2.2.

Philippine Transportation System

2.2.1. Road Signs
A standardized road traffic system is essential to ensure that drivers acquire the information
necessary to enable them to comply with road regulations and to navigate their way around the
road system in a safe and efficient manner. As in the case of any traffic control devices, road
signs should be used only when these are necessary and where their use has been justified by
field studies.
Road signs contain instructions that the road user is required to obey. They warn the road user of
hazards that may not be self-evident. They also give information about routes, directions,
destinations, and places of interests. Since road signs are essential part of the road traffic system,
their message should be concise, meaningful, consistent, and their design and placement must be
coordinated with the road geometric design.
2.2.2. Classification of Signs
The Department of Public Works and Highways classifies road signs according to their use:
 Regulatory (Type R)
 Warning (Type W)
 Guide/Informative (Type G)
 Signs for Expressways (Type GE)
 Signs for Special Purposes (Type S)
 Hazard Markers (Type HM)
Regulatory Signs (Type R)
Regulatory signs require the driver’s compliance in accordance with the law. These indicate
the application of legal or statutory requirements, e.g., obligation to give way at intersections,
speed limits, prohibition of movements at intersections and control of parking of vehicles.
Type R signs usually are rectangular in shape, with either red or black legend on a white
background. Notable exceptions are STOP signs (octagonal) and GIVE WAY signs
(triangular).

Octagon shape An equilateral triangle

is exclusive for with one point vertically
a STOP sign downward is exclusive
for a GIVE WAY sign
Warning Signs (Type W)
Warning signs inform the motorists of potentially hazardous conditions on or adjacent to the
road. They also advise motorists of road conditions that require caution and may call for a
reduction in speed.
Type W signs, though highly important, tend to lose their effectiveness if used unnecessarily
or too frequently. A warning sign should not be used when the drivers can observe and
appreciate the potential hazard ahead under normal conditions.
Warning signs are shaped an equilateral triangle with one point vertically upward, with a
black symbol, and reflectorized red border on a white background. Just like regulatory signs,
warning signs also have some exceptions in their design.
In urban areas, advance warning signs should be placed at not less than 30m nor more than
100m in advance of the hazardous area, while in rural areas, the sings should be placed at not
less than 75m nor more than 225 in advance of the hazardous area.

Guide/Informative Signs (Type G)

Guide signs, as the name suggests, are road signs that inform the motorist of the directions,
names, and distance of places. These are classified into: (G1) Advance Direction Signs, (G2)
Intersection Direction Signs, (G3) Reassurance Direction Signs, (G4) Finger Board Direction
Signs, (G5) Street Name Signs, (G6) Town Name and Geographical Features Signs, (G7)
Service Signs, (G8) Tourist Information and Tourist Destination Signs, and (G9) Route
Markers.
Type G signs are usually rectangular in shape with long axis horizontal. Exceptions to this
rule are route markers. Colors also vary:
 White legend on standard green or blue background: advance direction signs, intersection
and special region signs, and reassurance direction signs, including signs giving
directions to expressways from the adjacent road and street system
 White legend on blue background: signs indicating roadside facilities and services
 White legend on brown background: tourist spots

Signs for Expressways (Type GE)

Signs located on expressways and roads leading to expressways.
 Signs for Special Purposes (Type S)
These signs are used at locations where ordinary and regulatory signs do not achieve the
desired result. Type S signs are generally rectangular in shape with black legends on white
background.

Hazard Markers (Type HM)

Hazard markers are used to emphasize to the approaching driver a marked change in the
direction of travel and the presence of an obstruction. Generally rectangular and consists of
alternate black and white bands.

2.2.3. Pavement Markings

A system of clear and effective pavement markings is essential for the guidance and control of
vehicles and pedestrians. They take the form of lines, symbols, messages, or numerals, and may
be set into the surface of, applied upon, or attached to the pavement. In some cases, pavement
markings are used as a supplement to other traffic control devices, such as traffic signals and
road signs. In other instances, they may simply guide traffic or give advance warning or they
may impose restrictions supported by traffic regulations.
2.2.4. Types of Markings
Pavement and Curb Markings
 Longitudinal lines – laid in the direction of travel. Includes: Center Line; Lane Line;
Double Yellow Line; “No Passing” Zone Markings; Pavement Edge Line; Continuity
Lines; and Transition Line
 Transverse Lines – laid across the direction of travel. Includes: Stop Line; Give Way
Lines; Pedestrian Crossing Markings; and Roundabout Holding Lines

 Other Lines – Include: Turn Lines; Parking Bays; Painted Median Islands; and Bus &
PUJ Lines

 Other Markings – approach markings to islands and obstructions. Include: Markings on

Exit and Entrance Ramps; Curb markings for parking restrictions; Approach to railroad
crossing; Messages and symbols

Object Markings

Physical obstruction in or near a roadway that constitute serious hazard to traffic, including
installations designed for the control of traffic shall be adequately marked. Typical
obstructions of this character are: bridge supports; monuments; traffic islands; beacon, signal,
and sign support; loading islands; railroads and draw-bridge gate; posts of narrow bridges;
underpass piers and abutments; culvert headwalls; and poles, trees, rocks, and structures
giving restrictions to overhead clearance.
 Reflectorized Markings

These markings are used to stimulate or supplement painted pavement markings. Examples
are raised pavement markers and delineators or guide posts.

End of Module Assessment

Observe the traffic around your area. What regulatory and warning signs may be installed there?
Explain your answer.