Traffic Signs and Signals in India

Different Types of Traffic Signs in India

The traffic signs in India are categorized into three major groups, which are Regulatory signs, Warning signs and Informative signs.

Common traffic signs in India are categorized under three heads –

1. Mandatory Traffic Signs

(Source: vectorstock.com)

In India, all traffic signs are a must to follow. However, mandatory signs are compulsory and most important to follow. According to the Roadways and Traffic Department of India, failing to follow traffic rules and signs may incur a traffic penalty on the driver. It ensures that traffic movement remains sm
ooth and pedestrians are aware of the movement of vehicles on the road, speed limit, no parking zones, etc.

The mandatory traffic signs in India are as follows:

Traffic Signs	Meaning
Stop	Drivers should immediately stop after seeing this.
Give Way	Indicates the traffic to give way to the fellow traffic on the right.
Straight Prohibitor No Entry	Indicates restricted area.
Pedestrian Prohibited	Indicates the place is restricted for walking.
Horn Prohibited	Honking is restricted in areas marked with this sign.
No Parking	Restricts parking of vehicles in areas marked with this sign.
No Stopping or Standing	No vehicle or person should stand or stop at the locations marked with this sign.
Speed Limited	Following the mentioned speed limit is mandatory in these designated areas.
Right Hand Curve	Cautions the driver about a right hand curve.
Left Hand Curve	Cautions the driver about a left hand curve.
Right Hair Pin Bend	Cautions about a sharp right turn.
Left Hair Pin Bend	Cautions about a sharp left turn.
Narrow Road Ahead	Cautions the driver about a narrow road.
Narrow Bridge	Indicates the driver about a narrow bridge on the road ahead.
Pedestrian Crossing	This sign indicates that pedestrians should cross the road.
School Ahead	Cautions the driver about a school nearby.
Round About	Indicates the driver about a circular intersection.
Dangerous Dip	Cautions the driver that there is a sharp dip nearby.
Hump or Rough	Cautions the driver about a hump nearby.
Barrier Ahead	Indicates to the driver that there is a barrier in the road ahead. e.g. Tolls

2. Cautionary Traffic Signs

The different cautionary traffic signs are mentioned below:

Traffic Signs	Meaning
Right Hand Curve	Cautions the driver about a right hand curve.
Left Hand Curve	Cautions the driver about a left hand curve.
Right Hair Pin Bend	Cautions about a sharp right turn.
Left Hair Pin Bend	Cautions about a sharp left turn.
Right Reverse Bend	Caution the driver that there is a zigzag turn to the right.
Left Reverse Bend	Caution the driver that there is a zigzag turn to the left.
Steep Ascent	Indicates that there is a steep rising upwards nearby
Steep Descent	Indicates that there is a steep descending downwards nearby
Narrow Road Ahead	Indicates to the driver that the road ahead merges into a narrow road.
Road Wideness Ahead	Indicates to the driver that the road ahead widens.
Narrow Bridge	Indicates the driver about a narrow bridge on the road ahead.
Slippery Road	Cautions the driver that gravel or loose earth keeps falling on the road.
Cycle Crossing	Indicates that the road is meant for riding a bicycle.
Pedestrian Crossing	This sign indicates that pedestrians should cross the road.
School Ahead	Cautions the driver about a school nearby.
Men At Work	Indicates that labourers are working on the road ahead.
Cattle	Indicates the possibility of cattle on the road nearby.
Falling Rocks	Cautions the drivers that the road ahead is prone to falling rocks.
Ferry	Indicates the presence of ferry service.

3. Informatory Traffic Signs

(Source: d1hv7ee95zft1i.cloudfront.net)

Informatory signs are important traffic signs that help drivers with information about facility areas even without knowledge of the map. It tells about a hospital, petrol pump, public toilet, etc., in the nearest vicinity.

Listed below are the important informatory traffic signs to follow in India.

Traffic Signs	Meaning
Public Telephone	Indicates that a telephone is present nearby.
Petrol Pump	Indicates that a petrol pump is present nearby.
Hospital	Indicates that a hospital is present nearby.
First Aid Post	Indicates the presence of a first aid facility nearby.
Eating Place	Indicates the presence of an eating place nearby like restaurants, cafes, etc.
Light Refreshment	Indicates the presence of a light refreshment facility nearby.
Resting Place	Indicates the presence of a resting place nearby.
No Thorough Road	Indicates the unavailability of exit on the road.
No Thorough Side Road	Indicates the unavailability of a thorough side road on the main road.
Park This Side	Shows where to park the vehicle.
Parking Lot Scooter and Motorcycle	Indicates the parking lot for scooters and motorcycles.
Parking Lot Cycle	Indicates the parking lot for bicycles
Parking Lot Cars	Indicates the parking lot for cars.

TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND SIGNALING DEVICES

1. Red-light traffic rules

Red is generally the sign of danger or warning and on traffic lights, it signals potential hazard ahead and hence, is an indicator for the motorists to stop. Also, you can turn left in a red signal only if there is a sign to do so. Also, when doing so, you need to give the right of way to pedestrians and vehicles that would be coming from opposite directions.

2. Yellow traffic light rules

A yellow traffic light is a warning signal that lets you know that the red signal is about to be displayed. Hence, when you see the yellow light, you should start slowing down to come to a stop in anticipation of red light. Also, in case, for any reason, you can’t stop, then you should look out for vehicles that might be entering the intersection around the same time.

3. Green Light traffic Rules

Just like a red light corresponds to danger and STOP, the green light signals safety and the word GO. However, just to play it really safe, you should first let any vehicle remaining in the intersection pass before you go ahead.

Green Arrow

A green arrow means GO, but first you must make sure any vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian who is still in the intersection passes safely through it. Also, a green arrow that points right or left will let you make a protected turn.

TRAFFIC SIGNALLING DEVICES

Working of traffic signals

A traffic signal setup includes controller, traffic lights and detection. The controller works as the ‘brain’ of the entire setup and has the information that is required to make sure the lights work as per the required sequences. Traffic signals can run under a variety of different modes which can be dependent on location and time of day.

Types of traffic signals

There are 6 types of signals, viz- Traffic Control Signals, Fixed time signals,
Manually operated signals, Traffic actuated (automatic) signals, Pedestrian signals, Special traffic signals.