Understanding Traffic Signs In India And Their Meanings

This guide explains the types of signs, their meanings, and the importance of signs in India to navigate a smooth traffic flow

Traffic signs or road safety symbols are an integral part of road infrastructure in India that helps maintain order and safety on the roads. These regulatory signs, defined by the Motor Vehicle Act and the Indian Road Congress (IRC), serve as a universal language for all road users – from the pedestrians to vehicle drivers.

In India, these signs are broadly categorised into three main types: 

• Mandatory signs consisting of signs in red and blue circles, indicating rules you must follow, like speed limits and no-entry zones.

• Cautionary signs are indicated by red triangles - they show potential hazards such as steep slopes and sharp curves.

• Informatory signs in blue rectangles - they show useful information such as directions and nearby facilities. 

With India having one of the world’s largest road networks and a high rate of road accidents, understanding these traffic signs is not just a legal requirement but a vital life skill. In this article, we have explained the meaning of traffic signs, and rules in India. Let’s roll down:

How are the traffic signs in India designed?

Designing traffic signs is a complex combination of functionality, psychological and universal appeal. The primary goal is to communicate critical information quickly to drivers and others on the roads, irrespective of the language barrier or literacy levels. This is accomplished via strategic use of highly-visible colours, such as red for warnings and blue for directions. 

The design process also takes into consideration the psychological impact of shapes to create intuitive recognition, even if the motorist is going at high speed or driving in challenging conditions. Additionally, the materials such as reflectors used in traffic signs, enhance the visibility during the night or during the stormy weather too. Such attention to detail helps make traffic signs in India effective, durable, and easy to understand by all classes of traffic users to create safer and more efficient roads for everyone.

Before we step ahead to discuss the meaning of traffic sign boards, let’s discuss the type of signboards used in India:

Reflective Sign Boards:

These are the most commonly seen sign boards across the Indian roadways, especially on the highways and the open roads. These boards are designed to reflect light from car headlights back at the observer allowing them to see clearly. These boards are made of a reflective sheet which is placed over a rustproof aluminum plate, making them weather-resistant, and durable. The reflective surface helps the signs stand out even in poorly lit areas, making them an ideal choice for highways.

Internally Illuminated Sign Boards:

These sign boards are mostly seen in urban centres or places with heavy traffic. These boards have built-in illumination systems, such as LEDs or fluorescent lamps, which provide constant illumination regardless of the surrounding lighting conditions. The bright, constant light makes these signs visible from a distance, ensuring clarity to the road users even during foggy weather. 

Both these sign boards cater to different road environments but share a common goal: maximum visibility for better safety on the road.

In the following sections, we take a closer look at the shapes, symbols, and meanings of traffic signs, along with an exploration of road markings and traffic regulations in India.

Also Read: How To File A Complaint Against Wrong Traffic Challan Issued

Types of traffic signs or road safety signs

Depending on the functionality, we have five main types of road safety signs in India: mandatory signs, cautionary signs, informatory signs, guide signs, and auxiliary signs. Each of the types serves a specific purpose and is useful in different locations conveying different gravity of information to the users.

1. Mandatory signs:

1. 1. These signs are also referred to as restrictive signs.

   2. Drivers are legally required to obey these signs or else they can be fined.

   3. Usually, these have a white background with a red boundary and are round-shaped.

   4. The most recognisable of them are - Stop, Give Way, No Entry, No-U-turn, Horn Prohibited, Speed Limit, and No Parking.

2. Cautionary signs:

1. 1. These signs are also referred to as warning or risk-relating signs.

   2. These are mainly used to inform the drivers of the potential existence of dangers on the road.

   3. They generally have a triangular shape with red perimeters.

   4. Examples are - Sharp Bend, Hairpin Bend Narrow Passage, Steep Descent/Ascent.

2.1) Auxiliary signs:

5. These can be regarded as a sub-type of cautionary signs. 

6. These signs complement the primary signs, giving additional information or warnings.

7. Some of the most common signs are - Road Closure signs, Detours, or Men at Work signs. 

3. Informatory signs:

1. 1. These are also called instruction signs.

   2. These give location-based information and are helpful to new users in the area.

   3. These are blue in colour and sqaure/rectangle in shape. 

   4. The most common signs are a petrol Pump, Parking, Hospital, and First Aid Box available. 

3.1) Guide signs:

5. These can be considered subordinate to the informatory signs.

6. These signs provide directional assistance to help drivers on long routes and highways.

7. They include - Route Signs, Mileposts, Destination Signs, and Toll booth signs. 

Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About BS7 Norms

Explanation of each type of traffic or road safety signs

1. Mandatory Traffic Signs

In India, it is mandatory to follow traffic signs to avoid mishaps on roadways. Among these signs, the mandatory sign is the most important sign that must be followed without exception. The Roadways and Traffic Department has a right to issue penalties to the driver for failing to obey traffic rules and signs. 

Please note that ‘stop’ and ‘give way’ signs are the exception with their different shapes in this category. 

Here is the explanation of mandatory traffic signs in India:

2. Cautionary Traffic Signs

These are the traffic signs that warn the driver about a potential threat or safety hazard ahead on the road. The drivers should slow down their vehicles when they encounter such symbols. Continue reading to understand the meanings of these signs:

Also Read: List Of Traffic Rules Violations And Fines In India 2024

3. Informatory Traffic Signs

As the name suggests, these traffic signs help the driver with information about various facilities like hospitals, petrol pumps, public toilets, etc in the nearest vicinity.  Below is the list given for all important informatory traffic signs in India:

Importance of Traffic Signs in Daily Life

Traffic signs in India play an utmost important role: 

• For smooth flow of traffic and avoid any congestions.

• To save lives from the potential risk of accidents.

• To provide any necessary information about the road ahead.

• To prevent road offences.

• To help navigate routes.

• To ensure road discipline.

FAQs On Traffic Signs In India

Q. How many traffic symbols are there in India?

In India, there are 110 different traffic signs divided into three main categories:Mandatory Traffic SignsCautionary Traffic SignsInformatory Traffic Signs

Q. What do the colours of traffic signals mean?Red: stop immediately.Yellow: slow down and wait.Green: good to go.

Q. What are traffic signs and symbols in India?

These signs and symbols are important to regulate vehicular movement and ensure the safety of all road users, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. These signs help prevent accidents by giving clear instructions and warnings of the road conditions ahead. These are standard and universally understood, ensuring that anyone using the road can clearly understand the meaning regardless of the language barrier. 

Q. What are the 8 shapes of road symbols?

Road signs come in eight commonly used shapes, each designed to convey a different message to drivers and other road users:

• Crossbuck

• Triangle

• Octagon

• Rectangle

• Diamond

• Pentagon

• Round

• Shield

Q. What shape is a warning sign?

‘Diamond’ shape is a warning sign. It is reserved for warning signs as it provides a distinct and attention-grabbing shape. 

Q. Are hand signals important?

Hand signs are not officially a part of India’s traffic signal system, as traffic signs and lights are the primary methods of communication. However, these are supplementary communication tools, especially if traffic signals are malfunctioning. 

Q. What is the importance of signs and markings in India?

According to the MORTH, the importance of signs and markings in India: 

• These should fulfill and address the specific needs based on the site conditions.

• They should capture the attention of all road users.

• They should communicate a clear and precise meaning in an understandable language.

• To command respect from road users, signs must be accurate and standardised. 

• The placement should allow enough time for road users to respond appropriately.

• Signs must be conspicuous, attracting the attention of the drivers from a distance too.