signs are small. However, these signs used for guidance or directing as well as those, which are fairly complicated, are relatively big. | Rectangular
| | | Information signs | Information signs supply general information to the road user. | | | | Road Markings | Road markings regulates, control and warn traffic by; defining carriageway and traffic lane limits; and to direct in a specific direction. As in the case of regulatory signs, it is an offence to disregard regulatory markings. | | | | Traffic signals | Traffic signals regulate vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Failure to obey traffic signals is punishable. | | | Exceptions Although Regulatory signs are usually round, there are exceptions, such as the: • octagonal stop sign, • triangular yield sign and • diamond-shaped pedestrian priority signs A sign with a yellow background is a temporary sign, which is used to indicate a change in normal circumstances, whether for a few minutes, hours or even months. The message of temporary signs is that normal standards are not applicable and that, as a result, more attention must be given to the specific circumstances. Typical circumstances under which temporary signs are used include: • road works, maintenance, construction and other building sites • collision scenes • temporary traffic accommodation or control, including school grounds and scholar patrols 2. SIGN INTERPRETATION This guide will discuss each group of signs. Each road traffic sign has its own number.(A number which begins with a T indicates a temporary sign) . The different signs and markings will be explained and discussed under the following items: • Name and number of each sign; • Where it can normally be expected; • Purpose and, • Action to be taken by the driver. Remember that the System of Vehicle Control must be applied during any action. The system of vehicle control is the sequential step process of Defensive driving as covered in the driving licence part of the guide.. 3. REGULATORY SIGNS Regulatory signs are divided into the following: • Control signs • Command signs • Prohibition signs • Reservation signs • Comprehensive signs • Selective restriction signs • Combination signs • De-restriction signs 3.1. Control Signs Name: Stop sign (R1 . 1) Where: At intersections, railway crossings and scholar patrols. Purpose: To bring traffic to a stop. Action: Bring your vehicle to a stop behind the stop line. • If there is no stop line, the front of the vehicle must come to a stand still in line with the stop sign. • At a three or four-way stop you may not move off bef

FAQs

What is the purpose of road traffic signs?

Road traffic signs regulate traffic to promote traffic flow and road traffic safety.

How can temporary signs be identified?

A number beginning with T indicates a temporary sign, and temporary signs use a yellow background to show normal standards are not applicable.

What information does sign interpretation guide provide?

It explains each sign group by name and number, where signs can normally be expected, their purpose, and the action to be taken by the driver.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Putri