We are almost always in a rush and hardly stop to pay much attention to read anything while on the road. Whatever seeks previous knowledge is made known to us through signs. Traffic signs in India are thus in abundance and rightfully able to deliver the intended information to pedestrians and drivers beforehand. Traffic signs in India are eye-catchy, very commonplace, and can easily transmit their meaning to people in a split second. Understanding road traffic signs in India is a must-have ability for every driver, and additionally, driver’s license candidates must pass a test regarding them. Since words fail to convey their intended message in the blink of an eye, these visual images work as universal substitutes on the road. We will elucidate more on the various traffic symbols in India in the following portion.
Types of Road Signs in India
Although not all road signs in India can be summed up in a single article, the driving signs in India have three main categories among them. These are – Mandatory, Cautionary & Informatory – all three are further explained below.
Mandatory Traffic Signs
As the name suggests, every driver and pedestrian strictly follows these traffic signs in India. Failing to do so, one can land in a heap of legal problems & challan. Moreover, the unsuccessful follow-up of these kinds of signs can disrupt the regular flow of traffic or, in a worst-case scenario, cause an accident. The traffic police are in charge of maintaining the hassle-free implementation of these signs across the country. A majority of mandatory signs have round shapes and red/white background amidst them.
The most common mandatory traffic signs in India are – Stop, Give Way, No Parking, Speed Limit, Pedestrian Crossing, Narrow Bridge, School Ahed.
Cautionary Traffic Signs
Men at Work, Steep Ascent/Descent, Cycle Crossing, Slippery Road, Ferry, Cattle, Road Wideness Ahead – among cautionary signs in India, these are the most common.
Making the driver alert & attentive about the upcoming situation is the sole purpose of cautionary signs. When a condition that derives from commonplace roads, cautionary signs generally come in triangular shapes and have a black background. Although there is no penalty in avoiding or not adhering to these signs, for safety purposes, considering them is the best possible way to keep one’s head.
Informatory Traffic Signs
Primarily information-oriented, these traffic signs in India radically derive from the other two classifications. They are also broader in size and have big fonts. For people looking for hotels or petrol pumps or hospitals or a certain destination, these informatory signs intimate the input to them, some with the distance that has to be covered until they arrive.
The informatory signs are a big help for anyone new to the area and help maintain unwanted traffic jams also. Public Telephone, Resting places, Parking lots, etc., are all examples of informatory signs.
Various Shapes & Colours of Traffic Signs in India
Remembering the shapes and colors of traffic signs in India can help in communicating the meaning of the particular sign instantaneously, even without properly seeing them. On top of that, if one can successfully recall their various shapes and colors, they can easily identify and categorize a number of traffic signs in India systematically.
Sign Shapes
A total of 4 shapes are present as traffic signs in India.
Round
Most effectively used as regulatory signs. It is better to tread carefully ahead while driving according to the sign whenever you notice one. Otherwise, a challan is likely in order.
Triangle
Triangle shapes mainly belong to the cautionary signs genre (excluded the mandatory sign – Give way). Upon noticing one of such shape, drive more attentively ahead.
Rectangle
Every single one of rectangular shapes signs indicates information about a particular place or destination – therefore, informatory signs.
Octagon
This shape has only a single usage – STOP sign, belonging to the mandatory category.
Sign colors
Sign colors, much like traffic sign shapes, have 4 distinct fields.
Red
The color itself denotes danger while on the road. Just like in the traffic signal, the color red indicates stop; among the traffic signs in India, red also implies certain compulsory instructions and chances of challan. Moreover, the red color is mainly used in Mandatory and Cautionary sign families.
Blue
Blue-colored signs redirect people and allow them to stay on the right route. Round shapes combined with blue are generally regulatory signs.
Green
The color green completely belongs to the informatory signs group.
Yellow
When yellow is on, it hints that drivers slow down and drive cautiously.
Functions of traffic signs
Without traffic signs in India, the already exhausting driving conditions will fall into chaos. The primary function of traffic signs in India is to make the driving experience a pleasant one, have error-free transport, and guide both pedestrians and drivers of road etiquette and occasional dangers, securing them all the while. The road signs let drivers know how much distance is left and how much is covered through informatory signs, leading people to an alternate, more secure way to their destination and informing beforehand whether some hazardous situation might or has arrived ahead. In the era of GPS, traffic signs work as complementary to the overall driving experience.
Traffic signs are a must-learn before one can acquire a driver’s license. It should also be stressed that traffic signs are equally important to pedestrians because only when they know their assorted area to tread on the drivers on the main road can drive rightly. Moreover, with their various shapes and colorful graphics, traffic signs in India come in a variety of ranges, all wanting to maintain road harmony among pedestrians and drivers.
Now that you are aware of the traffic signs in India in detail, you might want to learn more about the meaning of color codes of the Indian vehicle registration plates.
Important Safety Request from Team Test N Drive
To ensure your safety on roads, always wear a helmet & motorcycle glove while riding a bike, and do not forget to wear a seatbelt while driving a car.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many traffic signs are there in India?
Although the exact number of traffic signs in India is not known, there are a total of three main categories – Mandatory, Cautionary, and Informatory.
What are road signs?
Road signs enable people to adhere to traffic laws, follow directions when shown, and inform people about their respective destinations.
What does a diamond-shaped sign indicate?
They inform drivers of upcoming hazardous road conditions and rough terrains.
