TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

MANUAL ON TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

PREFACE

The purpose of this manual is to establish uniformity in design and application of all traffic
signs and control devices in Malaysia for the benefit of road users, road and traffic authorities, and
manufacturers of traffic signs.

This manual supersedes and forms part of the revised version of JKR/J(Rb) 0001/80, Manual
On Traffic Control Devices - Traffic Signs. The Manual is now divided into the following parts:

1. Arahan Teknik (Jalan) 2A/85 - Standard Traffic Signs. Standard traffic signs drawings
for Regulatory, Warning and Guide signs are illustrated complete with dimensions. A
coloured chart for all the traffic signs indicated acceptable colours for each sign.

2. Arahan Teknik (Jalan)2B/85 - Traffic Sign Application. It consists of, with the exception
of Temporary signs, design criteria and location requirements for all traffic signs.

3. Arahan Teknik (Jalan) 2C/85 -- Temporary Signs and Work Zones Control It consists of
standard temporary sign drawings and their application in the work zones.

4. Arahan Teknik (Jalan) 2D/85 - Road Markings and Delineation Standard road line
paints, road markings and delineators are identified together with guides on their appli
cations.

The specifications in this manual are recommended to be used for all new signs and for
all replacements of existing signs which have outlived their usefulness.

Page 1
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

SUMMARY
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS 3. Functions of Colours on Traffic Sign
a) Red on White background or vice versa
1. Types of Traffic Sign i) Prohibitive
ii) Warning for extreme danger
a) Regulatory Signs
i) Prohibitive Signs b) White on Blue background
ii)Mandatory Signs i) Mandatory
ii) Directive (destination and dis
b) Warning Signs tance)
c) Guide Signs iii) Inform on general services.
i) Destination Signs
ii) Distance Signs c) White on Green background
iii)Information Signs i) Inform on river names
- General Service Signs ii) Inform on historical and cultural
- Historical & Cultural interest areas.
- Interest Area Signs
- Recreational Area Signs d) Yellow on Dark Green background
- Town Name Signs i) Inform on recreational areas
- River Name Signs
e) Black on White background
d) Route Markers i) Prohibitive for some cases
e) Temporary Signs ii) Inform on town names

2. Shapes and Sizes of Traffic Sign f) Black on Yellow background

a) Circular i) Warning
i) Size when used with traffic signal :
Diameter = 300 mm g) Black on Orange background
ii) Minimum size : Diameter = 600 i) Temporary
mm
iii) Normal size : Diameter = 750 h) Red on Blue background
mm i) Prohibitive for some cases

b) Octagonal
i) Minimum size : Width = 600 mm.
ii) Other size : Width = 900 mm

c) Triangular (Equilateral)
i) Minimum size ; Width = 600 mm
ii) Normal size : Width = 750 mm

d) Diamond (square with vertical diagonal)

i) Minimum size : Width 400 mm
ii) Normal size : Width = 600 mm
iii)Other size : Width = 750 mm &
900 mm.

e) Rectangular
Size varies according to legend
(word message/symbol) on sign.

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 2

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
4. Clearances for Traffic Sign.
Vertical
Rural areas : a > 1.5 m
Business & Residential areas : a > 2.2m
Divided Highways : a> 1.8 m
a > 2.2 m for destination signs.
MANUAL ON TRAFFIC CONTROL
DEVICES
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
CONTENTS
PREFACE
PART ONE: TRAFFIC CONTROL
DEVICES
1.1 Purpose of Traffic Control Devices
1.2 Function of Traffic Control Devices
1.3 Requirements of Traffic Control
Devices
1.4 Effectiveness of Traffic Control
Devices
PART TWO: TRAFFIC SIGNS
2.1 Function of Traffic Signs
2.2 Effectiveness of Traffic Signs
2.3 Application of Traffic Signs
2.4 Excessive Use of Traffic Signs
2.5 Standardization of Traffic Signs
2.6 Design of Traffic Signs
2.7 Location of Traffic Signs
2.8 Overhead Traffic Signs
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
Lateral
With road shoulders : b > 0.6m
Without road shoulders : b > 3.6m
Outside curb face,
guardrail line,
paved shoulder : b>,, 0.6 m
2.9 Vertical Clearance for Traffic Signs
2.10 Lateral Clearance for Traffic Signs
2.11 Erection of Traffic Signs
2.12 Post and Mounting o£ Traffic-Signs
2.13 Maintenance of Traffic Signs
2.14 Traffic Sign Materials
2.15 Colour Code for Traffic Signs
SECTION 2A: Regulatory Signs
2A.1 General on Regulatory
Signs
2A.2 Design o£ Regulatory Signs
SECTION 2B: Warning Signs
2B.1 General on Warning Signs
2B.2 Design of Warning Signs
SECTION 2C: Guide Signs
2C.1 General on Guide Signs
2C.2 Classification of Guide Signs
2C.3 Colour and Shape of Guide Signs
2C.4 Size of Guide Signs
2C.5 Lettering on Guide Signs
2C.6 Border on Guide Signs
2C.7 Directional Symbols on Guide Signs
2C.8 Destination Signs
2C.9 Distance Signs
Page 3
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

2C.10 Information Signs PART ONE: TRAFFIC CONTROL

2C.11 Route Markers DEVICES

PART THREE: GUIDE ON APPLICATION 1.1 Purpose of Traffic Control

3.1 Scope of Guide Devices
3.2 Intersections The purpose of traffic control, devices
3.3 Hills, Turns and Curves and warrants for their use is to help
3.4 Narrow Bridges, Culverts and ensure highway safety by providing for
Roadside Obstacles the orderly and predictable movement of
3.5 Railroad Grade Crossings all traffic, motorised and non-motorised,
3.6 School Zones and to provide the necessary guidance
3.7 Speed Zones and warnings to ensure the safe and
3.8 Permanent Weighbridge Stations informed operation of every road user
3.9 Recreational, Historical and Cultural on the highway.
Interest Areas
3.10 Place Name
1.2 Function of Traffic Control
Devices
Road users depend upon traffic control
SUMMARY devices to be advised of the require-
APPENDIX A - Location of Traffic Signs ments or conditions affecting road use at
specific places and times so that appro
priate action can be taken to avoid
accidents, delays etc. Functionally, the
traffic control devices in use are divided
into the following three groups:

1.2.1 Regulatory devices have the authority to

impose precise requirements upon the
actions of road users.

1.2.2 Warning devices call attention to poten-

tially hazardous roadway conditions or
unusual traffic movements which are not
readily apparent to on-coming traffic.
They impose the responsibility upon the
individual road user to employ added
caution.

1.2.3 Guiding devices show route designa-

tions, destinations, directions, distances,
points of interest, and other geographical
or cultural information.

1.3 Requirements of Traffic Control

Devices
To be effective, all traffic control
devices should meet the following five

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 4

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
elementary requirements:
(a) They should fulfill an important
need.
(b) They should command attention.
(c) They should convey a clear, sim
ple meaning.
(d) They should command the
respect of road users.
(e) They should give adequate time
for proper response.
1.4 Effectiveness of Traffic Control
Devices
The effectiveness of traffic control
devices used is directly dependent upon
the degree to which the above
mentioned basic requirements are met:
To ensure these requirements are ful
filled, consideration must be given to
five major factors viz. design,
placement, operation, maintenance and
uniformity.
1.4.1 Design of the devices should ensure that
such features as size, contrast, colours,
shape, composition, and lighting or
reflectorization are combined to draw
attention to the devices, that shape, size,
colours, and simplicity of message
combine to. produce a clear meaning;
that legibility and size combine with
placement to permit adequate time for
response; and that uniformity, legibility,
reasonableness and size to command
respect.
1.4.2 Placement of the device should ensure
that it is within the optimum visual
cone, i.e. 100 to 200 on the horizontal
axis of the cone base and 50 to 80 on the
vertical axis, of the viewer so that it will
command attention; that it is positioned
with respect to the point, object, or situa
tion to which it applies to aid in
conveying the proper meaning; and that
its location, combined with suitable
legibility, is such that a driver traveling
at normal speed has adequate time to
make the proper response.
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
1.4.3 Operation or application should ensure
that appropriate devices and related
equipment are installed to meet the
traffic requirements at a given location.
Furthermore, the device must be placed
and operated in a uniform and consistent
manner to ensure, to the extent possible,
that vehicle operators can be expected to
properly respond to the device, based on
their previous exposure to similar traffic
control situations.
1.4.4 Maintenance of devices should be to high
standards to ensure that legibility is
retained, that the device is visible, and
that it is removed if no longer needed.
Clean, legible and properly mounted
devices in good working condition
command the respect of road users. In
addition to physical maintenance,
functional maintenance is required to
adjust needed traffic control devices to
current conditions and to remove
unnecessary traffic control devices. The
fact that a device is in good physical
condition should not be a basis for
deferring needed replacement,or change.
Furthermore, carelessly executed
maintenance can destroy the value of a
group of devices, throwing them out
of balance; e.g. replacement of a sign in a
group or series by one that is
disproportionately large may tend to
deprecate others in the vicinity.
The following procedures on cleaning
can be used for specific maintenance
purposes:
(a) TAR, OIL, DIESEL, SMUT,
BITUMINOUS MATERIAL
Use a mild solvent such as mineral
spirits. Then wash the surface with mild
detergent and water, and rinse with clean
water.
(b) POLLEN AND FUNGUS
Wash the surface with a 3-50/o sodium
hypochlorite solution followed by
detergent and water. Rinse with clean
water.
Page 5
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

or where hazards are not self-evident.

(c) LIPSTICK, CRAYON They also give information as to highway
Use a mild solvent such as mineral routes, directions, destinations and points
spirits to remove the material. Follow of interest. Traffic signs ordinarily are not
with detergent and water, and rinse with needed to confirm rules of the road.
clean water. Functionally, traffic signs are classified as
follows:
(d) PAINT (a) Regulatory signs give notice of
traffic laws and regulations.
It may be possible to remove paint
(Refer to Section 2A where RP -
sprayed onto an Engineering Grade
regulatory prohibitive and RM-
Sheeting sign face using a commercial
regulatory mandatory)
paint remover designed for this purpose.
The type of paint, length of exposure, and
(b) Warning Signs call attention to
type of remover used may affect the
conditions on, or adjacent to, a
performance life of the sheeting.
highway that are potentially haz
Following cleaning, clear coating may be
ardous to traffic operations.(Refer
necessary, depending upon surface
to Section 2B where WD - warn
conditions.
ing danger)
(c) Guide signs show route designa
1.4.5 Uniformity of traffic control devices
tions, destinations, directions, dis
simplifies the task of the road user
tances, services, points of interest,
because it aids in recognition and under
and other geographical, recretioal,
standing. It aids road users, police
historical or cultural information
officers, and traffic courts by giving
(Refer to Section 2C where GD -
everyone the same inter pretation.It aids
guide destination, GX - guide dis-
JKR and road authority officials through
tance, GI - guide information and
economy in manufacture, installation,
GR - guide route marker)
maintenance and administration. In other
words, uniformity means treating similar
In order to differentiate these functions,
situations in the same way. The use of
traffic signs are shaped differently, such
uniform traffic con trol devices does
as those listed below:
not, in itself, constitute uniformity. A
standard device used where it is not
appropriate is as objectionable as a
SIGN TYPES AND SHAPES
nonstandard device; in fact, this may be
worse, in that such misuse may result in
Regulatory
disrespect at those locations where the
device is really needed.

Warning
PART TWO: TRAFFIC SIGNS

2.1 Function of Traffic Signs

Traffic signs are used to regulate, warn,
or guide road users. Signs should be used Guide
only where necessary and justified by
facts and field studies. Traffic signs are
essential where special regulations apply
at specific places or at specific times only,

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 6

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
2.2 Effectiveness of Traffic Signs
The effectiveness of any traffic sign
depends upon its attention, meaning,
time and respect values. The increased
volume and speed of traffic on our high
ways today has made the requirements
of directional signing more exacting. All
unofficial and non-essential traffic signs
should be removed as they weaken the
value of the necessary signs.
2.3 Application of Traffic Signs
Each standard traffic sign shall be
displayed only for the specific purpose
prescribed. Signs required by road
conditions or restrictions shall be
removed immediately when those
conditions cease to exist or the
restrictions are with drawn. Before any
new highway, detour, or temporary
route is opened to traffic, all necessary
signs shall first be put in place.
Identical conditions should always be
marked with the same type of sign.
It must be recognised that urban
conditions differ from those in rural
areas in such aspects as speed,
frequency of intersections, traffic
congestion, number of pedestrains,
parking, lighting, etc. that sometimes
necessitate the traffic signs to be
applied and located differently. If this
occurs, the general principles set in this
manual., as to colour, design, shape, and
size should be followed wherever practi
cable.
2.4 Excessive Use of Traffic Signs
Excessive use of traffic signs is bad
practice and care should be taken not to
install too many signs. A conservative
use of regulatory and warning signs is
recommended as these signs, if used to
excess, tend to lose their effectiveness.
On the other viand, a frequent display of
route markers and directional signs to
keep the road user informed of his
location and his course will not lessen
their value.
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
2.5 Standardization of Traffic Signs
In situations where messages are
required other than those here in
provid ed for, the signs shall be of the
same shape and colour as standard signs
of the same functional type.
The basic requirements of a traffic sign
are that it be legible to those for whom it
is intended and that it be understood in
time to permit proper response. This
means high visibility, lettering or
symbols of adequate size, short word
messages, and simple symbol designs
for quick comprehension by a road user
approaching a sign at high or low speed.
Standard sized colours and shapes are
specified so that the several classes of
traffic signs can be promptly recognised.
2.6 Design of Traffic Signs
Uniformity in design includes shape,
size, colour, word messages, symbols
illumination or reflectorization. The
manual Arahan Teknik (Jalan) 2A/85
shows many typical, standard traffic
signs approved for use on the highways.
All symbols shall be unmistakably
similar to those shown, and where a
word message is applicable, the
wording shallbe as therein provided.
Standardization of these designs does
not preclude further improvement by
minor changes in the proportion of
symbols, width of borders, or layout of
word messages, but all shapes and
colours shall be as indicated.
2.7 Location of Traffic Sign
Standardization of position cannot
always be attained in practices; however,
the general rule is to locate traffic signs
on the left-hand side of the roadway. On
highways where some degree of lane-
use control is desirable, or where space
is not available at the roadside, overhead
signs are often necessary. Signs in any
other locations ordinarily should be
considered only as supplementary to
signs in the normal locations. Under
Page 7
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
some circumstances signs may be
placed on channelizing islands, or
medians, on sharp curves and on the
right-hand shoulder of the road. A sup
plementary sign located on the right of
the roadway is often helpful on a
multilane road where traffic in the
left-hand lane may obstruct the view to
the left.
Normally, traffic signs should be
individually erected on separate posts or
mountings except where one sign
supplements another or where route or
directional signs must be grouped. In
general., signs should be located to
optimize night time visibility and
minimize the effects of mud splatter and
in conformance with safety factors
related to fixed obstacles near the
roadway. Signs should be located so that
they do not obscure each other or are
hidden from view' by other roadside
objects. Signs requiring different
decisions by road users must be spaced
sufficiently far apart for the required
decisions to be made safely. Some
examples on locations of traffic signs
are shown in Appendix A.
2.8 Overhead Traffic Signs
The operational requirements of our
present, highway system are such that
overhead signs will have value at many
locations. The factors ;justifying the
erection of overhead sign displays are
not definable in specific numerical term,
but the following conditions deserve
consideration. However, the existence of
any one or more of the conditions listed
does not automatically justify the use of
overhead signs.
(a) Traffic volume at or near
capacity.
(b) Complex interchange design.
(c) Three or more lanes in each
direction.
(d) Restricted sight distance.
(e) Closely spaced interchanges.
(f) Street lighting background.
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
(g) Multi-lane exits.
(h) Large percentage of trucks.
(i) High Speed Traffic.
(j) Consistency of sign message
location through a series of inter
changes.
(k) Insufficient space for ground
mounted signs.
2.9 Vertical Clearance for Traffic
Signs
Traffic signs erected at the roadside
in rural areas shall be mounted at a
height of at least 1.Sm above the level
of the roadway edge, measured from the
bottom of the sign. In business and
residential areas where parking,
pedestrian movement, and other
obstructions are likely to occur, the
height shall be 2.2m.On expressways or
divided highways, this height shall be at
least 2.2m for destination signs, but
1.8m for warning, regulatory, and other
types of guide signs. If however, a
secondary sign has to be mounted
below a major sign, the height of the
secondary sign may be 0.3m less than
the appropiate height specified above.
Refer to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in
Appendix A.
Overhead traffic signs shall provide a
vertical clearance of not less than 5m
with further consideration for three
cycles of overlay over the entire width
of the pavement and shoulders except
where a lesser vertical clearance is used
for the design of other structures.
2.10 Lateral Clearance For Traffic
Signs
Traffic signs should not be placed less
than 0.6m from the edge of road shoul-
der, or if none, 3.6m from the edge of
the traveled way.
Where a raised curb, guardrail., or paved
shoulder is present, a sign should be
placed with its nearest edge at least
0.6m outside such curb face, guardrail
line, or paved shoulder edge.
Page 8
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
Nevertheless, in urban areas where side
walk width is limited or where existing
poles are close to the guardrail, a clear-
ance of 0.3m is permissible. Refer to
Fig. 1 and Fig.2 Appendix A.
2.11 Erection of Traffic Sign
All traffic signs shall be mounted
approximately at right angles to the
direction of and facing the traffic that
they are to serve, i.e.870 tilt if the sign is
erected 5m or more away from the road-
way edge, or 930 tilt if the sign is erect-
ed less than 5m away from the roadway
edge. Where mirror reflection from the
sign face is encountered in such degree
as to reduce legibility, the sign should be
turned slightly away from the road.
Where signs are offset 9m or more from
the roadway edge, signs should general-
ly be turned toward the road. At
curved alignments, the angle of place-
ment should be determined by the
course of approaching traffic rather than
by the roadway edge at the point where
the sign is located. Sign faces normally
are vertical, but on grades it may be
desirable to tilt a sign forward or back-
ward from the vertical to improve the
viewing angle. Refer to Fig. 3 in
Appendix A.
2.12 Post and Mounting of Traffic
Signs
Traffic sign posts, mountings, and their
foundations shall be so constructed as to
hold signs in a proper and permanent
position, to resist swaying in the wind or
displacement by vandalism.
In areas where ground mounted sign
supports cannot be sufficiently offset
from the roadway edge, sign supports
should be of a suitable breakaway or
yielding design. Concrete base for sign
supports should be flush with the ground
level. In some cases, signs can be cor-
rectly placed on existing supports
used for other purposes, such as traffic
signals, street lights, and public utility
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
poles where permitted, thereby saving
expense and minimizing sidewalk
obstruction. Standard ,JKR post and
taunting procedures should be used for
all. posts and mountings of traffic signs.
Over crossing structures can sometimes
serve as the support for overhead traffic
signs, and under some circumstances,
may be the only practical solution that
will provide adequate viewing distance.
Use of such structures as sign supports
will eliminate the need for the founda -
tions and sign supports along the road
side. On urban expressways or divided
highways where overhead crossings are
closely spaced, it is desirable to place
signs on overpasses or bridges to
enhance safety and economy.
2.13 Maintenance of Traffic Signs
All traffic. signs should be kept in prop-
er position, clean and legible at all times.
Damaged signs should be replaced with
out undue delay. A suitable schedule for
inspection, cleaning and replacement of
signs should be established. Special
attention and necessary action should
also be taken to see that weeds, trees,
shrubs and construction materials do not
obscure the face of any sign. JKR,
police, other governmental employees
and the general public should be encour
aged to report any damaged or obscured
signs at the first opportunity to AR or
the road authorities at the Maintenance
Section.
2.14 Traffic Sign Materials
Except for signs erected along major
highways and all BERHENTI signs,
which uses High Intensity retroreflective
sheeting, the minimum requirement for
traffic signs in Malaysia is a material
known as Engineering Grade retro-
reflective sheeting. However, it is recog-
nised that technological progress may
develop new and more satisfactory or
superior materials for traffic signs, par-
ticularly in the fields of illumination and
reflectorization. This Manual should not
Page 9
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

be interpreted to exclude any new mate-

rial that meets the standard requirements
for colour and legibility, both by day and
by night.
2.15 Colour Code For Traffic Traffic
Signs
The following colour code has been
established and identified by JKR as
being appropriate for use in conveying
traffic control information.
Note: The colours coded below are used for
road furnitures, other than traffic sign
faces, such as road markings, traffic sig-
nal and traffic sign posts, guardrails,
Yellow - No. 356 British Standard 381C
(Golden Yellow)
White - Part 1 clause 1.3.2 and 1.3.3
British Standard 873
Black - Part 1 clause 1.3.2 and 1.3.3
British Standard 873
Orange - British Standard 0.004
Note: The colours used for all traffic sign faces
should be comparable to that formed by
the chromaticity coordinates below, and
should be of retro-reflective material.

curbs and so on, and should be of gloss

finish paint or of higher quality material.
Traffic sign and signal posts should be
striped with alternating colours of
orange and black of 0.3 m interval.

CHROMATICITY COORDINATES

1 2 3 4
COLOUR
X X X X
Y Y Y Y

Red 0.690 0.595 0.569 0.655

0.310 0.315 0.341 0.345

Orange 0.610 0.535 0.516 0.581

0.390 0.375 0.394 0.418

Yellow 0.504 0.525 0.493 0.474

0.458 0.473 0.507 0.488

Green 0.140 0.135 0.110 0.115

0.380 0.440 0.438 0.378

Dark Green 0.040 0.100 0.100 0.030

0.460 0.460 0.380 0.380

Blue 0.134 0.169 0.154 0.114

0.043 0.097 0.125 0.007

White 0.350 0.300 0.285 0.335

0.360 0.310 0.325 0.375

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 10

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
SECTION 2A: REGULATORY SIGNS
2A.1 General on Regulator Signs
2A.1.1 Regulatory signs inform road users
of traffic laws or regulations and
indicate the applicability of legal
requirements that would not other
wise be apparent. These signs shall
be erected whenever needed to fulfill
this purpose, but unnecessary man
dates should be avoided. Regulatory
signs are recognised as those that
generally impose certain obligations
or prohibitions to road users. For
example, a sign giving notice to
merging traffic to give-way is includ-
ed in the regulatory group.
2A.1.2 Regulatory signs shall be erected at
those locations where regulations
apply. The sign message shall clearly
indicate the requirements imposed by
the regulation and shall be easily vis-
ible and legible to road users.
2A.2 Design of Regulatory Sign
Regulatory signs are generally circular
in shape except for the BERHENTI,
BERI LALUAN and ZON HAD LAJU
SIGNS. Colours dimensions, letterings
and/or symbols shall be as specified and
shown in Part 1 of Arahan Teknik
(Jalan) 2A/85. These illustrations are
divided into the following parts:
(i) Prohibitive signs - prohibit cer-
tain maneuvers
(ii.) Mandatory signs - mandate cer-
tain maneuvers
SECTION 2B: Warning Signs
2B.1 General On Warning Signs
2B.1.1 Warning signs are used when it is
deemed necessary to warn traffic of
existing or potentially hazardous
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
conditions on, or adjacent to, a high-
way. Warning signs require caution
on the part of road users and may
call for reduction of speed or a
maneuver in the interest of safety.
Adequate warnings are of great
assistance to road users and are valu
able in safe-guarding and expediting
traffic. The use of warning signs
should be kept to a minimum
because the unnecessary use of them
to warn off conditions which are
apparent tends to breed disrespect for
all signs.
2B.1.2 Warning signs are placed In advance
of the conditions to which they call
attention to. New warning signs,
like all other new signs that are not
readily recognisable by the public,
shall be accompanied by educational
plaques which are to remain in place
for at least 3 years after the initial
installation. No special effort need be
made to remove the educational
plaques as long as they are in service
able conditions.
2B.2 Design of Warning Signs
28.2.1 Warning signs are generally diamond
in shape (square with one diagonal
vertical), however, there are a few
which are rectangular. The colours
shall be black symbols and borders on
yellow background except for the
signs AWAS, and OBSTRUCTION
MARKER. All warning signs must
be in accordance to those shown and
specified in Part 2 of Arahan Teknik
(Jalan) 2A/85.
SECTION 2C: GUIDE SIGNS
2C.1 General on Guide Signs
2C.I.I Guide signs are necessary to guide
road users along highways to direct
them to towns, villages, or other
important destinations, and to inform-
him of interesting routes.
Page 11
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
These signs are essential to identify
nearby rivers and streams, parks,
forests and historical sites. In a gener-
al way, guide signs give road users the
information that will help them along
their way in the most simple, direct
manner possible.
2C.1.2 Guide signs, unlike other signs, do not
lose effectiveness by frequent use.
Therefore, in case of doubt as to their
necessity, guide signs should be erect-
ed as frequently as practicable.
However, the amount of information
on any one sign should not exceed
three destinations, and in addition,
must be so located as to allow any
necessary maneuver to be made with-
out confusion.
2C.1.3 Guide signs for highways must be
large and legible enough to be read
from moving vehicles at high or low
speed. At interchanges, road users
depend on signs in choosing the prop-
er roadways, and an error in turning
may increase the distance of the trip.
Besides, a last minute maneuver may
result in an accident on busy high-
ways. on controlled access high-
ways, it is essential that road users be
informed where and how to reach cer-
tain service facilities that are not
directly visible or accessible from the
highways.
2C.2 Classification of Guide Signs
2C.2.1 Guide Signs are generally classified
into the following four parts:
(I) Destination Signs
(ii) Distance Signs
(iii) Information Signs
(iv) Route Markers
2C.3 Colours and Shapes of Guide
Signs
2C.3.1 Guide Signs are all rectangular in
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
shape, and the colours are generally
either white letters and/or symbol and
border on blue background. For desti
nations to local streets, the letterings
and arrows should be yellow.
2C.4 Size_ of Guide Signs
2C.4.1 The size of guide signs must be such
as to be legible to road users appro-
aching them. Route markers should
be of standard designs and of fixed
standard sizes. however, for other
guide signs, the legend Is so variable
that the size must be fixed in terms of
the length of word messages and the
size of lettering and spacing necessary
for proper legibility.
2C.4.2 The size of a guide sign is not always
dependant on the word message
and/or the symbol. In the case of
overhead signs mounted over a partic
ular roadway lane to which it applies,
the size is limited in length to the
width of lane. Overhead signs are
also, generally, limited in their verti-
cal dimensions because of roadway
clearance and visibility requirements.
2C.4.3 It is recommended that the size of
guide signs follow the standard sizes
produced by the manufacturers or in
fractions and multiples of the standard
manufactured sizes. This is to reduce
wastage and unsightly joint marks.
2C.5 Lettering On Guide Signs
2C.5.1 Except for names of places and rivers,
sign lettering shall be in clear, open
capital letters of the type approved.
Names of places and rivers shall be in
lower-case lettering, with initial capi-
tals. The initial capitals and numer-
als shall be of a height 1 1/3 times the
"loop" height of the lower case letters.
The use of very narrow alphabet is
not recommended for guide signs.
2C.5.2 The size of lettering used must be
such as to be legible at distance that
Page 12
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
will give road users sufficient time to
read the sign before passing it. In
general, for highway in rural dis
tricts other than major highways;
the principal word message on
guide signs shall be in letters at
least 150mm in height. On less
important rural roads and urban
streets, the principal word mes -
sage shall be at least 100mm high.
On expressways and major high-
ways the principal word messages
shall be in letters at least 200mm
high.
Letter height = 2tV + 5.7s (mm)
0.04d
where t = time required for a sim-
ple glance (1.5 seconds
for a simple sign)
v = vehicle speed in meter per
second
s = distance from the center of
sign to the line of travel of
the road user (6.6 meters
for signs less than 6 meters
long)
d = distance in meter at which
25mm letters can be read
(d = 15m)
See Table 1 in Appendix A.
2C.5.3 The height-stroke width ratio should
be approximately 1:5. The height-
width ratio varies with individual let-
ters.
2C.5.4 In general, the spacing between letters
of the same word should be about 1.5
times the stroke width for paralleled
strokes but for strokes of opposing
slope the spacing may be reduced
proportionately. A generous spacing is
advisable whenever practical, for
high legibility and is mandatory in
numerals. The spacing between
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
words and lines should not be less
than 3/4 of the letter height. However,
when only capitals are used the spac-
ing between rows of words may be
reduced to 1/2 letter height.
Nevertheless, the task of spacing let-
tering Series 1 has been made simpler
by the introduction of letter mosaics.
The size of each letter mosaic is fixed.
Therefore in order to form a word, the
relevant letter mosaic is taken and
placed adjacent to one another. The
positioning of the alphabet within the
mosaic is already calculated.
Lettering Series 1 is used on all guide
signs. See Appendix 2 in Arahan
Teknik (Jalan) 2A/85.
2C.5.5 Legibility distance for guide signs is
influenced by:
(i) alphabet design
(ii) letter height
(iii) letter width
(iv) letter stroke
(v) letter spacing
(vi) sign margin
(vii) word and line spacing
(viii) colour, contrast and bright-
ness
2C.6 Border on Guide Signs
2C.6.1 The use of a narrow border improves
the appearance of a sign and makes it
more conspicuous. The border should
be of the same colour as the word
message or symbol and should be at
or just inside the edge. A dark bor-
der should be set in from the edge,
while a light border should extend to
the edge of the plate.
2C.6.2 In general, a 750mm sign with a light
background use a border of 15mm to
20mm in width, and set in 1Omm
from the edge. For other sizes of
signs, border widths should be of sim-
ilar proportions but should not ordi-
Page 13
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
narily exceed the stroke-width of the
largest letter on the sign. For high
speed highway, guide signs exceeding
2 meters by 3 meters in size, the bor-
der should be about 50mm and on
unusually large signs about 70mm.
2C.6.3 The corners of the sign panels shall be
rounded and corners of sign borders
should be similarly rounded to fit the
sign panel. Rounding the corners
improves the appearance of the signs,
and for signs mounted at a height of
less than 2.2m, this is an important
safety measure. A suitable corner
radius for sign panels up to 7.50mm
in the greater dimension is 40mm to
50mm with similar proportions for
larger size panels. On very large
guide signs, corners should be round-
er on a radius approximately 1/18
of the lesser side dimension, but not
to exceed 300mm.
2C.6.4 Border line or dividing line across the
signboard, stacking, shall be used
when the destinations indicated are of
different directions on a destination
signboard. It is not required on a dis-
tance or information signboard.
2C.7 Directional Symbols on Guide
Signs
2C.7.1 Arrows are used to indicate the direc
tions toward destinations. The arrows
should be made to point horizontally
or vertically or at any desired angle to
convey a clear comprehension of the
direction to be taken. At right-angle
intersections a horizontal. arrow is
appropriate. On a roadside sign a
directional arrow for a straight-
through movement should point verti-
cally upwards. For a turn the arrow
should be pointed upward at a 45-
degree angle related to the sharpness
of the turn. If there is more than one
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
arrow, the arrangement of these
arrows must be in anti -clockwise
direction. See Table 2.
2C.7.2 Arrows may be placed below or to
one side of the word message or sym-
bol. The width across the barbs of the
arrow (between 650 and 900) should
be at least equal to the height of the
largest letter on the sign, and should
have a uniform shaft long enough to
stand out, distinctly from the back of
the head. See Appendix 4 in Arahan
Teknik (Jalan) 2A/85.
2C.7.3 The use of diagramatic signs should
be confined to "Roundabouts" and
other more complicated interchanges.
(This should not be confused with the
use of symbols in signs such as those
enumerated in the Road Traffic
Ordinance).
2C.7.4 Where cardinal directions have to be
shown, they should be indicated
before the names of towns in that
direction. however, the use of cardinal
signs should be kept to a minimum.
2C.8 Destination Signs
2C.8.1 Destination signs shall be a horizontal
rectangle carrying the name of towns
villages or other objectives and direc-
tional. arrows. The distance to the
place named may also be shown. If
several, destinations are shown on a
single panel, the several names are so
placed with an arrow (and the dis-
tance, if desired) for each name. If
more than one destination lies In the
same direction, a single arrow may be
used for such a group of destinations.
however, adequate separation or
stacking should be made between any
destination or group of destinations in
one direction and those in other direc
tions.
2C.8.2 On a destination sign, an arrow point-
Page 14
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
ing to the right shall be at the extreme
right of the name and an arrow point-
ing left or vertically shall be at the
extreme left, unless there is only one
direction to turn, in which case the
arrow may be at the bottom of the
sign. The distance figures, it used,
shall follow after the destination
name. The horizontal or sloping
arrow should be of sufficient length to
clearly distinguish them from the ver-
tical arrows, See Table 2.
2C.8.3 Not more than two or three names
should normally be used in combina-
tion on one or more sign. As a gen-
eral rule, the next important town or
point lying straight ahead should be at
the top of the sign, and below it the
next important destinations to the left
and to the right, in that order. In the
case of overlapping routes, there
should be shown only one destination
in each direction for each route. If
there is more than one destination
shown in any direction, the name of
the nearest city or town shall, appear
above that of any farther away. The
destination shown for each direction
should ordinarily be the next principal
town rather. than a more distant desti-
nation.
2C.8.4 If preferred, the names of major desti-
nations may be in larger letters than
those of minor destinations on the
same sign. If several individual,
name panels are assembled into a
group, all panels in the assembly
should be of the same length.
2C.8.5 Destination signs should be generally
located at a distance not less than
100m and not more than 150m in
advance of the intersections on local
streets and minor roads. Road users
must be given sufficient time to make
up their minds as to the direction they
wish to go before reaching the inter
sections, so that they can get into the
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
proper lane for turning if necessary.
Supplementary or confirmatory desti-
nation signs may be erected on the far
left-hand corner before entering the
intersection or at a °T' or °Y' junction,
on the far side of the junction directly
ahead of approaching traffic. Refer to
Fig.4 in Appendix A.
2C.8.6 High speed highways require special
types of destination signs. Such signs
should indicate destinations and
directions, in a single large sign,
placed in such a sequence as to give
road users advance information con-
cerning diverging roadways and con-
firming information at the actual point
of divergence.
2C.8.7 Three destination signs in advance of
a diverging roadway, such as a slip
road or a ,junction, and one sign at the
junction itself shall be provided on all
heavily trafficked major roads or
multi-lane highways. The first
advance destination sign shall be
erected one kilometer away from the
junction, and shall carry both the
name(s) of town(s) of the turning
roadway and the distance one kilo-
meter. The second advance destina-
tion sign shall be erected 500 meters
away from the junction and shall be
similar to the first sign except it will
carry the distance 500 meters.
The third sign which is an ordinary
destination sign, shall be erected
100m to 150m in advance of the junc-
tion. The final sign shall be erected in
the gore area or on the tar left-hand
side on entering the junction. A warn-
ing sign normally supplements these
signs, and is generally placed 50m
(urban) or 80m (rural) away from, but
before coming to, the third destination
sign. Refer to Fig. ,5 and Fig.6 in
Appendix A.
2C.8.8 The omission of any reference to the
exit or junctions in the final destina-
Page 15
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
tion sign will indicate that road users
have reached the point where the
route begins to diverge.
2C.8.9 The distances to the places named
should not be given on the advance
first, second and third destination sign
since road users are still concerned
with selecting and getting on their
right route. However, on the final and
other confirmatory signs, after the
correct route has been reached, dis
tances to the place named may be
given.
2C.9 Distance Signs
2C.9.1 Distance signs shall be of a horizontal
rectangle, carrying the name of not
more than three towns and the dis-
tance (to the nearest kilometer) to the
center of these places. As a general
rule the top most name should be that
of the major destination of the route
or the town in which the greater por-
tion of the through traffic is interested
while the second name from the top
should be that of the next town. The
bottom-most. name should remain the
same on successive signs throughout
the length of the route until the desti-
nation is reached.
2C.9.2 Distance signs shall be erected on
important routes leaving municipali-
ties, and just beyond intersections in
rural districts, or at intervals of
approximately 20 km along the route.
However, these signs need not be
used on minor roads.
2C.9.3 Distance signs shall be erected on the
left-hand side of the road, facing the
traffic, approximately 100m from an
intersection or 70m beyond an accel-
eration lane. Where a road passes
through a municipality, distance signs
shall be erected 100m outside the
municipal limits or at the edge of the
built-up districts. Refer to Fig.4 and
Fig.6 in Appendix A.
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
2C.10 Information Signs
2C.10.l Information signs shall be rectangular
in shape, informing road users of the
names of towns, recreational and his-
torical places, and the availability of
facilities or services such as gas, tele
phone, bus-stop, etc.
2C.10.2 Information signs may be either sym-
bols or word messages, and shall be
erected according to the nature of the
information to be given; e.g. a bus-
stop sign should be erected at a partic-
ular bus-stop, but for a gas station
ahead, it should be erected at a suit-
able distance in advance of the sta-
tion. Information signs are divided
into the following parts:
(i) General Service Signs
Colours : White letters, symbols
and borders, Blue
background
lettering : Series 1, 100mm height (on
supplementary plaque)
Utilization : Inform road users of the
availability of facilities or
services such as gas, tele
phone, etc.
(ii) Historical and Cultural Interest Area Signs
Colours : White letters, symbols and
borders, Green background
Lettering: Series 1, 100mm height
Utilization : Inform road users of the
names and directions of
historical or cultural
interest areas.
(iii) Recreational Area Signs
Colours : Yellow .letters, symbols and
borders Dark Green back
ground
Lettering . Series 1, 100 mm height
Utilization : Inform road users of the
names and directions of recre-
ational areas.
Page 16
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
(iv) Town Name Sign.
Colours : Black letters and borders
White background
Lettering : Series 1, 300mm height
Utilization : Inform road users of the
names of towns .
(v) River Name Sign
Colours : White letters and borders
Green background
Lettering : Series 1, 100mm height
Utilization : Inform road users of the
names of rivers.
2C.11 Route Markers
2C.11.1 Route markers shall be used to identi-
fy and mark all numbered highways.
Route markers are ordinarily incorpo-
rated as JKR logo, for Federal
Highways and State highways, on
large directional (destination and dis-
tance) guide signs and on kilometer
posts. They should be used for identi-
fication of roads, for route confirma-
tion, and for guidance and reassur-
ance along the highway. On State
Highways, the route markers should
be initiated with the same alphabet
designated on car registration num-
bers which has already been assigned
for that particular state e.g. T for
Terengganu , C for Pahang , and etc.
2C.11.2 Route markers shall be placed, on
directional guide signs and kilometer
posts, at 5km interval. Refer to Fig. 7
in Appendix A.
NOTE: Standards and examples of guide
signs shall be shown in Part 3 of
Arahan Teknik (Jalan) 2A/85.
PART THREE : GUIDE ON
APPLICATION
3.1 Scope of Guide
This part sets forth basic principles and
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
prescribes standards for the application of
the various types of traffic signs at vari-
ous locations for roadway safety. The
principles outlined are applicable to both
rural and urban areas. Since it is not prac-
tical to prescribe detailed standards of
application for all the situations that may
conceivably arise, minimum standards
are presented here for the most common
situations. It is emphasized that these are
minimum desirable standards for normal
situations and that additional protection
must be provided when special complex-
ities and hazards prevail.
3.2 Intersections
The basic rules of the road require that a
driver approaching an intersection yield
to a vehicle approaching an intersection
leg which is on his left. This uncontrolled
intersection is found on many 'Low vol-
ume rural roads. The uncontrolled inter
section requires that each driver be able
to see other vehicles and determine who
has the right to enter the intersection first.
Because of the difficulty of maintaining
adequate sight. distances, this method of
intersection control has fallen into dis
favour. Most intersections require the
installation of. a traffic control device to
allocate the right-of-way. The
BERHENTT and BERT LALUAN signs
are the two signs which may be used for
this control.
3.2.1 BERHENTT Sign (RP.1)
Because the BERHENTT sign causes a
substantial inconvenience to motorists, it
should be used only where warranted. A
BERHENTT. sign may be warranted at
an intersection where one or more of the
following conditions exist:
(a) intersection of a less important
road with a main road where
application of the normal right-of-
way rule is unduly hazardous.
(b) Road entering a through highway.
(c) Unsignalised intersection in a sig-
nalised area.
Page 17
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
(d) other intersections where a combi-
nation of high speed, restricted
view, and serious accident record
indicates a need for control by the
BERHENTT sign. BERHENTT
signs should not be used for speed
control.
Generally, a BERHENTT sign should be
located in line with the Stop Line, which
is placed normally not more than 10m
nor less than 1.2m in advance of the near
est edge of the intersecting roadway.
however, if a marked crosswalk is pres-
ent, the BERHENTI sign should be erect-
ed at a distance of not less than 1.2m in
advance of the crosswalk. The vertical
and lateral clearances for this BERHEN-
TI sign are as stated in Part Two earlier,
Clause (2.9) and (2.10) respectively.
Refer to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 Appendix A.
3.2.2 BERI LALUAN (RP.13)
The BERI LALUAN sign may be war-
ranted on a minor road at the entrance to
an intersection where it is necessary to
assign right-of-way to the major road, but
where a stop is not necessary at all times,
and where the safe approach speed on the
minor road exceeds 20 kilometers per
hour, and at any intersection where a spe-
cial problem exists and where an engi-
neering study indicates the problem to be
susceptible to correction by use of the
BERI LALUAN sign.
A BERI LALUAN sign should be erect-
ed in the same manner as the BERHEN-
TI sign, but at a location where the vehi-
cle is to stop (not to be located in con-
junction with a Stop Line) if necessary, to
yield the right-of-way such as, on the
entrance ramp to an expressway where
an acceleration lane is not provided, or at
the exit of a separate left-turn lane where
the acceleration lane is not adequate, or
on the approach leg to a roundabout
where the safe approach speed on the leg
exceeds 20 kilometers per hour.
The vertical. and lateral clearances for
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
this sign are as stated in Part Two earlier,
Clause (2.9) and (2.10) respectively.
Refer to Fig. 9 in Appendix A.
3.2.3 Cross Road Signs (WD.3)
The Cross Road sign is intended for use
on a through highway to indicate the
presence of an obscured cross-road inter
section. Since a motorist is not expected
to stop on a major road or a through high
way, this sign should not be used in con
junction with a BERHENTI or BERI
LALUAN sign.
This sign should be erected at a distance
200m or not less than 150mm in urban
areas, and 230m or not less than 180m in
rural areas or high speed highways in
advance of the intersection. The vertical
and lateral clearances for this sign are as
stated in Part Two earlier, Clause (2.9)
and (2.10) respectively. Refer to Fig. 4
and Fig. 6 in Appendix A.
3.2.4 Side Road Sign (WD27b,
WD.2'7c,WD.27d,WD.27e
,WD.28a ,WD.28b)
The Side Road sign, showing a side-road
symbol, either left or right, and at an
angle of either 90 or 45 degrees, is
intended for use on a through highway in
advance of a side-road intersection or slip
road. Since a motorist is not expected to
stop on a major road or a through high-
way, this sign should not be used in con
junction with a BERHENTI or BERI
LALUAN sign.
The location of this sign is as stated
above for Cross Road sign, Clause
(3.2.3). Refer to Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6
in Appendix A.
3.2.5 T- Symbol Sign (WD.27a)
The T-Symbol sign is intended for use to
warn traffic approaching a T-intersection
on the road where traffic must make a
turn either to the left of the right. This
sign should not generally be used for a T-
intersection that is channelised by traffic
Page 18
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
islands. It may be desirable to place a
double-headed chevron (WD.44) sign at
the head of the T, directly in line with
approaching traffic.
The location of this sign is as stated
above for Cross Road sign, Clause
(3.2.3). Refer to Fig. 8 in Appendix A.
3.2.8 Traffic Signal Ahead Sign
3.2.6 Y -- Symbol Sign (WD.42)
The Y-Symbol sign is intended for use to
warn traffic approaching a Y-intersection
on the road that forms the stem. of the Y.
The sign should not generally be used
for a Y-intersection that is channelised by
traffic islands. It may be desirable to
place a double-headed chevron (WD.44)
sign at the fork of the Y directly in line
with approaching traffic.
The location of this sign is as stated
above for Cross Road Sign, Clause
(3.2.3). Refer to Fig. 8 in Appendix A.
3.2.7 BERHENTI Ahead Sign (WD.18)
And BERI LALUAN Ahead Sign
(WD.19)
A BERHENTI Ahead or BERI LALU-
AN Ahead sign is intended for use on an
approach to a BERHENTI orBERI
LALUAN sign, respectively, that is not
visible for a sufficient distance to permit
3.2.9 Chevron Sign (WD.44)
the driver to bring the vehicle to stop at
the BERHENTI or BERI LALUAN
sign. Obstruction(s) causing the limited
visibility may be permanent or intermit-
tent. In some cases, such as at locations
along high speed roads or where there is
poor observance of the BERHENTI or
BERI LALUAN sign, the respective
BERHENTI. Ahead or BERI LALUAN
Ahead Sign should be used for emphasis.
This sign, either BERHENTI Ahead or
BERI LALUAN Ahead sign, should be
erected at a distance 200m or not less
than 150m in urban areas, and 230m or
not less than 180m in rural areas, or high
speed highways in advance of the respec-
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
tive BERHENTI or BERI LALUAN
sign. The vertical and lateral clearances
for either of these signs are as stated in
Part Two earlier, Clause (2.9) and (2.10)
respectively. Refer to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 in
Appendix A.
(WD.22) And Roundabout Ahead
Sign (WD.31)
A Traffic Signal Ahead or Roundabout
Ahead Sign is intended for use on an
approach to a signalised intersection or a
roundabout (respectively) that is not visi-
ble for a sufficient distance to prepare
motorists of the unpredictable change or
conflicting flow of traffic at the intersec-
tion. At locations along high speed roads,
the respective Traffic Signal Ahead or
Roundabout Ahead sign should be used
for emphasis.
This sign, either Traffic Signal Ahead or
Roundabout Ahead Sign, should be erect-
ed at a distance 200m or not less than
150m in urban areas, and 230m or not
less than 180m in rural areas or high
speed highways in advance of the respec-
tive traffic signal or roundabout. The ver-
tical and lateral clearances for either of
these signs are as stated in Part Two ear-
lier, Clause (2.9) and (2.10) respectively.
Refer to Fig. 9 in Appendix A.
A Chevron sign is used to give notice of
a sharp change in alignment in the direc-
tion of travel It is not to be used where
there is no change in the direction of trav-
el (ends of median, center pier, etc). The
Chevron sign, when used, shall be erect-
ed on the far side of an intersection, in
line with and at right angles to, approach-
ing traffic. To be effective the Chevron
sign should be visible for at least 150
meters and trial runs by day and night
might be desirable to determine final
positioning.
The vertical and lateral clearances for this
sign are as observed in Part Two earlier,
Page 19
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
Clause (2.9) and (2.10) respectively.
However, a lateral clearance of 4.5m is
desirable whenever possible. Refer to
Fig.8 in Appendix A.
3.3 Hills, Turns and Curves
In areas where the horizontal and vertical
elements of a road change unexpectedly,
it is necessary to provide traffic control
devices to notify the driver of the
impending change. This is especially
critical when a major change in the road
character occurs. The following traffic
control devices can be used to provide
this notification whenever the effective
design speed changes and/or sight dis-
tances are not sufficient or when a section
line road intersects a standard parallel and
the offset correction occurs in the road.
3.3.1 Curve Sign (WD.10a, WD.10b)
The curve sign is intended for use where
engineering investigations of roadway,
geometric, and operating conditions
show the recommended speed on the
curve to be in the range between 50 and
100 kilometer per hour and equal to or
less than the speed limit established by
law or by regulation for that section of
highway. Additional protection may be
provided by use of an advisory Speed
plate. If the curve is to the right, a Right
Curve sign (WD.l0a) shall be used, and if
the curve is to the left, a Left Curve sign
(WD.10b) shall be used. (See Clause
3.3.3), Winding Road Sign for location of
sign).
3.3.2 Reverse Curve Sign
(WD.2a,WD.2b)
The Reverse Curve sign is intended for
use to mark a succession of two or more
curves in opposite directions to each
other. The warrant for this sign is when
the chord distances separating the curves
is less than 180 meters. If the first curve
is to the right, a Right Reverse Curve sign
(WD.2a) shall be used, and if the first
curve is to the left a Left Reverse Curve
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
sign (WD.2bshall be used. (See clause
(3.3.3), Winding Road sign for location
of sign).
3.3.3 Winding Road Sign (WD.11)
The Winding Road sign is intended for
use where there is a series of turns or
curves, as defined in the warrant for
Reverse Curve sign, separated by chord
distances of less than 180 meters. When
the Winding Road sign is used, it shall be
erected in advance of the first curve.
Additional. guidance may be provided by
the installation of road delineation mark-
ers and by use of the advisory speed
plate.
The advisory Speed plate is intended for
use to supplement. Warning signs. It may
be used in conjunction with any standard
yellow Warning sign to indicate the max-
imum recommended speed (determined
by an engineering study) around a curve
or through hazardous .location. It shall
not be used alone.
This Winding Road sign should be locat-
ed at a distance 2.30m in advance of
the tangent point to the first curve. The
vertical and lateral clearances for this
sign are as observed in Part Two earlier,
Clause (2.9) and (2.10) respectively.
Refer to Fig. 10 Appendix A.
3.3.4 Chevron Delineator Sin (WD.39a,
WD.39b)
A Chevron Delineator sign may be used
to supplement standard delineation treat-
ments. It is intended to provide addition
al emphasis and guidance for vehicle
operators as to changes in horizontal
alignment in the direction of travel. It is
not to be used where there is no change in
the direction of travel(ends of median,
center piers, etc). The Chevron
Delineator signs, when used, shall be
erected on the outside of a curve, lateral-
ly 6m apart from each other, in line with
and at right angles to, approaching traffic.
Page 20
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
To be effective, the Chevron Delineator
sign should be visible for at least 150
meters and trial runs by day and night
might be desirable to determine final
positioning.
The vertical and lateral clearances for this
sign are as observed in Part Two earlier,
Clause (2.9) and (2.10) respectively.
However, a lateral. clearance of 1.8m is
recommendable. Refer to Fig. 10 in
Appendix A.
3.4 Narrow Bridges, Culverts and
Roadside Obstacles
Many old bridges and culverts were built
for a single lane of traffic. Many others
are defined as narrow when they are not
1.2 meters wider than the approaching
roadway. The total definition states that a
narrow bridge or culvert is any bridge or
culvert which is narrower than the
distance from edge of shoulder to edge of
shoulder of the roadway. These bridges
should be marked to provide guidance to
the drivers. Many special. problems exist
in rural. areas with bridges. The follow-
ing section shows devices which can be
used in conjunction with narrow bridges
and culverts. Obstruction Markers are
used to mark obstructions within or adja-
cent to the roadway.
3.4.1 Narrow Bridge Sign (WD.35)
A Narrow Bridge sign is intended for use
on two--way roadways in advance of a
bridge or culvert having a clear roadway
width of less than .5 meters or having a
clear roadway width of less than 6 meters
when a high proportion of the traffic is
commercial vehicles. In other words this
sign is intended for use on roadways in
advance of a bridge having roadway
clearance less than the width of the
approach pavement. The Narrow Bridge
sign is also intended for use when there
exist a poor alignment on the approach to
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
a structure having a clear roadway width
of 6 meters or less.
A Narrow Bridge sign should be provid-
ed on approaches to all narrow bridges or
structures. The sign shall be erected at a
distance of 150m in advance of the struc-
ture.
The vertical and lateral clearances for this
sign are as stated in Part Two earlier,
Clause (2.9) and (2.10) respectively.
Refer to Fig .ll in Appendix A.
3.4.2 Obstruction Marker (WD.24)
Objects not actually in the roadway may
be so close to the edge of the road that
they need a marker. These include under-
pass, piers, bridge abutments, handrails
and culvert headwalls. In some case
there may not be a physical object
involved, but other roadside conditions
such as narrow shoulder drop-offs, gores,
small islands and abrupt changes in the
roadway alignment may make it undesir
able for a driver to leave the roadway.
Obstruction Markers are intended for use
at such locations.
An Obstruction Marker should be located
not more than 6m in advance of an
obstruction, with its inside edge in line
with the inner edge of the obstruction.
When erected, this marker should have a
vertical clearance of 1.2m above the level
of the roadway edge, measured from the
bottom of the marker.
Preferably, three Obstruction Markers
should be erected on each side of the road
in advance of underpass piers, bridge
abutments, handrails and culvert. head
walls. These markers should be placed
2m apart from each other, and the one
nearest the obstruction should be placed
2m in advance of the obstruction. The
markers should be arranged such that the
one furthest from the obstruction would
be erected 3.6m away from the road
edge. Refer to Fig. l and Fig.12 In
Appendix A.
Page 21
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
3.5 Railroad Grade Crossings
Railroad grade crossings are the location,
of serious injury and deaths whenever a
typical, vehicle-train accident occurs.
The low volume crossing presents a
special hazard because the drivers do not
expect to find a train and signs are often
ignored. Vehicles are required to stop for
trains when:
(a) An electric or mechanical device
(such as a traffic signal) gives
warning.
(b) A gate is lowered or a flagman
signals.
(c) A train is within 450 meters.
(d) A train is visible and in hazardous
proximity.
3.5.1 Railroad Grade Crossing Sign
(WD.4, WD.5, WD.6, WD.7)
A Railroad Grade Crossing sign shall be
used on each roadway in advance of
every grade crossing. This sign is recom-
mended to be erected at most 230 meters
away from the crossing on both sides of
the road.
This sign should be located at a distance
230m or riot less than 200m in rural
areas, and 150m and not less than 75m in
urban areas, in advance of the railroad
gate or railroad track for the ones without
gates).
The vertical and lateral. clearances for
this sign are as stated In Part Two earlier,
Clause (2.9) and (2.10) respectively.
Refer to Fig.13 in Appendix A.
3.6 School Zones
Pedestrian safety depends in large
measure upon public understanding of
accepted methods for efficient traffic
control.. This principle is never more
important than in the control of pedestri-
ans and vehicles in the vicinity of schools
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
(school zones). Neither school. children
nor vehicle operators can be expected to
move safely in school zones unless they
understand both the need for traffic and
the ways in which this control function
for their benefit. The following section
shows traffic control devices which can
be used in conjunction with school zones
to provide traffic control.
3.6.1 Children Crossing Sign (WD.15 ).
The Children Crossing sign is intended
for use in advance of locations where
school buildings or grounds are adjacent
to the highway, and at established marked
crossings including signalized locations
used by pupils going to and from school.
However, at crossings located on roads
where the flow of traffic is heavy and/or
fast moving, BERHENTI Kanak-Kanak
Melintas signs (RP.15) should be placed
in conjunction with this signs.
When used, the Children Crossing Sign
should be erected at the crosswalk, or at
the minimum distance possible In
advance of the crosswalk. It should also
be located not less than 50m nor more
than 200m in urban areas, and not less
than 80m nor more than 230m in rural
areas, in advance of school buildings or
grounds. The vertical and lateral clear-
ances for this sign are as stated in Part
Two earlier, Clause (2.9) and (2.10)
respectively. Refer to Fig.14 in
Appendix A.
3.6.2 BERHENTI Kanak-Kanak
Melintas Sign (RP.15)
The BERHENTI Kanak-Kanak Melintas
sign is to be exhibited by a school cross-
ing patrol at places where school children
cross the road on their way to or from
schools between the hour of six in the
morning and seven in the evening.
Generally, this sign is intended for use at
established school crossings, which are
located adjacent to the school buildings
or grounds where the flow of traffic is
Page 22
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
heavy and/or fast moving. Refer to Fig.
14 in Appendix A.
3.6.3 School Speed Limit Sign
(WD.43)
The School Speed Limit sign shall be
used to indicate the speed limit where a
reduced speed zone for a school are has
been established (after an engineering
and traffic investigation) or when a speed
limit is specified for such areas by statute.
This sign should be erected at a distance
200m or not less than 150m in urban
areas, and 230m or not less than 180m in
rural areas or high speed highways, in
advance of Children Crossing sign
(WD.1.5). The vertical and lateral clear-
ances for this sign are as stated in Part
Two earlier, Clause (2.9) and (2.10)
respectively. Refer to Fig.14 in
Appendix A.
3.7 Speed Zones
A speed zone is an area where a speed
limit has been established by law, or by
regulation, after an engineering and
traffic investigation has been made in
accordance with established traffic
engineering practices. In general, speed
zones are town areas and those residential
areas that are adjacent to rural, or high-
speed open highways. The following
section describes, in order, the traffic
signs that are used in conjunction with
speed zones.
3.7.1 ZON HAD LAJU Sign (RP.16)
The ZON HAD LAJU sign is intended to
be used on highways in rural. areas to
inform the motorist of a reduced speed
zone ahead when an advance notice is
needed to comply with the speed limit
posted ahead. This sign is not ordinarily
needed in urban areas where speeds are
relatively low.
When used, this sign shall be erected
100m in advance of the boundary line of
the established speed zone. The vertical
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
and lateral clearances for this sign are as
stated in Part Two earlier, Clause (2.9)
and (2.10) respectively. Refer to Fig. 15
in Appendix A.
3.7.2 Speed Limit Sign (RP.17)
The Speed Limit sign shall display the
limited speed established by law, or by
regulation, after an engineering and
traffic investigation has been made in
accordance with established traffic
engineering practices. The speed limits
shown shall be in multiples of 10 kilo-
meter per hour.
In order to determine the proper numeri-
cal, value (speed limit) for a speed zone,
the following factors should be consid-
ered:
(a) Road surface characteristics, shoulder
condition, grade, alignment and sight
distance.
(b) The 85-percentile speed and pace
speed.
(c) Roadside development and cul-
ture, and roadside friction.
(d) Safe speed for curves or
hazardous locations within the
zone.
(e) Parking practices and pedestrian
activity.
(f) Reported accident experience for
a recent 12-month period.
A Speed Limit sign, indicating a speed
limit for which posting is required by law,
shall be located at the point of change
from one speed limit to another, and at a
point 100m away from a ZON HAD
LAJU (RP.16) sign ie. on the boundary
line of the established Speed Zone. The
vertical and lateral clearances for this
sign are as stated in Part Two earlier,
Clause (2.9) and (2.10) respectively.
Refer to Fig. 15 in Appendix A.
Page 23
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
3.7.3 End Of Speed Limit Sign (RP.9).
End of Speed Limit sign is intended to be
used on highways In rural areas,in con
junction with ZON HAD LAJU sign
(RP.16) to inform the motorist that he has
reached the end of the speed zone and
should proceed with the normal speed
limit posted earlier (before the speed
zone) for that highway. When used, this
sign shall be erected 100 m away from
the boundary line of the established speed
zone. The vertical. and lateral clearances
for this sign are as stated in Part Two
earlier, Clause (2.9) and (2.10)
respectively. Refer to Fig. 15 in
Appendix A.
3.8 Permanent Weighbridge
Stations
In some places, such as at ports of entry,
the law provides for the establishment of
Permanent Weighbridge Stations which
requires that trucks, lorries, and other
heavy vehicles to stop at these stations for
weighing, inspection, and clearance.
Signs are usually necessary to direct the
concerned traffic into the Permanent
Weighbridge Stations. The following
section shall describe in order, the signs
that should appear at the approach to each
Permanent Weighbridge Station.
3.8.1 TIMBANG Sign (WD.41)
Two TIMBANG signs shall be used at
the approach to each Permanent
Weighbridge Station. The first sign shall
be located 500m in advance of the access
road to the station. An advance
destination sign carrying 'Lencongan Ke
Jambatimbang' and the distance 500m
shall be mounted, as a secondary sign, on
the same post as the first sign. The second
sign shall be located at the access road to
the station with a destination sign,
carrying an arrow and KENDERAAN
BERAT, attached to It as a secondary
sign.
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
The vertical and lateral clearances for
these signs are as stated in Part Two
earlier, clause (2.9) and (2.10)
respectively. Refer to Fig. 16 in
Appendix A.
3.8.2 Supplementary Signs
AWAS (WD.1'7), KURANGKAN
LAJU and KENDERAAN BERAT
IKUT KIRI signs normally supplement
the TIMBANG (WD.41) signs
mentioned above. The AWAS,
KURANGKAN LAJU and
KENDERAAN BERAT IKUT KIRI
signs shall be located lkm, 250m and
700m respectively, in advance of the
access road to the Permanent
Weighbridge Station. Their vertical and
lateral clearances are as stated in Part
Two earlier, Clause (2.9) and (2.10)
respectively. Refer to Fig. 16 In
Appendix A.
3.9 Recreational, Historical, and
Cultural,_ Interest Areas
When recreational, historical, and
cultural interest areas are a significant
destination on a highway, special
Information signs may be posted for such
areas, at least to the first point at which an
access road intersects the highway. A
recreational, historical or cultural Interest
area information sign may be posted on
its own, or as a secondary (placed below
a primary sign) sign. Similar to other
guide signs, this special. information sign
would be rectangular in shape and using
lettering series 1 for its word messages.
However, unlike any other guide sign, the
colours assigned for this special sign
depend on its purpose, as are the
following;
(i) Recreational Area signs have
yellow letters, border and symbols
on dark green background.
Page 24
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
(ii) Historical and Cultural Interest
Area signs have white letters,
border and symbols on green
background.
The vertical and lateral clearances for
these special information signs are as
stated in Part Two earlier, Clause (2.9)
and (2.10) respectively. Refer also to the
illustrations in Part 3 of Arahan Teknik
(Jalan) 2A/85.
3.10 Place Name Signs
Place name signs are information signs
which inform road users of the names of
towns or villages along their traveling
route.
These signs are rectangular in shape with
black letterings and borders on white
background.
A place name sign should be located at
the beginning of the built-up area and not
on the boundary of the urban or rural
district as this may often be some
distance from the town or village named
and can cause confusion.
The vertical. and lateral. clearances for
this sign are as stated in Clause (2.9) and
(2.10) respectively. Refer also to the
illustrations in Part 3 of the Arahan
Teknik.(Jalan) 2A/85.
Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L
TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS
SUMMARY
In the location of a signboard, the following
steps of action may help.
(i) Define the purpose of the signboard.
(ii) Decide on the legend or wording
required.
(iii) Find outthe conditions of the traffic
and surrounding.
(iv) Choose the size of lettering required.
(v) Make sure the size of lettering, colour,
and spacing conform to required
standards.
(vi) Find out the area of board and thus
determine the number of post
required.
(vii) Select a site based on the conditions
stated for that type of sign.
(viii) Ensure that the board is sufficiently
clear of the edges of the pavement
and In line of the best vision. (ix)
Clear all unwanted or surplus
material away from the shoulder.
(x) Ensure that the board is always clean
and visible.
Page 25
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

APPENDIX A
LOCATION OF TRAFFIC SIGN

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 26

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 27

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 28

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 29

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

TABLE 1
RECOMMENDED LETTER HEIGHT

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 30

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

NOTE:

1) Refer to 'A Guide On Geometric Design

Of Roads' for classification details of
road design standard where 'R' stands
for 'Rural' and 'U' stands for 'Urban'.

2) Terrain: F - Flat
R - Rolling
M - Mountainous

3) Area Type: I -Relatively free in road

location with very little
problems as regards to land
acquisition, affected
buildings and other socially
sensitive areas.

Il - Intermediate between I
and III

III - Very restrictive in road

location with problems as
regards to land acquisition,
affected buildings and
other sensitive areas.

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 31

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

TABLE 2

ARRANGEMENT OF DIRECTIONAL ARROWS IN DESCENDING ORDER

Should be located on the upper left-

hand side of the sign to indicate
straight through movement

Should be located on the left-hand

side of the sign to indicate sharp
turning movement to the left.

Should be located on the lower left-

hand side of the sign to indicate
right-angle turning movement to the
left .

Should be located on the tower right-

side of the sign to indicate fight - .
turning movement to the right.

Should be located on the right-hand

side of the sign to indicate sharp
turning movement to the right .

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 32

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

FIG. 4 TYPICAL LOCATION FOR DESTINATION SIGNS

FOR LOCAL SIEEI AND MINOR ROADS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 33

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

FIG. 5 TYPICAL LOCATION FOR DESTINATION SIGNS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 34

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 35

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

FIG. 7 TYPICAL LOCATION OF ROUTE MARKERS ON DIRECTIONAL GUIDE

SIGNS AND ON KILOMETRE POSTS

ROUTE MARKER SHOWN ON A KILOMETER POST

ROUTE MARKER SHOWN ON A DIRECT04AL GUIDE SIGN

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 36

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 37

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 38

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

FIG. 10 TYPICAL LOCATION 1. SIGNS FOR CURVES

NOTES :
1. ON GUADRAIL CURVES THERE SHOULDALWAYS BE TWO CHEVRON
DELINATOR SIGN IN THE DRIVER’S LINE VISION.
2. NUMBER OF CHEVRON DELINATOR SIGN SMALL DEPEND ON THE LENGTH
OF CURVE THE LONGER THE CURVE THE MORE THE NUMBER OF SIGN.
3. CHEVRON DELINATOR SIGN SMALL BE ERECTED AS INDICATED ABOVE.
4. ADVISORY SPEED SMALL BE DETERMINED BY THE ENGINEER AND THE
SPEED WILL NOT BE GREATER THAN THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT.
5. USE CURVE SIGN IF THE ROAD HAS NO REFETITIVE CURVE.
6. USE WINDING ROAD SIGN IF THE ROAD HAS MANY CURVE AND TURNS
SUCH AS THOSE ROADS IN HILL AREAS.

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 39

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 40

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 41

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 42

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 43

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 44

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 45

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY TRAFFIC SIGN APPLICATIONS

KANDUNGAN KERTAS INI TELAH DILULUSKAN OLEH BENGKEL

PIAWAIAN DAN GARIS PANDUAN YANG TELAH DIADAKAN DI
IBU PEJABAT J.K.R KUALA LUMPUR PADA
27- 28, NOVEMBER, 1885

Cawangan Jalan, Ibu Pejabat JKR, K.L Page 46