TRAFFIC SIGN AND SYMBOLS

TRAFFIC SIGN AND SYMBOLS

Mandatory/Regulatory signs

STOP
This sign is used on roadways where traffic is required to stop before entering a major road. The vehicle shall proceed past the stop line only after ascertaining that ths will not cause any damage to traffic on the main road.
GIVE WAY
This sign is used to assign right-of-way to traffic on certain roadways and intersections, the intention being that the vehicles controlled by the sign must give way to the other traffic having the right-of-way.
STRAIGHT PROHIBITED OR NO ENTRY
These signs are located at places where the vehicles are not allowed to enter. It is generally erected at the end of one-way-road to prohibit traffic entering the roadway in the wrong direction and also at each intersection along the one-way road.
ONE WAY
These signs are located at the entry to the one-way street and repeated at intermediate intersections on that street.
VEHICLES RROHIBITED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS
This sign is used at the approact end of the roads where entry to all types of vehicular traffic is prohibited, especially in areas which have been designed as pedestrian malls.
HORN PROHIBITED
This sign is used on stretches of the road where sounding of horn is not allowed, near hospitals and in silence zones.
CYCLE PROHIBITED
This sign is erected on each entry to the road where cycles are to be prohibited.
PEDESTRIAN PROHIBITED
This sign is erected on each entry to the road where pedestrians are to be prohibited.
RIGHT/LEFT TURN PROHIBITED
These signs are used at places where vehicles are not allowed to make a turn to the right or left. The signs are also used at the inter-sections of one-way street to supplement the one-way sign.
U-TURN PROHIBITED
This sign is used at places where vehicles are forbidden to make a turn to the reverse direction of travel between the sign and the next inter-section beyond it.
OVERTAKING PROHIBITED
This sign is erected at the beginning of such sections of highways where sight distance is restricted and overtaking will be dangerous.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES PROHIBITED
This sign is used at places where entry to all types of motor vehicles is prohibited.
TRUCKS PROHIBITED
This sign is used at the entrance to the road where movement of trucks is prohibited.
HAND CART PROHIBITED
This sign is erected on each entry to the road where hand carts are to be prohibited.
BULLOCK CART PROHIBITED
This sign is erected on each entry to the road where bullock carts are to be prohibited.
TONGA PROHIBITED
This sign is erected on each entry to the road where tongas are to be prohibited.
BULLOCK CARTS & HAND CARTS PROHIBITED
This sign is erected on each entry to the road where all types of slow moving vehicles except cycles are to be prohibited.
NO PARKING
This sign is erected where parking is not allowed but vehicles can stop for short duration to allow passengers to get into or get out of the vehicle. The sign should be accompanied by suitable kerb or carriageway markings.
NO PARKING OR STANDING
This sign is erected where vehicles are prohibited to stop even temporarily.
SPEED LIMIT
This sign is erected at the beginning of the section of the road or area covered by a speed restriction, with numerals indicating the speed limit in kilometers per hour.
COMPULSORY TURN LEFT/RIGHT
These signs indicate the appropriate direction in which the vehicles are permitted to proceed.
COMPULSORY AHEAD OR TURN LEFT/RIGHT
These signs indicate the appropriate directions in which the vehicles are permitted to proceed. Vehicles are supposed to move either of the given two directions.
COMPULSORY AHEAD
This sign indicates that the vehicle is only permitted to proceed ahead.
COMPULSORY KEEP LEFT
This sign is most frequently used on bollards or islands and refuges in the middle of the carriageway and at the beginning of central reserves of dual carriageway. The vehicles are obliged to keep left only.
COMPULSORY CYCLE RICKSHAW TRACK
This sign means only cycles and rickshaws are allowed on this road/carriageway.
COMPULSORY SOUND HORN
This sign means the motor vehicles shall compulsorily sound horn at the location where the sign is placed. This sign is mostly put at sharp curves on hill roads.
SLIP ROAD AHEAD
This sign means the vehicles can either go straight or turn left.
MAIN ROAD AHEAD
This sign means the vehicles can either go straight or turn right.
PEDESTRIANS ONLY:
This sign means only pedistrians are allowed and the traffic is not allowed on this road/carriageway.
BUSES ONLY:
This sign means that only buses are allowed and other traffic is not allowed on this road/carriageway.

Cautionary signs

RIGHT/LEFT HAND CURVE
This sign is used where the direction of alignment changes. The sign forewarns the driver to reduce the speed and proceed cautiously along the road.
RIGHT/LEFT HAIR PIN BEND
This sign is used where the change in direction is so considerable that it amounts to reversal of direction. The symbol bends to right or left depending upon the road alignment.
RIGHT/LEFT REVERSE BEND
This sign is used where the nature of the reverse bend is not obvious to approaching traffic and constitutes a hazard. If the first curve is to the right, a right reverse bend shall be used. If the first curve is to the left, a left reverse bend is used.
NARROW BRIDGE
This sign is erected on roads in advance of bridges where the clear width between the kerbs or wheel guards is less than normal width of carriageway.
GAP IN MEDIAN
This gap is installed ahead of a gap in the median of a divided carriageway, other than an intersection.
NARROW ROAD
This sign is normally found in rural areas where a sudden reduction in width of pavement causes a danger to traffic.
ROAD WIDENS
This sign is normally found in rural areas where a sudden widening of road causes a danger to traffic, such as, a two-lane road suddenly widening to a dual carriageway
CYCLE CROSSING
This sign is erected in advance of all uncontrolled cycle crossings.
PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
This sign is erected in advance of both approaches to uncontrolled pedestrian crossings.
SCHOOL AHEAD
This sign is erected where school buildings or grounds are adjacent to the road where the traffic creates a hazard to children.
MEN AT WORK
This sign is displayed only when men and machines are working on the road or adjacent to it or on overhead lines or poles. This sign is removed when the work is completed.
SIDE ROAD LEFT
This sign is displayed in advance of the side road intersections where a large volume of entering traffic together with restricted sight distance is likely to constitute a hazard. The driver is warned of the existence of a junction.
SIDE ROAD RIGHT
This sign is displayed in advance of the side road intersections where a large volume of entering traffic together with restricted sight distance is likely to constitute a hazard. The driver is warned of the existence of a junction.
Y-INTERSECTION
These signs are displayed on the approach to a bifurcation of any road. This sign warns of the existence of a junction and no other indication is given.
MAJOR ROAD
These signs are displayed in advance of crossing with the major road, where a sufficiently large volume of traffic together with a sufficiently large volume of traffic together with restricted sight is likely to cause a hazard.
STAGGERED INTERSECTION
This sign is used to indicate junctions where the distance between two junctions is not more than 60 meters.
T INTERSECTION
This sign is displayed in advance of T-junctions where the nature of inter-section is not obvious to approaching traffic. This sign is used to warn the driver of the existence of a junction.
ROUNDABOUT
This sign is used where it is necessary to indicate the approach to a roundabout.
START OF DUAL CARRIAGEWAY
This sign is displayed when a single carriageway ends into a dual carriageway.
END OF DUAL CARRIAGEWAY
his sign is displayed when a dual carriageway is ending and a single carriageway is starting.
REDUCED CARRIAGEWAY
These signs caution the driver of the reduction in the width of the carriageway ahead. This is displayed on undivided carriageways when some portion of the carriageway is closed or reduced for repairs.
TWO WAY OPERATION
This sign is used to caution the driver of a changed pattern of traffic operation of the carriageway expected to carry traffic in one direction only.
CROSS ROAD
This sign is displayed in advance of the cross road where a sufficiently large volume of crossing or entering traffic with restricted sight distance is likely to constitute a hazard.
CATTLE
This sign is used where there is danger due to farm animals or cattle crossing on the road.
TRAFFIC DIVERSION ON DUAL CARRIAGEWAY
This sign warns the driver of the diversion of traffic from one carriageway to the other. It is used on dual carriageway when one carriageway is closed.
FALLING ROCKS
This sign is used wherever rocks are liable to fall on the road seasonally or throughout the year. The symbol may be reversed to show the side from which rock fall is expected.
FERRY
This sign is used to warn the drivers about the existence of a ferry crossing across a river.
LANE CLOSURE
This sign cautions the driver of the closure of a portion of the carriageway on multi-lane highways.
BARRIER
This sign is erected in advance of a gate controlling entry into a road. A definition plate with words "SLOW BARRIER AHEAD" or "TOLL BARRIER AHEAD" is also displayed on the sign.
LOOSE GRAVEL
This sign is used on section of a road on which gravel may be thrown up by fast moving vehicles.
OVERHEAD CABLE
This sign cautions driver of the presence of overhead power transmission lines.
QUARY SIDE OR RIVER BANK
This sign is used to caution the driver of the presence of water by the side of the road and the impending danger.
ROUGH ROAD
This sign is posted where the road is rough and the drivers are required to slow down their vehicles for safe travel.
RUNWAY
This sign is used to warn the drivers of the presence of runway ahead and possible movement of the aircrafts.
SERIES OF BENDS
This sign is used to installed to caution the driver of the presence of zigzag for a long distance over the section of road ahead.
SLIPPERY ROAD
This sign is used to warn that the section of the road ahead may be particularly slippery.
SUDDEN SIDE WIND
This sign is used to caution the driver of the danger of side winds which endangers the lives of travelers. This sign is posted at places where such weather conditions exist.
UNGUARDED RAILWAY CROSSING
This sign is used on the approaches of level crossings where there are no gates or other barriers. An advance warning sign (with two bars) is installed at a distance of 200 meters and second sign (with one bar) is installed near the crossing.
GUARDED RAILWAY CROSSING
This sign is used to warn traffic on the approaches to guarded railway crossing. An advance warning sign (with two bars) is installed at a distance of 200 meters and second sign (with one bar) is installed near the crossing.
STEEP ASCENT
This sign is displayed before a steep upgrade/downgrade that may constitute a hazard to traffic. A gradient of 10 per cent and above is considered steep gradient.
STEEP DESCENT
This sign is displayed before a steep upgrade/downgrade that may constitute a hazard to traffic. A gradient of 10 per cent and above is considered steep gradient.
RUMBLE STRIP
This sign is installed in advance of the rumble strips provided on the road to control the speed of the vehicle.
DANGEROUS DIP
This sign is used where a sharp dip in the profile of the road or a causeway is likely to cause considerable discomfort to traffic.
SPEED BREAKER
This sign warns the drivers of the presence of a speed breaker.

Informatory signs

INFORMATORY SIGN
An information sign is a very legibly printed and very noticeable placard that informs people of the purpose of an object, or gives them instruction on the use of something.
PUBLIC TELEPHONE
This sign is displayed on long stretches of roads in rural area indicating the distance to the nearest public telephone on supplementary plate, where it is in inconspicuous position.
FILLING STATION
This sign is displayed on long stretches of roads in rural area at the entry to the road leading to the facility.
HOSPITAL
This sign is used to notify drivers of vehicles that they should take the precautions required near medical establishments and in particular that they should not make any unnecessary noise.
FIRST AID POST
This sign is used to notify drivers on long stretches of roads in rural area of the first aid facility which may be helpful in case of emergency.
EATING PLACE
This sign is used to indicate where a regular eating place is located.
LIGHT REFRESHMENT
This sign is used to indicate a place where light refreshment is available.
RESTING PLACE
This sign is used to indicate where facilities for resting and lodging are available. It is normally combined with a separate definition plate, indicating whether the place is a Rest House, Motel, Hotel etc.
NO THROUGH ROAD
This sign is used at the entrance to a road from where there is no exit.
NO THROUGH SIDE ROAD
This sign is used on the main road, with appropriate variations to the symbol so as to show the road layout, where it is considered essential to give advance indication of a "No Through Side Road."
PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY
This sign is used to guide pedestrians to the subway.
AIRPORT
This sign is installed where the Airport is situated nearby.
REPAIR FACILITY
This sign is installed at the places where repair facility is situated.
POLICE STATION
This sign is installed at the places where the Police Station is situated nearby.
RAILWAY STATION
This sign is installed at the places where the Railways Station is situated nearby.
BUS STOP
This sign is installed at the places where buses are designated to stop.
TAXI STAND
This sign is installed at the places where the taxis are expected to wait when not engaged/hired.
AUTO-RICKSHAW STAND
This sign is installed at the places where auto-rickshaws are to wait.
PARKING THIS SIDE
This sign is installed at the places where cycle-rickshaws are to wait.

Traffic Lights

Red - To stop the traffic Bring your vehicle to a complete halt behind the stop line or cross walk. Wait until the light turns green.
Amber - Caution If your have entered the intersection and the light turns to amber, move on very carefully. If you see the amber light before entering the crossing, stop the vehicle behind the stop line or cross walk.
Green - Go on Go through the crossing carefully. You can turn in the direction of the arrow by giving indicator.
Flashing signals A flashing red signal means you should come to a complete stop and move through the intersection where in it safe to do so. A flashing amber signal warns to drive with caution.
Pedestrian signals These signals help pedestrians cross intersections safely. If you face a steady red human figure, do not enter the road. If the signal starts flashing, cross the road quickly if you are already on the road. Stop, if you are about to join the road. Walk cautiously if you face a steady green human figure.

Road Marking

Bare roads will lead to total vehicular confusion. Markings are painted on the road to direct, guide and regulate the road user. Road markings include all lines patterns, words and colours applied on or attached to the road surface or kerb, for the said purpose
Traffic paints are commonly used for road markings. Other materials such as, road studs, cat's eyes and thermoplastic strips also find their application in road markings. These markings promote road safety and ensure smooth flow of traffic. Sometimes, road markings are used to supplement the message of road signs and other devices.
White is generally used for carriageway (road) markings except those indicating restrictions for which yellow markings are used. White or yellow together with black are used for kerb and object marking.
Centre line : Centre line marking for a two lane road On undivided two-way roads, the centre line separates the opposing streams of traffic and facilitates their movements. The centre line can be a single broken line, a single continous solid line (barrier line), a double solid line or a combination of solid line and broken line. Single and double solid lines, whether white or yellow, must not be crossed or even straddled. On a road with two centre lines, of which one is solid and the other broken, the solid line has significance only if it is on the left side of the combination as viewed by the driver. In such a case, the driver must be careful not to cross or straddle the centre line.
Lane line : Lane line and broken centre line
Centre barrier lines :
Centre barrier line marking for a four lane road Centre barrier line marking for a six lane road
Double white/yellow lines Double Continuous lines are used where visibility is restricted in both directions. Neither stream of traffic is allowed to cross the lines.
Combination of solid and broken lines If the line on your side is broken, you may cross or straddle it. OverTake - but only if it is safe to do so. If the line on your side is continious you must not cross or straddle it.
Stop Line A stop line is a single solid transverse line painted before the intersecting edge of the road junction/ intersection.This line indicates where you are required to stop when directed by traffic officer, traffic light of stop sign. Where a pedestrian crossing is provided, the stop line is marked before the pedestrian crossing.
Give way Line The give way line is usually a double dotted line marked transversely at junctions. These lines are generally supplemented by a reverse triangle give way sign painted on the road surface before the dotted lines or by a road sign installed beside the marking. Give way to traffic on the main approaching road.
Border or edge lines These are continuous lines at the edge of the carriageway and mark the limits of the main carriageway upto which a driver can safely venture.
Parking prohibited lines A solid continuous yellow line painted on the kerb or edge of the carriageway along with a "No-parking" sign indicates the extent of no-parking area.
Yellow box junctions or keep clear These are yellow crossed diagonal lines within the box. The vehicles should cross it only if they have a clear space available ahead of the yellow box. In this marked area vehicles must not stop even briefly.
Pedestrian Crossings / Zebra Crossing These are alternate black and white stripes painted parallel to the road generally known as zebra crossing. Pedestrians must cross only at the point where these lines are provided and when the signal is in their favour at controlled crossings. You must stop and give way to pedestrians at these crossings. Pedestrian crossings are marked to facilitate and give the right of way to pedestrians.

 

HAND TRAFFIC SIGNALS

Hand Traffic Signals are widely used by Traffic Police personnel in rural areas / districts of West Bengal to regulate Traffic except at big crossings where Auto Manual Traffic Signals have been installed. Even under the Police Commissionerates viz. Bidhannagar, Barrackpore, Howrah, Asansol-Durgapur and Siliguri, Hand-Traffic Signals are being used at small crossings and intersections. Moreover, hand-traffic signals are very useful in regulation of traffic on busy crossings in urban areas / commissionerates when Auto Manual Traffic Signals goes out of order due to power failure or any kind of malfunctioning.