Important Traffic Signs to Follow in India

Traffic signs are the salient speakers, preventing drivers and pedestrians from
fatal risks on the road. More than 400 road accidents occur daily on Indian
roads that cost lives and 3% of total annual GDP.
Therefore, it is important to know 3 main categories of traffic signs in India to
ensure road safety.
Here we have listed details about traffic signs in a consolidated form to make it
easier to understand.
What Are the Traffic Signs in India?

Understanding traffic signs is crucial for optimum safety on the road. These
traffic signs communicate the basic rules and regulations of road safety in the
form of extremely simple graphics that can be easily understood within seconds.
In fact, any person applying for a driving license, for example, needs to be
completely aware of all the traffic signs to pass the theoretical exam of a driving
test. Discussed below are the various types of traffic signs or symbols for Indian
roads.
Different Types of Traffic Signs in India
Common traffic signs in India are categorized under three heads -
1. Mandatory Traffic Signs
Traffic Signs Meaning
Stop Drivers should immediately stop after seein
Give Way Indicates the traffic to give way to the fellow
on the right.
Straight Prohibitor No Entry Indicates restricted area.
Pedestrian Prohibited Indicates the place is restricted for walking.
Horn Prohibited Honking is restricted in areas marked with t
No Parking Restricts parking of vehicles in areas marke
sign.
No Stopping or Standing No vehicle or person should stand or stop a
locations marked with this sign.
Speed Limited Following the mentioned speed limit is man
these designated areas.
Right Hand Curve Cautions the driver about a right hand curve
Left Hand Curve Cautions the driver about a left hand curve.
Right Hair Pin Bend Cautions about a sharp right turn.
Left Hair Pin Bend Cautions about a sharp left turn.
Narrow Road Ahead Cautions the driver about a narrow road.
Narrow Bridge Indicates the driver about a narrow bridge o
ahead.
Pedestrian Crossing This sign indicates that pedestrians should c
road.
School Ahead Cautions the driver about a school nearby.
Round About Indicates the driver about a circular intersec
Dangerous Dip Cautions the driver that there is a sharp dip
Hump or Rough Cautions the driver about a hump nearby.
Barrier Ahead Indicates to the driver that there is a barrier
road ahead. e.g. Tolls
In India, all traffic signs are a must to follow. However, mandatory signs are
compulsory and most important to follow. According to the Roadways and
Traffic Department of India, failing to follow traffic rules and signs may incur a
traffic penalty on the driver. It ensures that traffic movement remains smooth
Traffic Signs Meaning

Right Hand Curve Cautions the driver about a right hand c

Left Hand Curve Cautions the driver about a left hand cu

Right Hair Pin Bend Cautions about a sharp right turn.

Left Hair Pin Bend Cautions about a sharp left turn.

Caution the driver that there is a zigzag

Right Reverse Bend the right.

Caution the driver that there is a zigzag

Left Reverse Bend the left.
 Indicates that there is a steep rising upw
Steep Ascent nearby

Indicates that there is a steep descending

Steep Descent downwards nearby

Indicates to the driver that the road ahea

Narrow Road Ahead merges into a narrow road.

Indicates to the driver that the road ahea

Road Wideness Ahead widens.

Indicates the driver about a narrow brid

Narrow Bridge road ahead.

Cautions the driver that gravel or loose

Slippery Road keeps falling on the road.

Indicates that the road is meant for ridin

Cycle Crossing bicycle.

This sign indicates that pedestrians shou

Pedestrian Crossing the road.

School Ahead Cautions the driver about a school nearb

Indicates that labourers are working on

Men At Work ahead.

Indicates the possibility of cattle on the

Cattle nearby.

Cautions the drivers that the road ahead

Falling Rocks to falling rocks.

Ferry Indicates the presence of ferry service.

and pedestrians are aware of the movement of vehicles on the road, speed limit,
no parking zones, etc.
The mandatory traffic signs in India are as follows:

2. Cautionary Traffic Signs

Among other traffic signs in India, cautionary signs warn drivers about potential
threats or safety hazards ahead on the road. Drivers should take necessary steps
or slow down their vehicles according to cautionary signs given on the road.
If you wonder how many traffic signs are there in India under the cautionary
category, the answer is 40. For best understanding, the description of each sign
is mentioned under their graphical symbol, although these symbols are self-
explanatory.
The different cautionary traffic signs are mentioned below:
3. Informatory Traffic Signs

Traffic Signs Meaning

Public Telephone Indicates that a telephone is present nearby.

Petrol Pump Indicates that a petrol pump is present nearby.

Hospital Indicates that a hospital is present nearby.

First Aid Post Indicates the presence of a first aid facility nearby.

Eating Place Indicates the presence of an eating place nearby like restaurants,

Light Refreshment Indicates the presence of a light refreshment facility nearby.

Resting Place Indicates the presence of a resting place nearby.

No Thorough Road Indicates the unavailability of exit on the road.

No Thorough Side Road Indicates the unavailability of a thorough side road on the main r

Park This Side Shows where to park the vehicle.

Parking Lot Scooter and

Motorcycle Indicates the parking lot for scooters and motorcycles.

Parking Lot Cycle Indicates the parking lot for bicycles

Parking Lot Cars Indicates the parking lot for cars.

Informatory signs are important traffic signs that help drivers with information
about facility areas even without knowledge of the map. It tells about a hospital,
petrol pump, public toilet, etc., in the nearest vicinity.
Listed below are the important informatory traffic signs to follow in India.
Importance of Traffic Signs in Daily Life
Indian traffic signs have utmost importance in daily life on the road.
It helps -
 Smooth flow of traffic and avoid congestion.
 Save lives from the potential risk of accidents.
 Provide necessary information about the road ahead.
 Prevent road offences.
 In the navigation of routes.
For new drivers, these signs are extremely helpful in a smooth driving
experience.
The traffic signs chart in India is updated by the Roadways and Traffic
Department of India to maintain a better road traffic system.
What Are the Functions of Traffic Signs in India?
The various traffic signs used in India have an array of functions. These are -
 Supports drivers with information about the road, facility
around, lane to drive in, etc.
  Ensures road discipline
 Provides road instructions
 Provides information about crossroads, potholes, curves, etc.
 Marks the entry and exit points
 Informs about parking areas
 Informs about maintaining the desired speed limit while
crossing any institutes to prevent accidents
There are several other types of traffic signals in India, such as:
 Hand signal by traffic police.
 Pavement marking or road marking signs.
 Traffic light signals
Besides road accidents, traffic signs save from incidents of road rage,
profanities, aggressive acceleration, etc. According to the New Motor Vehicle
Act of 2019, penalties for breaking traffic rules are made strict and incur higher
penalties. Therefore, it is advisable to know all traffic signs and follow those.