General Road Sign Information

Road Signs

Road signs in South Africa follow the guidelines set out in the SADC-Road Traffic Sign Manual. This manual was created to harmonize traffic signs across the member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), ensuring consistency in road signage throughout the region. Many of the current signs in South Africa are also derived from the previous South African Road Traffic Sign Manual.

In South Africa, road signs are standardized to ensure consistency, clarity, and safety for road users. The primary standard governing road signs in South Africa is set by the South African National Standards (SANS), specifically: SANS 1021:2016

The design and color coding of these signs are crucial for conveying different types of information to drivers. Signs with a white background are used to indicate permanent features or regulations, while those with a yellow background are intended to signal temporary conditions, such as roadworks or detours.

Warning signs in South Africa are typically designed as red triangles with the point facing upwards. These signs include a black pictogram that clearly depicts the specific hazard or obstruction that drivers should be aware of, such as sharp bends, pedestrian crossings, or low bridges.

Speed limit signs are represented by red circles with the numerical speed limit printed in black. This color and shape help drivers easily identify and adhere to speed regulations.

Additionally, it’s important to note that South Africa follows a left-hand driving system. This means that vehicles are driven on the left side of the road, and all traffic signs are designed to facilitate safe and efficient driving in this context.

On this page we will only provide a quick idea of these road signs by including 4 common categories of road signs.

Regulatory Signs

Regulatory signs, indicate the regulation of traffic and helps with seamless traffic control in busy areas such as Junctions, Stops, etc.

Regulatory road signs are designed to inform drivers of specific laws, rules, and regulations that must be followed to ensure road safety and proper traffic flow. Unlike warning signs, which alert drivers to potential hazards, regulatory signs indicate mandatory actions or restrictions.

Command Signs

South African command road signs, which fall under the regulatory signs category, are designed to enforce traffic rules and ensure safe and orderly driving. These signs follow standards set out in the South African Road Traffic Sign Manual and the SADC-Road Traffic Sign Manual for consistency across the Southern African Development Community

Prohibition Signs

Prohibition road signs indicate actions that are not allowed or rules that must be adhered to, helping to ensure road safety and orderly traffic flow. These signs typically feature distinctive shapes and colors to make them easily recognizable, designed to manage traffic behavior and ensure safety. Their standardized design helps drivers quickly understand and comply with traffic regulations.

Warning and Hazard Signs

Warning and hazard road signs are used to alert drivers to potential dangers and changes in road conditions, helping to prevent accidents and ensure safe driving. These signs are standardized for clarity and quick recognition.

These signs are essential for informing drivers about potential dangers and changing road conditions, helping to improve road safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents.