Information signs

Information signs: how to read them

This chapter teaches 10 signs from the official manual: Count down signs, Cul-de-sac, Right-of-way, Park and ride, Supplementary plates, Information centre, Co-ordinated traffic signals, Multi-phase traffic signals, Bus stop ahead, Modal transfer.

Read the wording and symbol on each sign carefully. They tell you who the sign applies to, where it applies and what you must do, and two signs that look alike can apply to different road users.

Key idea: Check who a sign applies to before deciding what it means for you.

Count down signs — IN3

How to read it. These signs count down to an exit. They show that an exit is about 300 m, 200 m and 100 m ahead.

Where you meet it. They are on the left-hand side of the road.

What to do. If possible, enter the exit at the same speed as the maximum speed for that road. It applies to drivers wanting to use the exit.

In practice. You see the signs counting down to your exit, and move to the exit safely at the road's maximum speed.

Key idea: Count down: exit in about 300, 200 and 100 metres.

Cul-de-sac — IN4

How to read it. This sign tells you the road ahead, or the road to the left or right, ends.

Where you meet it. It is displayed on the left-hand side of the road.

What to do. Do not turn in at such a road unless you are going to a destination in the road that ends. It applies to all drivers.

In practice. You see the sign for a side road, and you do not turn in because your destination lies elsewhere.

Key idea: Road ends: only enter if your destination is in it.

Right-of-way — IN7

How to read it. This sign informs you that you have the right of way at the intersection ahead.

Where you meet it. It can be used on any road.

What to do. Do not slow down unnecessarily, but make sure that other traffic will yield. It applies to drivers on the road with right of way.

In practice. You approach an intersection with this sign and keep your speed, while checking that the cross traffic is actually yielding.

Easily confused. Having right of way is not permission to ignore other traffic; check that they will yield.

Key idea: You have right of way, but still check that others yield.

Park and ride — IN9

How to read it. This sign tells you of a park-and-ride terminus. IN9 has a bus service and IN10 has a train service.

Where you meet it. It is placed at the entrance to a parking area.

What to do. Stop in this parking area if you want to reach your destination using other transport. It applies to drivers who want to change transport.

In practice. You see the sign at a parking entrance, park your car and take the train to your destination.

Key idea: Park and ride: park here, then continue by bus or train.

Supplementary plates — IN11.1

How to read it. Supplementary plates give more information about the main message on a regulatory, warning or diagrammatical guidance sign.

Where you meet it. They are placed below another sign.

What to do. Pay attention to them to understand what the danger is, what a safe speed is, how far away the danger is and how far it will continue. They apply to the sign they are fixed below.

In practice. You see a warning sign with a plate below it. You read the plate to learn how far ahead the danger is.

Key idea: Read the plate under a sign: it adds detail to the main message.

Information centre — IN12

How to read it. This sign informs you of an information office or notice board.

Where you meet it. It is next to the entrance of a parking area, or in the top right or top left corner of a notice board.

What to do. You can get information about the area at this sign. It is for any driver or passenger needing information.

In practice. On a road trip you see this sign at a parking area entrance and stop to ask about the area.

Key idea: Information centre: stop for area information.

Co-ordinated traffic signals — IN14

How to read it. This sign tells you the signals on this route are co-ordinated. They will be green at later intersections if you maintain the indicated speed.

Where you meet it. It is on the left-hand side of the carriageway before an intersection.

What to do. Maintain the recommended speed if possible, but make sure it is safe to enter every intersection and watch for drivers that do not yield. The speed is a recommendation and not a speed limit.

In practice. You keep to the recommended speed and get green lights, but still check each intersection is safe.

Easily confused. The speed shown is a recommendation, not a speed limit.

Key idea: Recommended speed is advice, not a limit; check each intersection.

Multi-phase traffic signals — IN15

How to read it. This sign points out that the signals at the intersection do not follow the normal sequence.

Where you meet it. It is at the same pole as the signals, under the signal head.

What to do. Do not move off when approaching traffic moves off. Wait until your signal is green. The sequence can differ in normal and peak times.

In practice. At a robot with this sign, you stay put while the opposite traffic goes, waiting for your own green.

Easily confused. Do not assume your signal turns green after cross traffic; here your signal can stay red while opposing traffic goes.

Key idea: Wait for your own green; others moving does not mean you go.

Bus stop ahead — IN16

How to read it. This sign tells you there is a bus stop ahead.

Where you meet it. It is on the left-hand side of the road.

What to do. Be aware that buses may slow down and stop. Look out for pedestrians when overtaking. It applies to all drivers.

In practice. You see the sign and a bus ahead. You are careful about passing it, watching for pedestrians.

Key idea: Bus stop ahead: expect stopping buses and watch for pedestrians.

Modal transfer — IN17

How to read it. This sign shows a transport modal transfer point or terminus nearby, where passengers may change their mode of transport.

Where you meet it. It is on the left-hand side of the road.

What to do. Make sure it is safe to slow down and stop to drop someone off or pick someone up. Also look out for pedestrians who may cross the road. It applies to all drivers.

In practice. You see the sign near a transfer point and check it is safe before stopping to drop off a passenger. You watch for people crossing.

Key idea: Transfer point: stop only if safe, and watch for pedestrians.

Quick recap

• Count down signs (IN3): Count down: exit in about 300, 200 and 100 metres.
• Cul-de-sac (IN4): Road ends: only enter if your destination is in it.
• Right-of-way (IN7): You have right of way, but still check that others yield.
• Park and ride (IN9): Park and ride: park here, then continue by bus or train.
• Supplementary plates (IN11.1): Read the plate under a sign: it adds detail to the main message.
• Information centre (IN12): Information centre: stop for area information.
• Co-ordinated traffic signals (IN14): Recommended speed is advice, not a limit; check each intersection.
• Multi-phase traffic signals (IN15): Wait for your own green; others moving does not mean you go.
• Bus stop ahead (IN16): Bus stop ahead: expect stopping buses and watch for pedestrians.
• Modal transfer (IN17): Transfer point: stop only if safe, and watch for pedestrians.