Recognising road signs by their shape and colour - circles for orders, triangles for warnings, rectangles for information - and reading direction signs by background colour.

What this dot point is asking

CCEA wants you to read a road sign from its shape and colour alone, and to know the meaning of common signs in each group. The exam routinely shows pictures of signs (Fig. 24.1, Fig. 24.2 and so on) and asks you to state what each one means, or asks "what type of sign is round with a red ring?". Learning the system lets you decode a sign you have never seen before.

The answer

The shape system

The shape of a sign is the first clue to its purpose.

Order (regulatory) signs - circular

Circular signs give compulsory instructions:

• A red ring or red circle means a prohibition or restriction (something you must not do): for example the round red-ringed speed limit "30", "No entry" (red circle with a white bar), or "No overtaking".
• A blue circle gives a positive instruction (something you must do): for example "Turn left", "Keep left", "Ahead only" or "Mini-roundabout".

Warning signs - triangular

Warning signs are triangular with a red border on a white background, pointing upward. They warn of a hazard ahead so you can slow down and prepare: for example "Bend to the right", "Crossroads", "Road narrows", "Slippery road" or "School / children crossing". A few warning signs, such as "Stop" and "Give way" markings, use special shapes covered with the markings.

Information signs - rectangular

Rectangular signs give information: location signs, facilities (services, parking) and general guidance. Many are blue or have coloured panels.

Direction signs - read the background colour

On direction signs the background colour tells you the class of road:

Worked example: decoding an unfamiliar sign

Examples in context

Example 1. A red-ringed "30". Circle plus red ring means an order and a restriction: the maximum speed limit here is 30 mph.

Example 2. A red triangle with two children. Triangle plus red border means a warning: children are likely to be crossing (often near a school), so reduce speed and watch carefully.

Try this

Q1. What does a triangular sign with a red border tell you? [1 mark]

• Cue. It is a warning that a hazard is ahead.

Q2. What is the difference in meaning between a red-ringed circle and a blue circle? [2 marks]

• Cue. Red ring = prohibition (must not); blue circle = positive instruction (must do).

Q3. A direction sign has a blue background. What kind of road does it relate to? [1 mark]

• Cue. A motorway.