Driving a car nowadays is a very intuitive, self-explanatory process. Most vehicles come with an automatic gearbox that allows the driver to control things easily, especially with the help of ESC systems or cruise control. Nevertheless, the amount of road accidents is still high, with many occurring due to inattentiveness.
Seeing as many new drivers get a set of wheels each year, it’s always a good idea to go back to basics and cover the theory. And what can be more important than the regulatory signs?
Sign Shapes
Let’s use a deductive approach and start from the very beginning, namely, from the shapes. First, there’re rectangular signs that always show some kind of information to you. They can warn you about upcoming junctions, tourist attractions, services, or diverted traffic. However, there are certain differences depending on what type of rectangular sign is before you.
Depending on the way they are oriented, you can distinguish between two main types:
- Vertical rectangular shape. If the sign is vertical, then it’s a regulatory one. Signs like these display rules like the speed limit or give directions, such as Keep Right or No Turn On Red.
- Horizontal rectangular shape. These signs provide general information to the driver. From them, you can learn the location of the nearest stops or gas stations, roadside attractions, and places to eat.
You must obey all vertical rectangular signs, but horizontal ones are not necessary for driving. However, rectangular signs are not the only ones you can spot on the road. There are a couple more out there that will warn you and regulate your movement on the road.
Circular signs are used to give orders and usually hint at something you must or must not do. You should never ignore them, as doing something against traffic laws could lead to fines and license suspension. Triangular signs warn drivers about upcoming hazards or changes in the traffic flow.
The only sign that has a unique shape is the stop sign, which is an octagon. It was done deliberately for the drivers to immediately notice and recognize it. Plus, it is designed similarly across the globe, which should only help drivers with a year or so of experience.
Sign Colors
With shapes out of the way, colors should be the next priority. Here you will quickly notice that they effectively serve their purpose and help easily distinguish between instructions and general information.
All in all, you can find signs of the following colors on the road:
- Red signs usually denote a warning of some kind and are similar to warnings triangular signs give.
- Blue signs give you instructions. They could prompt you to change your speed or choose a junction on the motorway.
- Green signs are there to give you general information, which could come in handy in some cases.
- White signs never really give instructions or provide information on their own. They are just used in conjunction with others to provide clarifications.
- Brown signs are there to help tourists drive around the country. They denote any places of historical significance or, simply speaking, point out major tourist attractions.
The only real exception to the rules here is the color yellow. It is used to make the signs more noticeable as they divert traffic. As with the stop signs, it comes in handy in all situations and helps avoid road accidents.
Regulatory Signs And Their Color
So, where do regulatory signs fall in terms of shape and color? They are usually rectangular white signs that direct you and tell you what you can and absolutely cannot do. The most common examples include Stop Sign, Yield Sign, No-Turn On Red Sign, or Speed Limit Sign.
These particular signs are used to regulate traffic. They must be obeyed no matter the situation— no wonder all new drivers pay special attention to them during theory study and learn them by heart.
All regulatory signs heavily reinforce traffic laws and regulations, helping you and others drive safely. And while some of them apply at all times, others do during specified times mentioned on the signs themselves.
Summary
You must recognize all signs, no matter their color or shape. They all provide you with invaluable information or direct you to drive in a certain way to prevent road accidents. Knowing this would help you stay out of trouble and avoid any traffic fines attached to violations.
We hope our deductive approach was effective and helped you with regulatory signs! Drive safe!
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