Overview
This lecture explains the meanings, categories, and memorization strategies for road traffic signs, essential for passing theory and practical driving exams.
Order of Precedence for Traffic Instructions
- Always follow this order: traffic lights, then traffic signs, then general traffic rules.
- If traffic rules conflict with traffic signs, follow the signs.
- Some signs have additional rules for specific groups (e.g., "No entry, except cyclists").
Categories of Traffic Signs
- Signs are divided into Categories A-L, covering rules like speed, priority, closed roads, direction, parking, prohibitions, warnings, location, and road layout.
Common Categories Explained
Category A: Speed
- A1 and A2 indicate maximum speed limits; A1 sets a limit, A2 ends a previous speed limit.
- A3 is often on motorways for speed maximums.
- A4 (blue, square) is advisory speed (not mandatory).
- A5 ends advisory speed.
Category B: Priority
- B-signs manage priority at intersections and roads.
- B6 and B7: yield or stop for priority traffic; B7 requires a complete stop.
Category C: Closed Declarations
- Indicate roads closed to certain users; often specifies which groups (e.g., "no entry" for vehicles except bicycles).
Category D: Directions
- Show which directions are allowed.
- D1: roundabout; D2: pass on indicated side; D3: pass either side; D4-D7: go only as indicated by arrows.
Category E: Parking and Stopping
- E1: no parking (stopping allowed).
- E2: no stopping or parking.
- E3: no bicycles/mopeds.
- E4: parking permitted in designated places.
Category F: Prohibitions
- F2, F3, F4: overtaking prohibitions for cars or trucks.
- F5/F6: priority at narrowings.
- F7: no turning.
Category G & H: Areas
- G: start/end of car (G2/G3) or residential (G5/G6) areas.
- H1: entering built-up area; H2: leaving built-up area.
Category J: Warnings
- Triangular red-bordered signs warn of hazards (bends, poor surface, intersections, railway crossings, vulnerable users).
Category K: Directions & Facilities
- K-signs indicate route directions and nearby facilities (e.g., fuel stations).
Category L: Road Layout
- L-signs provide info on road features like pedestrian crossings.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Priority Sign — indicates which road users must yield.
- Closed Declaration — indicates routes not accessible to certain vehicles.
- Advisory Speed — recommended but not required maximum speed.
- Built-up Area — town or city area with specific driving rules.
- Warning Sign — alerts to upcoming hazards.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Study the provided traffic sign overview sheet.
- Memorize key signs and their meanings, focusing on categories A-L.
- Practice applying precedence order (lights > signs > rules).
- Review any mnemonics mentioned for priority and parking.