Whether you’re driving through a well-established road like EDSA or driving through small provincial roads, road signs play a critical role in keeping road users safe. Take for example how drivers need the reflective one-way hazard markers to ensure that they slow down enough to make a tight turn; bikers have to know if their motorcycle can meet the minimum cc requirement to go inside an expressway; and cyclists must be informed when there are bike lanes available for them.
Road sign placement in the Philippines plays a detrimental factor in the safety of everyone from pedestrians to truck drivers. Now, whether you’re simply a pedestrian or you’ve been driving for over ten years, refreshing one’s knowledge of the different types of traffic signages in the Philippines and what they mean can make the roads a safer place.
What Are Road Signs and Symbols?
Traffic signs serve as a visual cue that’s meant to give drivers, pedestrians, and motorists information and instruction about the road ahead. These symbols are important because they keep roads safe, manage traffic, and adhere to international standards – meaning, they’re the same all over the world.
Road signs in combination with pavement markings will direct road users to properly share, use, and maneuver through the streets. It’s also good to remember that non-compliance with some of these road signs can lead to hefty fines imposed by the government.
Are Pavement Markings Considered Road Signs?
As we’ve mentioned above, road signs are symbols that convey critical information to the driver. Different types of pavement markings can signal drivers on how to maneuver their vehicles on the road and prevent collisions. That being said, you may be wondering if pavement markings are also considered to be road signs because they serve almost the same purpose.
According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr), pavement markings are classified under a different category. However, these markings still play an essential role in traffic safety. Combined with road signs, pavement markings can keep drivers and pedestrians safer on the road.
Types of Traffic Signs and Symbols in the Philippines
Now that you know the importance of traffic signs, we dive into the seven different types of road signs in the Philippines and their meanings.
Regulatory Signs
The first one on the list is regulatory signs. These signs use a variety of symbols to re-enforce traffic regulations and can be found on the side of the roads. Regulatory signs assist street users in managing traffic flow and these signs must be followed by motorists. If drivers don’t follow regulatory signs, they run the risk of getting sanctioned or penalized by traffic enforcers.
Regulatory signs have six groups underneath them. We’ve listed below the six groups and some examples of signs that fall under these categories.
Priority Signs
- Stop
- Give way
- Priority over oncoming traffic
Restriction Signs
- No entry
- No pedestrian crossing
- No overtaking
Speed Signs
Speed signs are the speed limit drivers see on the side of the road. These signs tell motorists the maximum speed they can go.
Usually, big vehicles such as trucks and buses have a lower speed limit than smaller vehicles.
Directional Signs
- One way
- No U-Turn
- Merging Traffic
Parking and Stopping Signs
- No parking
- No loading and unloading
- No stopping anytime
Miscellaneous
- Bike lane ahead
- No blowing of horns
- Fasten seatbelt
Warning Signs
Warning signs tell drivers that there may be hazards up ahead or sudden changes to the road’s layout. These signs can either be diamond or triangular on a white background that’s outlined in red.
Here are some examples of warning signs:
- Slippery road
- School crossing
- Steep ascent
- Intersection
- Falling rocks
Expressway Signs
Expressway signs are colored green and white that can be found on these high-speed roads. This type of road sign gives motorists information and reminders about their location, exit, and road practices.
Listed below are some of the most common signs you’ll find on the expressway.
- Advance exit signs (Ex. Bicutan exit 2 km)
- Exit direction sign (Ex. Sucat exit 1 km take right)
- Start expressway
- Check brakes
- Lay-by zone
Informative Signs
Informative signs are rectangular and look like expressway signs but, they give drivers information about their destination and any roadside services.
- Direction signs
- Street names
- Tourist destination signs
- Town names
- Service sign (Ex. Gasoline station 500m)
Hazard Markers
Hazard markers tell drivers that there may be obstructions or changes in the road moving forward. These road signs are illustrated as a series of arrows that are colored red or black that alert drivers of bends, road closures, or narrowing road width.
To make the roads safer, hazard markers are complemented with reflectorized traffic paint on the pavement.
Road Work Signs
Road work signs alert drivers of any road construction they’ll be encountering. This tells drivers that they’ll need to slow down or merge lanes to avoid the site.
Creating Safer Roads with Rua Seguridad
For drivers to safely maneuver through the road, they need the visual cues that road signs and high-quality traffic paints require. By using both tools, you can further improve the conditions of the road and reduce accidents.
If you’re looking for a partner who can help make the roads safer, you can rely on Rua Seguridad to provide high-quality road products for your projects. Contact us to learn more.
