Road Signals

By: Shelie Rovel

 Contents
1. Prologue
2. Danger warning signs
3. Regulatory signs
4. Directional informative signs
5. Traffic light signals
a. Light signals for pedestrians
6. Prohibited distance
7. Hazard-warning plates
 Prologue
Road signs in Sri Lanka are standardized to closely follow those
used in Europe with certain distinctions, and a number of changes
have introduced road signs that suit as per local road and system.
Sri Lankan government announced by a gazette that aimed to get a
facelift and introduction of over 100 new road traffic signs. The
new change will be replaced in colour and sizes and introduction
of Variable-message sign & electronic digital sign boards in
express highways. The Japanese government has granted LKR 1.24
billion to implement message signs in expressways.[1]
Language applicable traffic sign boards are in Sinhalese, Tamil and
English. The motor traffic act describes road traffic signs.
Every driver is expected to have a thorough knowledge of traffic
signs, signals and road markings.
The road signs are categorized into three, namely, regulatory,
warning and informative signs.

Danger warning signs

Danger Signs are safety signs for warning when a hazard or a hazardous
condition is likely to be life-threatening. The word 'Danger' is featured
inside a red oval which in turn is inside a black rectangle and often feature
other warning symbols.

Slippery Road Falling rocks Pedestrian Crossing

Cross Wind Diversion to the other Carriageway of a dual Carriageway Danger

Double Bend Steep Descent Road Works Intersection

Loose Gravel Animals Crossing Hump Bridge Two-way Traffic

Regulatory Signs
A regulatory sign is used to indicate or reinforce traffic laws,
regulations or requirements which apply either at all times or at
specified times or places upon a street or highway, the disregard of
which may constitute a violation, or a sign in general that regulates
public behavior in places open to the public.

Stop No Large Trucks Sign No parking Yield

Directional Informative Signs

Directional Signage means a Sign for the public safety or which provides direction
information for the control of vehicular traffic such as a Common Entrance or exit
Sign or a loading area, and bearing no commercial advertising. A Directional Sign
may take the form of a Ground Sign or Wall Sign.
 National Highways
 Provincial Roads
 Expressways
 Other signs useful for drivers
 Route number signs
 Additional panels

Traffic light Signals

Traffic lights, traffic signals or stoplights – known also as robots in South Africa are signalling
devices positioned at road intersections, pedestrian crossings, and other locations in order to control
flows of traffic.
Traffic lights consist normally of three signals, transmitting meaningful information to drivers and
riders through colours and symbols including arrows and bicycles. The regular traffic light colours
are red, yellow and green, arranged vertically or horizontally in that order. Although this is
internationally standardised, variations exist on national and local scales as to traffic light sequences
and laws.]
The method was first introduced in December 1868 on Parliament Square in London to reduce the
need for police officers to control traffic. Since then, electricity and computerised control has
advanced traffic light technology and increased intersection capacity. The system is also used for
other purposes, for example to control pedestrian movements, variable lane control (such as tidal
flow systems or smart motorways) and for railway level crossings.

Light signals for pedestrians