Traffic signsSouth Africa

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Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Traffic signs

A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.

1. Stop and give way

This traffic sign means stop and give way. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and give way to traffic that has priority. Proceed only when it is safe.

2. Give way

This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.

3. Give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates give way ahead. A give-way requirement applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to stop if necessary.

4. Stop and give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates stop and give way ahead. A stop sign applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to come to a complete stop.

5. Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled crossroad. An intersection without traffic signals or signs assigning priority lies ahead. Reduce speed, watch for traffic approaching from other directions and follow the applicable local priority rules.

6. Crossroad ahead, give way

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a crossroad, give way. It alerts drivers that they are approaching an intersection where they must give way to traffic on the main road. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop if needed.

7. Warning for a roundabout

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a roundabout. A roundabout lies ahead. Reduce speed and follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local roundabout rules when approaching and entering it.

8. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. Side roads join from the left and right, and traffic entering from those side roads must give way.

9. Warning for a staggered junction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a staggered junction. Side roads join the main road at different points rather than directly opposite each other. Reduce speed and watch carefully for vehicles entering, leaving or crossing the main road.

10. Warning for a staggered junction

11. Warning for an uncontrolled T-junction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled T-junction. The road ends at an intersection where no traffic signs or signals assign priority. Reduce speed and follow the applicable default priority rules.

12. Warning for an uncontrolled Y-junction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled Y-junction. The road divides or meets another road at a Y-shaped intersection where no signs or signals assign priority. Reduce speed and follow the applicable default priority rules.

13. Warning for a hairpin bend to the left

This traffic sign warns of a hairpin bend to the left. The road ahead makes a very sharp turn, so reduce speed and be prepared to steer sharply to the left.

14. Warning for a hairpin bend to the right

This traffic sign warns of a hairpin bend to the right. The road ahead makes a very sharp turn, so reduce speed and be prepared to steer sharply to the right.

15. Warning for a curve to the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the left. A left-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

16. Warning for a curve to the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the right. A right-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

17. Warning for a sharp curve to the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a sharp curve to the left. A tight left-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within your lane and use smooth steering.

18. Warning for a sharp curve to the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a sharp curve to the right. A tight right-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within your lane and use smooth steering, particularly when visibility or road grip is reduced.

19. Warning for a double curve, first left then right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the left. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

20. Warning for a double curve, first right then left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the right. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

21. Warning for curves

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a series of curves. One or more changes in direction lie ahead and may occur in quick succession. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

22. Warning for a road narrowing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing. The available width of the road or carriageway decreases ahead. Reduce speed, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and watch carefully for approaching or adjacent traffic.

23. Warning for a road narrowing on the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the left. The available road width decreases from the left side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

24. Warning for a road narrowing on the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the right. The available road width decreases from the right side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

25. Warning for a road with two-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a warning for two-way traffic. Oncoming traffic will use the same road or carriageway ahead. Keep to the correct side of the road and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.

26. Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign. It's a general warning sign used when there is a hazard ahead that does not have its own dedicated warning sign. For example: road accidents, flooded roads and roads blocked by fallen trees. It usually has a supplementary sign attached that tells drivers of what hazard to expect.

27. Warning for a speed bump

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a speed bump. A raised traffic-calming feature lies ahead. Reduce speed before reaching it to maintain vehicle control and avoid damage or discomfort.

28. Warning for a bad road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a bad or uneven road surface. Potholes, bumps, depressions or other surface irregularities may affect vehicle stability and braking. Reduce speed and avoid sudden manoeuvres.

29. Warning for a dip in the road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a dip in the road. A sudden depression in the road surface lies ahead and may affect vehicle stability or visibility. Reduce speed before reaching the dip and be prepared for water or other hazards that may collect in the lowered section.

30. Warning for a steep ascent

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep ascent. A steep uphill gradient lies ahead and may cause heavy or low-powered vehicles to lose speed. Select a suitable gear, maintain a safe following distance and be prepared for slower traffic.

31. Warning for a steep descent

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep descent. A steep downhill gradient lies ahead and the vehicle may gain speed quickly. Reduce speed before the descent, select a suitable gear and use engine braking where appropriate. Allow extra distance for heavy or towing vehicles.

32. Warning for a tunnel

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a tunnel. Driving conditions may change at the tunnel entrance because of reduced light, limited visibility or restricted space. Reduce speed when necessary and follow the applicable rules for vehicle lighting, stopping, overtaking and lane use.

33. Warning for a quayside or riverbank

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a quayside or riverbank. The road approaches or runs close to an edge beside water, where a vehicle could leave the roadway and enter the water. Reduce speed, identify the road edge carefully and take extra care in darkness or poor visibility.

34. Warning for traffic lights ahead

This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic lights ahead. Traffic signals are located ahead and may not be visible early enough without advance warning. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop if the signal requires it.

35. Warning for falling rocks

This traffic sign indicates a warning for falling rocks. Rocks or stones may fall from nearby slopes or may already be lying on the road. Reduce speed, scan the road ahead and be prepared to avoid or stop for fallen material.

36. Warning for traffic queues

This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic queues. Slow-moving or stationary traffic may occur ahead, sometimes unexpectedly. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and be prepared to stop.

37. Warning for a slippery road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a slippery road surface. The road ahead may provide reduced tyre grip because of water, ice, mud, oil or another surface condition. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.

38. Warning of poor visibility due to rain, fog or snow

This traffic sign indicates a warning for poor visibility. Fog, heavy rain, snow, smoke or another condition may significantly reduce how far you can see. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and use the vehicle lighting required by the local rules and conditions.

39. Warning for strong crosswinds

This traffic sign indicates a warning for strong crosswinds. Side winds may suddenly affect vehicle stability and steering. Reduce speed, keep a firm but controlled grip on the steering wheel and take extra care with high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and trailers.

40. Warning for a height restriction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a height restriction. The available clearance ahead is limited, for example at a bridge, tunnel or other overhead structure. Drivers of tall vehicles should check their vehicle height and use another route if the vehicle cannot pass safely.

41. Warning for a width restriction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a width restriction. The available passage ahead is limited in width. Drivers of wide vehicles should check their vehicle width and use another route if the vehicle cannot pass safely.

42. Warning for a narrowing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a narrowing ahead. The available road width decreases ahead. Reduce speed when necessary and be prepared for less lateral space between vehicles, obstacles or the road edge.

43. Warning for an unpaved road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an unpaved road surface. The paved surface ends or changes to gravel, dirt or another loose material. Reduce speed and be prepared for reduced grip, uneven surfaces, dust and loose stones.

44. Warning for low-flying aircraft

This traffic sign indicates a warning for low-flying aircraft. Aircraft may pass over the road at low altitude and can create sudden noise or visual distraction. Keep your attention on the road and maintain control of the vehicle.

45. Warning for cattle on the road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for cattle. Cattle or other livestock may be crossing, walking along or standing near the road. Reduce speed, be prepared to stop and avoid sudden movements or unnecessary use of the horn that could startle the animals.

46. Warning for crossing deer

This traffic sign indicates a warning for crossing deer. Deer or other wild animals may enter the road unexpectedly, especially around dawn or dusk. Reduce speed, watch the roadside carefully and be prepared for more than one animal to cross.

47. Warning for wild horses on the road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for wild or free-roaming horses. Horses may enter or stand on the road unexpectedly. Reduce speed, be prepared to stop and avoid unnecessary use of the horn or other actions that could startle the animals.

48. Warning for sheep on the road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for sheep. Sheep may be grazing beside the road, crossing it or moving along it, sometimes in groups. Reduce speed, remain alert and be prepared to stop without startling the animals.

49. Warning for children

This traffic sign indicates a warning for children. Children may be present on or near the road and may cross unexpectedly. Reduce speed, scan both sides of the road carefully and be prepared to stop.

50. Warning for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a warning for pedestrians. Pedestrians may be walking near or crossing the road ahead. Reduce speed, watch carefully and be prepared to stop.

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