DangersNew Zealand
Traffic rules
New Zealand
39. Dangers
A general danger warning sign warns road users of a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign. The particular danger may be explained by a supplementary panel, text, symbol or other indication placed with the warning sign.
Drivers should increase their attention, observe the road ahead and adapt their speed to the nature of the hazard and surrounding conditions. The exact appearance of the sign and the way the danger is identified vary between countries, so road users must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.
Wikimedia.org • Phillip Capper • CC BY
What does a general danger warning sign mean?
A general danger warning sign indicates that there is a hazard ahead that is not represented by a more specific warning sign in the local traffic-sign system.
What kind of danger can the sign indicate?
It can be used for unusual or uncommon hazards for which no dedicated warning symbol exists. The nature of the danger may be explained by an additional panel, symbol or message.
How can you know what the danger is?
Look for a supplementary panel, text or symbol accompanying the warning sign. It may describe the hazard or provide information needed to understand the warning.
What should you do when you see a general danger warning sign?
Increase your attention, observe the road and surroundings carefully and adapt your speed where necessary so that you can respond safely to the hazard.
Does the sign impose a specific speed limit?
Not normally. A warning sign alerts road users to danger rather than establishing a numerical speed limit. A separate speed-limit sign may be provided where a specific maximum speed is required.
Why is a general warning sign used instead of a specific warning sign?
It is used when the traffic-sign system does not contain a specific symbol that accurately represents the particular hazard.
Can the danger be temporary?
Yes. A general warning sign may be used for either a temporary or continuing hazard, depending on local signing rules and the circumstances.
Can a supplementary panel indicate the distance to the danger?
Yes. Depending on the country's traffic-sign system, an additional panel may indicate the distance to the hazard, the length of the dangerous section or other useful information.
Does a general danger sign give anyone priority?
No. A danger warning sign does not by itself change the priority rules. Drivers must continue to follow traffic lights, priority signs and the normal right-of-way rules.
Does the warning end immediately after the sign?
Not necessarily. The sign normally warns of a hazard ahead of the sign, and the dangerous situation may extend over a section of road. Supplementary information may indicate its location or length.
