Traffic signsPortugal

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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. 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.

4. 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.

5. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. A side road joins from the left, and traffic entering from that side road must give way.

6. Warning for merging traffic from the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for merging traffic from the left. Traffic travelling in the same general direction may join your traffic stream from the left. Stay alert and adjust your speed or position when necessary to allow traffic to merge safely.

7. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. A side road joins from the right, and traffic entering from that side road must give way.

8. Warning for merging traffic from the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for merging traffic from the right. Traffic travelling in the same general direction may join your traffic stream from the right. Stay alert and adjust your speed or position when necessary to allow traffic to merge safely.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. Warning for a movable bridge

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a movable bridge. The bridge ahead can open, lift or move to allow water traffic to pass. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop when required by barriers, traffic lights or other signals.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. Warning for roadworks

This traffic sign indicates a warning for roadworks. Construction or maintenance work is taking place on or beside the road. Reduce speed where necessary and be prepared for workers, machinery, temporary traffic signals, changed lane layouts or uneven road surfaces.

30. Warning for loose chippings on the road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for loose chippings. Loose stones or gravel may reduce tyre grip and can be thrown up by passing vehicles. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.

31. Warning for a soft verge

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a soft or unstable verge. The edge of the road may provide less grip or support than the roadway and can affect steering or vehicle stability. Avoid driving onto the verge unless necessary and reduce speed if you must use it.

32. Warning for accidents

This traffic sign indicates a warning for accidents. It warns drivers of an accident hazard or an accident affecting the road ahead. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and be prepared for stopped traffic, emergency services or an obstruction.

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. Warning for snow and sleet

This traffic sign indicates a warning for snow or sleet. Snow, sleet or ice may reduce tyre grip, increase stopping distances and impair visibility. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and use any winter equipment required by the applicable rules or road conditions.

37. 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.

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. 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.

41. 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.

42. 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.

43. Warning for a pedestrian crossing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a pedestrian crossing. A designated pedestrian crossing lies ahead. Reduce speed when necessary, watch carefully for pedestrians and be prepared to give way or stop according to the applicable local priority rules.

44. Warning for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a warning for cyclists. Cyclists may be riding along or crossing the road ahead. Reduce speed, watch carefully for cyclists and maintain the passing distance required by the applicable local rules.

45. Warning for elderly pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a warning for elderly pedestrians. Elderly pedestrians may be walking near or crossing the road and may require more time to cross safely. Reduce speed, watch carefully and be prepared to stop.

46. Warning for equestrians

This traffic sign indicates a warning for equestrians. Horse riders may be on or near the road ahead. Reduce speed, allow plenty of space and avoid unnecessary use of the horn or sudden movements that could startle a horse.

47. Warning for tractors

This traffic sign indicates a warning for tractors or other agricultural vehicles. Slow-moving agricultural vehicles may enter, cross or travel along the road ahead. Reduce speed and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.

48. Warning for trams

This traffic sign indicates a warning for trams. Tram tracks cross or run along the road ahead, and trams may enter the traffic path. Reduce speed, watch carefully for approaching trams and follow the applicable traffic signals, priority signs and local rules.

49. Warning for a railway crossing without barriers

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing without barriers. It alerts drivers to an upcoming level crossing where railway tracks cross the road and no barriers or gates are present to stop traffic. Drivers should slow down and look both ways for trains.

50. Warning for a railway crossing with barriers

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a railway crossing with barriers. It alerts drivers to an upcoming level crossing with gates or barriers that close when a train approaches. Drivers should be ready to stop when the barriers are down or flashing lights activate. Never attempt to cross when gates are closing or closed.

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