Important Traffic Signs to Follow in India

Traffic signs are the salient speakers, preventing drivers and pedestrians from fatal risks on the road. More than 400 road accidents occur daily on Indian roads that cost lives and 3% of total annual GDP.

Therefore, it is important to know 3 main categories of traffic signs in India to ensure road safety.

Here we have listed details about traffic signs in a consolidated form to make it easier to understand.

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What Are the Traffic Signs in India?

Understanding traffic signs is crucial for optimum safety on the road. These traffic signs communicate the basic rules and regulations of road safety in the form of extremely simple graphics that can be easily understood within seconds. In fact, any person applying for a driving license, for example, needs to be completely aware of all the traffic signs to pass the theoretical exam of a driving test. Discussed below are the various types of traffic signs or symbols for Indian roads.

Different Types of Traffic Signs in India

Common traffic signs in India are categorized under three heads -

1. Mandatory Traffic Signs

In India, all traffic signs are a must to follow. However, mandatory signs are compulsory and most important to follow. According to the Roadways and Traffic Department of India, failing to follow traffic rules and signs may incur a traffic penalty on the driver. It ensures that traffic movement remains smooth and pedestrians are aware of the movement of vehicles on the road, speed limit, no parking zones, etc.

The mandatory traffic signs in India are as follows:

Traffic Signs	Meaning
Stop	Drivers should immediately stop after seeing this.
Give Way	Indicates the traffic to give way to the fellow traffic on the right.
Straight Prohibitor No Entry	Indicates restricted area.
Pedestrian Prohibited	Indicates the place is restricted for walking.
Horn Prohibited	Honking is restricted in areas marked with this sign.
No Parking	Restricts parking of vehicles in areas marked with this sign.
No Stopping or Standing	No vehicle or person should stand or stop at the locations marked with this sign.
Speed Limited	Following the mentioned speed limit is mandatory in these designated areas.
Right Hand Curve	Cautions the driver about a right hand curve.
Left Hand Curve	Cautions the driver about a left hand curve.
Right Hair Pin Bend	Cautions about a sharp right turn.
Left Hair Pin Bend	Cautions about a sharp left turn.
Narrow Road Ahead	Cautions the driver about a narrow road.
Narrow Bridge	Indicates the driver about a narrow bridge on the road ahead.
Pedestrian Crossing	This sign indicates that pedestrians should cross the road.
School Ahead	Cautions the driver about a school nearby.
Round About	Indicates the driver about a circular intersection.
Dangerous Dip	Cautions the driver that there is a sharp dip nearby.
Hump or Rough	Cautions the driver about a hump nearby.
Barrier Ahead	Indicates to the driver that there is a barrier in the road ahead. e.g. Tolls

2. Cautionary Traffic Signs

Among other traffic signs in India, cautionary signs warn drivers about potential threats or safety hazards ahead on the road. Drivers should take necessary steps or slow down their vehicles according to cautionary signs given on the road.

If you wonder how many traffic signs are there in India under the cautionary category, the answer is 40. For best understanding, the description of each sign is mentioned under their graphical symbol, although these symbols are self-explanatory.

The different cautionary traffic signs are mentioned below:

Traffic Signs	Meaning
Right Hand Curve	Cautions the driver about a right hand curve.
Left Hand Curve	Cautions the driver about a left hand curve.
Right Hair Pin Bend	Cautions about a sharp right turn.
Left Hair Pin Bend	Cautions about a sharp left turn.
Right Reverse Bend	Caution the driver that there is a zigzag turn to the right.
Left Reverse Bend	Caution the driver that there is a zigzag turn to the left.
Steep Ascent	Indicates that there is a steep rising upwards nearby
Steep Descent	Indicates that there is a steep descending downwards nearby
Narrow Road Ahead	Indicates to the driver that the road ahead merges into a narrow road.
Road Wideness Ahead	Indicates to the driver that the road ahead widens.
Narrow Bridge	Indicates the driver about a narrow bridge on the road ahead.
Slippery Road	Cautions the driver that gravel or loose earth keeps falling on the road.
Cycle Crossing	Indicates that the road is meant for riding a bicycle.
Pedestrian Crossing	This sign indicates that pedestrians should cross the road.
School Ahead	Cautions the driver about a school nearby.
Men At Work	Indicates that labourers are working on the road ahead.
Cattle	Indicates the possibility of cattle on the road nearby.
Falling Rocks	Cautions the drivers that the road ahead is prone to falling rocks.
Ferry	Indicates the presence of ferry service.

3. Informatory Traffic Signs

Informatory signs are important traffic signs that help drivers with information about facility areas even without knowledge of the map. It tells about a hospital, petrol pump, public toilet, etc., in the nearest vicinity.

Listed below are the important informatory traffic signs to follow in India.

Traffic Signs	Meaning
Public Telephone	Indicates that a telephone is present nearby.
Petrol Pump	Indicates that a petrol pump is present nearby.
Hospital	Indicates that a hospital is present nearby.
First Aid Post	Indicates the presence of a first aid facility nearby.
Eating Place	Indicates the presence of an eating place nearby like restaurants, cafes, etc.
Light Refreshment	Indicates the presence of a light refreshment facility nearby.
Resting Place	Indicates the presence of a resting place nearby.
No Thorough Road	Indicates the unavailability of exit on the road.
No Thorough Side Road	Indicates the unavailability of a thorough side road on the main road.
Park This Side	Shows where to park the vehicle.
Parking Lot Scooter and Motorcycle	Indicates the parking lot for scooters and motorcycles.
Parking Lot Cycle	Indicates the parking lot for bicycles
Parking Lot Cars	Indicates the parking lot for cars.

Importance of Traffic Signs in Daily Life

Indian traffic signs have utmost importance in daily life on the road.

It helps -

Smooth flow of traffic and avoid congestion.
Save lives from the potential risk of accidents.
Provide necessary information about the road ahead.
Prevent road offences.
In the navigation of routes.

For new drivers, these signs are extremely helpful in a smooth driving experience.

The traffic signs chart in India is updated by the Roadways and Traffic Department of India to maintain a better road traffic system.

What Are the Functions of Traffic Signs in India?

The various traffic signs used in India have an array of functions. These are -

Supports drivers with information about the road, facility around, lane to drive in, etc.
Ensures road discipline
Provides road instructions
Provides information about crossroads, potholes, curves, etc.
Marks the entry and exit points
Informs about parking areas
Informs about maintaining the desired speed limit while crossing any institutes to prevent accidents

There are several other types of traffic signals in India, such as:

Hand signal by traffic police.
Pavement marking or road marking signs.
Traffic light signals

Besides road accidents, traffic signs save from incidents of road rage, profanities, aggressive acceleration, etc. According to the New Motor Vehicle Act of 2019, penalties for breaking traffic rules are made strict and incur higher penalties. Therefore, it is advisable to know all traffic signs and follow those.