Road Signs &

Pavement
Markings
Road Signs & Pavement Markings along a 10-km distance between:
Bike Lane Ahead:
These bicycle lanes are dedicated
exclusively for active transport
users, i.e. riders of bicycles, kick
scooters, and their electric-assisted
versions. These lanes are marked
out by lines and sometimes patches
of color to guide active transport
users and motorists. You might
have noticed some of these lanes
have a distinct color: green. Their
meaning is not just something
cyclists and kick scooter riders
should learn, but all road users as
well. Unfortunately, there’s been
very little information dissemination
as to what these lines and markings
mean.
Maximum Speed Restriction:
The Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority (MMDA)
sets a maximum speed limit of 50 to
60 km/h for vehicles in Metro
Manila. This speed limit is
applicable to specific areas, certain
roads, and given conditions.
However, according to the manual,
the standard sign for speed limit
should not include the abbreviation
"kph".
Directions Signs (Pass Either Side,
Keep Right, Merging Traffic):
These signs provide you with
important information that can help
you navigate safely and efficiently.
Signs that say "Pass Either Side"
indicate that you are allowed to pass
a vehicle on either the left or right-
hand side. "Keep Right" signs, means
that you should move over to the right
if you are not already there. Finally,
signs that warn of "Merging Traffic"
indicate that you should be prepared
to merge with other vehicles traveling
in the same direction. By paying close
attention to these directional signs,
you can stay safe and avoid accidents
on the road.
No Blowing of Horn:
This sign is a form of regulation that
orders drivers to refrain from using
their car horns upon entering a
particular area. It is likely that this
area is either a residential or a quiet
zone where loud noises can be
disruptive and cause disturbance to
the surrounding environment.
Obeying this regulation helps to
ensure a safe and peaceful
environment for all residents and
visitors in the area.
No Entry for All Vehicles:
This sign prohibits all types of
vehicles from entering a particular
area, such as a road, street, or
lane. This sign is typically used to
prevent traffic congestion, control
access to a private or pedestrian-
only area, or ensure safety in areas
where motor vehicles are not
allowed. As per the manual, it is
usually a red circle with a white
horizontal bar, and the words "No
Entry" written in bold letters.
Do Not Block Intersection:
This indicates drivers should not
enter an intersection if they cannot
safely drive through it and clear it,
without stopping, before the traffic
signal changes. Blocking an
intersection can cause traffic
congestion and impede the flow of
vehicles, pedestrians, and
emergency services. The sign is
usually placed near the intersection
and is designed to remind drivers to
be mindful and considerate of
others while driving.
No Entry For Vehicle with Gross
Vehicle Mass of more than 15/20
tons:
The specified area prohibits the
entry of vehicles that have a Gross
Vehicle Mass (GVM) exceeding 15
or 20 tons. Any vehicle that exceeds
this weight limit is not permitted to
enter the area. Drivers need to
make sure that their vehicle's GVM
is within the permitted limit before
attempting to enter the specified
area.
No Parking:
Motorists are advised that parking
is strictly prohibited along the side
of the road, bike lane, and any
other prohibited areas along EDSA.
Violators will be fined and their
vehicles may be towed at the
owner's expense. Drivers must be
sure to park only in designated
areas to avoid any inconvenience
or penalty.
No Left Turn:
These signs are traffic signs that
forbid drivers from turning left. They
are sometimes vandalized by
people who want to cause
confusion or mischief. This is a
serious offense that can lead to
accidents and legal consequences.
No Waiting, Stopping, Loading
and Unloading Anytime:
The area is designated as a no-
waiting zone, meaning that vehicles
are prohibited from stopping,
parking, or loading and unloading
passengers or goods at any time.
This rule applies round the clock,
regardless of the day of the week or
the time of day. However, some of
tese have been vandalized and
colors are fading.
Hazard Markers: Width Markers
(Left):
These markers are typically used to
indicate the width of the road or
lane, especially in areas where the
width is reduced due to obstacles
or other hazards. They are placed
on the left side of the road to warn
drivers to stay within the designated
lane and avoid collisions with other
vehicles or objects nearby. These
play an important role in ensuring
road safety and preventing
accidents.
Advance Direction Signs:
These signs provide information
about the upcoming routes, exits,
and destinations on highways and
roads. These are generally placed
at a considerable distance before
the actual turnoff or exit ramp to
give drivers enough time to safely
change lanes or adjust their speed.
These signs often include the
distance to the upcoming exit, the
name of the destination, and the
direction of travel. They are usually
designed to be easy to read and
understand to ensure that drivers
can quickly and safely navigate the
roadways.
Center Line (Separation Line):
When driving and approaching an
intersection, it's important to stay in
your designated lane. If you plan on
turning at the intersection, it's
recommended to transition into the
turning lane at least 50 meters
before the intersection. This will
ensure that you have enough time
to safely merge into the lane
without disrupting the flow of traffic.
Broken white center line or lane
divider:
This symbolizes the midpoint of a
two-lane road or separates the
lanes on multi-lane roads. Its
purpose is to remind drivers to stay
within their designated lane.
Crossing or straddling the line is a
violation of traffic laws and is
punishable. If the line is “broken,” it
is legal to cross it when changing
lanes or overtaking. Keep in mind
that vehicles that are moving
straight within their lane have the
right of way, so it's important to wait
your turn. However, some of these
markings are fading away.
Directional Arrows:
These markings are for lane control
and are usually in white color. Lane
control markings are typically in
white and are used in conjunction
with solid white lane dividers to
indicate the allowable directions
within a lane. If the arrow points
forward only, it means you cannot
make a turn from that lane. If it
points forward and to the side, you
have the option to either go straight
or turn. If it points only to the side,
you must turn within that lane.
However, the arrow on the upper
right is no longer eligible due to the
tampering of the bike lane marking.
Motorcycle Lane:
This marking designates lanes for
motorcycles but can be shared by
other vehicles. Motorists are
prohibited from staying on other
lanes except when turning an
intersection or instructed by
enforcers. However, some cracks
and painting errors are visible and
may cause confusion.
Zebra Crossing or Pedestrian
Intersection:
There is a designated area for
pedestrians to cross the street
safely. It is important to note that if
you come across a red light at this
crossing, stopping your vehicle is
mandatory. Pay close attention to
the traffic light timers to ensure the
safety of both pedestrians and
drivers. It is worth noting, however,
that some of the lines that
demarcate the crossing area are
becoming faint and less visible over
time.
Solid Yellow Lane:
The presence of a specific marking
on the road indicates that
overtaking is strictly prohibited. This
same marking can be seen on the
bus lane along EDSA, yet it can
also be used to identify bicycle
lanes in certain locations. In some
cases, solid white lines may also be
used to indicate the presence of
bicycle lanes on the side of the
road.
Do Not Block Intersection Lines:
This yellow box marks the area of
the intersection that should always
be kept clear, even if you have the
green light. If traffic is stopped
ahead on the other side, it's best to
wait until there is enough space for
you to clear the box. It's important
to keep the yellow box clear even
when there is no traffic light. By
remembering and obeying these
road markings, you will be following
the law and helping to ensure your
safety.
Transition Lines:
These markings are either used to
guide the traffic safely past
obstructions on roadways. An area
with diagonal white lines and solid
white borders is not considered a
part of the roadway. Vehicles are
expected to stay off from this area
unless there is an emergency.
These areas are often used to
facilitate the flow of traffic where
roads diverge or intersect.
Solid Green Lane:
When cyclists are in these
markings, they need to be careful
since vehicles may enter or exit the
bicycle lane to access
establishments or intersections.
Cyclists should maintain a safe
distance, stop, or change their
direction to allow other road users
such as pedestrians or vehicles to
pass if necessary. These markings
are typically found at intersections
or where driveways meet the road.
They are installed as a reminder to
cyclists to be cautious and yield to
other road users.
Striped Green Lane:
This marking is designed to warn
cyclists that they are approaching
an intersection. When entering this
area, cyclists should reduce their
speed and be vigilant of their
surroundings. As there is an
intersection ahead, there might be
vehicles that pass through the lane
to access the inner lanes, enter the
bike lane to turn right, or cross the
intersection at a traffic light. It is
essential to exercise caution and
stay alert when riding in this area.
Dashed White Line Borders:
When a bicycle lane is bordered by
dashed white lines, it means that
the lane is no longer solely
reserved for cyclists. This means
that other vehicles are allowed to
enter into the bicycle lane.
However, you'll usually find these
dashed line borders near major
intersections. The purpose of this is
to allow other vehicles to move to
the right-most lane and turn right to
exit the road. If other vehicles enter
the bicycle lane at this point, they
must also be cautious and give way
to cyclists.
Solid White Line Borders:
White lines on the road are used to
indicate the edges of the road. In
the case of a bike lane, the white
lines are used to show cyclists and
motorists the limits of the bike lane.
If the borders of the bicycle lane are
marked with a solid white line,
cyclists cannot leave the
designated lane and must stay
within its limits. On the other hand,
motorcyclists and drivers cannot
enter the bike lane if the borders
are marked with solid white lines.
Yellow Box Junction:
At busy intersections, motorists
can get tickets for entering the
yellow box at a red light. Even
active transport vehicles are not
allowed to block the box. Cyclists
must follow traffic lights and stop
on red, go on green, without
exceptions.
References:
Department of Public Works and Highways [DPWH]. (2012). Highway
Safety Design Standard: Part 2: Road Signs and Pavement Markings
Manual.

Tamayo, N. (2023, March 27). Must-know: All the basic road markings in
PH and what each one means. https://www.topgear.com.ph.
https://www.topgear.com.ph/features/tip-sheet/must-know-all-the-basic-
road-markings-in-ph-and-what-each-one-means-a36-20160429

Mrgx. (2023, March 3). List of LTO Traffic Signs and Symbols in the
Philippines - LTO Portal PH. LTO Portal PH. https://ltoportal.ph/lto-traffic-
signs-symbols-philippines/#1_Longitudinal_Lines

Your guide to bicycle lane markings and colors. (n.d.). Manila Bulletin.
https://mb.com.ph/2021/5/26/you-guide-to-bicycle-lane-markings-and-
colors
THANK YOU !!!