There are several colors and shapes used for different types of traffic signs. All signs’ basic purpose is to give you important messages on the road. Among them, white traffic signs are widely installed on highways.
Today, you will learn about white traffic signs and why they are placed on roads. We have also told different types of white road signs and what you need to do when you see them on your way.
What Do White Traffic Signs Indicate?
White traffic signs are installed to show you regulatory rules. They tell you the laws of the road in a clear way. You have to follow these instructions when you drive your vehicle on highways.
If you ignore these signs, you may face fines or accidents. Unlike other colored signs, white traffic signs guide you about requirements and prohibitions you must follow by law.
Why White Color Selected For Road Signs?
The reason behind the use of white color for road signs is that it is easy to see and read. Road users can notice these boards on their way both day and night. Mostly, you will see white color signs with black or red letters/symbols. Hence, this contrast also makes them highly viable for you.
Common White Traffic Signs & Their Meaning
Following are types of white signs and what action you need to take when you notice them on the road.
1. White Lines on Road Meaning
White markings on highways indicate route lanes, edges, different directions and traffic movement rules. They are also marked to separate the traffic which move in the same direction.
Mostly, you will find two types of white lines. If you notice broken/dotted white markings, it means you can change your lanes or overtake if safe. However, solid white lines regulate you to stay in your lane and not pass.
2. White Road Sign with Black Line
A white road sign with a black line is basically a national speed limit sign. These signs are places where national speed limits apply. It shows you the end of the lower speed zone.
You can drive up to the usual speed (60mph or 70 mph) where you notice this board. You may find some other white signs with a black line, which tell you rules such as weight limits or roads are closed.
3. White Traffic Sign With Arrow
Transport departments place white directional signs to tell you the direction you must follow. For example: they show you the correct path ahead, lane you can use or way you can turn your car.
The arrow can point straight, left, right or diagonally. You will spot these signs before junctions and lane closures. You should always obey the arrow to avoid accidents and the violation of traffic rules.
4. White Rectangle Traffic Sign
These signs generally give you important rules or information. It tells you mandatory laws such as speed limits, parking rules, lane use or vehicle turn requirements. You will spot black text or symbols on a white background rectangular board.
When these signs combine with other signs’ color and shapes, they may show you route numbers or warnings (like chevrons for curves).
5. White Triangle Traffic Sign
A white sign which has a triangle shape usually gives warning to drivers. You will also notice a red border which means “Yield” or “Give Way”. When you spot these signs, you have to slow down your vehicle and let other traffic pass first.
Inside the triangle, you can clearly see the exact hazard such as narrow road or danger ahead. If the triangle points upward, it indicates warnings. But, the downward triangle white sign means “Yield”.
6. White Diamond Traffic Sign
The diamond shaped white road signs are used to mark special rules or restricted lanes. They are installed at lanes like HOV (High Occupancy Vehicles), buses or bicycles.
In some countries, these signs are also used to warn about pedestrian crossing ahead. Moreover, white diamond signs may indicate hazards or trams for drivers in the UK and Europe.
7. White Circle Traffic Sign
A white circular traffic sign is also a regulatory sign. It is installed to tell you rules which you should follow. It mostly has a red border for prohibitions such as no entry or no bicycles.
You may notice a black symbol or number for mandatory limits such as speed limits. Furthermore, a plain white circle with a black diagonal line is used to mark the end of restrictions.
8. White Square Traffic Sign
If we talk about white signs square road signs, they show you traffic rules such as no parking zones or turn restrictions. These boards also give you guidance on your way.
For example: you will spot street names, route numbers, weight or speed limits. Its square shoes make it easy for you to read and follow rules.
9. White Rectangular Traffic Sign with Black or Red Print
Well, these informational boards are placed to show you rules or instructions you must follow. If you see white signs with black letters/symbols, it gives you regulatory messages (lane rules).
But, white rectangular signs with red prints highlight prohibitions such as no entry or no parking. Hence, these signs clearly tell you what you must do or what to expect ahead.
10. White Road Sign with 3 Black Lines Meaning
If you notice white traffic signage which has three black strips, it means the end of a restricted speed zone or specific traffic rule. So, you can drive your vehicle at normal speed or can follow regular road rules.
The purpose of this signs installation is to inform drivers that the previous restriction no longer applies.
11. White Road Sign with Red Stripes
You will notice these signs in countries like in the UK and Europe. A white road sign with red stripes actually means you are approaching a crossing (railway crossing). It mostly uses countdown markers with fewer stripes as you get closer.
But, it can also indicate rules such as no overtaking or no stopping. Because, it depends on the shape and symbols of the sign.
More White Signs You See on Roads
Apart from common regulatory signs, you will also see many other white signs on roads. They are installed to provide you extra information and rules while you are driving.
No Turn Sign tells you about which turns are not allowed. You will see a left, right or U-turn symbol on board with a red border.
Intersection Lane Control Signs are placed at intersections. They use an arrow & symbol to tell you which lanes you can drive on.
Pedestrian Crossing Sign is a white road sign placed on highways to where people may cross the road. Drivers must slow down and watch for walking people.
Turn Signs guide you when and where you can take turns. You must follow it for safe driving and to stay in the correct lane.
Do Not Pass Sign tells you not to overtake other vehicles in that area. You will find these signs on hills, winding roads or intersections.
Narrow Bridge Ahead Sign is placed where the road ahead is narrow. So, you can reduce your car speed and drive carefully.
Parking Regulation Sign warns you about parking rules in specific areas. Parking signage shows you allowed parking times or no-parking zones.
Unguarded Railway Crossing Sign is placed to warn you about a railway crossing where you will find no barriers or gate. This sign tells you to slow down & watch the train before you cross.
Pass With Care Sign is used where it is prohibited to overtake or pass another vehicle. You will spot it in areas with limited visibility or potential hazards.
Road Closed Sign is used to tell you the road ahead is not open for traffic. It may be due to construction or accidents.
Emergency Stopping Only Sign is also white traffic sign which tells you the area is only for stopping in emergencies. Hence, you should not park or stop there for regular reasons.
Weight Limit Sign shows the maximum weight allowed for vehicles on a road & bridge. This way, you can prevent damages and accidents.
Oncoming Traffic Sign is installed where vehicles appear from opposite directions. It prevents head-on collisions on narrow roads or bends.
Bus Only Sign guides you about a lane or road section which is reserved only for buses. That means, other vehicles must not use this lane.
No Horn Sign is spotted where the use of vehicle horn is prohibited. It is usually placed near hospitals & schools.
One Way Sign tells you traffic can only move in one direction on the road. You must follow the arrow and avoid driving against it.
White Driving Signs
Following are some commonly used white driving signs you may see on roads.
- Overhead clearance signs show the maximum height allowed for vehicles.
- Truck route signs indicate routes designed for trucks.
- Bicycle lane signs mark lanes only reserved for bicycles.
- Street name signs show the name of the road or street.
- Temporary work zone signs give you instructions or warnings in construction areas.
- End of restriction signs inform you about the end of a previously applied rule.
Final Words
In the end, you have complete information of white traffic signs and what they indicate. Next time you will see them on the road, you can act confidently according to the above instructions.
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