Regulatory signs and what they mean

Stop R1

A stop sign means a full stop every time, even when the road looks clear. Move off only when you can do so safely.

Source: Sign R1 (Stop) · Regulation 307(a)

3-way stop R1.3

At a 3-way stop, as at a 4-way stop, everyone stops, then vehicles go one at a time in the order in which they stopped.

Source: Sign R1.3 (3-way stop)

4-way stop R1.4

At a 4-way stop every driver must stop. Vehicles then go one at a time, in the order in which they stopped.

Source: Sign R1.4 (4-way stop)

Yield R2

A yield sign does not always mean stopping. Slow down, give way to the traffic you are joining or crossing, and stop only if you must.

Source: Sign R2 (Yield)

Yield to pedestrians R2.1

The plate with a walking figure under the yield sign means you must give way to pedestrians here.

Source: Sign R2.1 (Yield to pedestrians)

Yield at mini-circle R2.2

This yield sign controls entry to a mini-circle. As at any traffic circle, give way to traffic approaching from your right within it.

Source: Sign R2.2 (Yield at mini-circle) · Regulation 284 · Regulation 301

No entry R3

A red disc with a white bar means no entry for vehicles from this side, for example at the far end of a one-way road.

Source: Sign R3 (No entry)

Stop/go manual control R1.5

The stop and go board controls traffic where only one lane is open. STOP means stop and wait; drive on only when the worker turns the GO side to you.

Source: Sign R1.5 (Stop/go manual control)

One-way roadway (left) R4.1

A white arrow on a red rectangle marks a one-way roadway: traffic on it may go only in the direction of the arrow. Never turn into it against the arrow.

Source: Sign R4.1 (One-way roadway)

One-way roadway (right) R4.2

One-way roadway (straight ahead) R4.3

This sign marks a one-way roadway. Turning round would mean driving against the flow, which the sign doesn’t allow.

Source: Sign R4.3 (One-way roadway)

Pedestrian priority zone R5

A red diamond with a walking person marks a pedestrian priority zone: people on foot have priority there. Drive slowly and give way to them.

Source: Sign R5 (Pedestrian priority zone)

Yield to oncoming traffic R6

The small red arrow is your direction and the big black one is the oncoming traffic’s: they go first. Wait until the way is clear.

Source: Sign R6 (Yield to oncoming traffic)

Minimum speed limit R101

A speed on a blue command disc is a minimum speed. The same number in a red ring (sign R201) would be the maximum.

Source: Sign R101 (Minimum speed limit)

End of minimum speed limit R101-600

A red X across a sign ends what that sign started. Here it ends the minimum speed of 60 km/h.

Source: Sign R101-600 (End of minimum speed limit)

Keep left R103

The arrow pointing down to the left means pass on the left side of the sign, for example of a traffic island.

Source: Sign R103 (Keep left)

Keep right R104

The arrow pointing down to the right means pass on the right side of the sign. Its mirror image, sign R103, means keep left.

Source: Sign R104 (Keep right)

Turn left R105

Blue discs give commands. A straight arrow pointing left on a blue disc means you must turn left here.

Source: Sign R105 (Turn left)

Turn right R106

It is a command: you must turn right here.

Source: Sign R106 (Turn right)

Proceed straight R107

This command sign means proceed straight ahead: you may not turn left or right here.

Source: Sign R107 (Proceed straight)

Turn left ahead R108

A blue disc is a command. The arrow goes straight on and then turns: you must turn left at the junction ahead, not right here.

Source: Sign R108 (Turn left ahead)

Turn right ahead R109

Pedestrians only R110

A white walking figure on a blue disc marks a road or path reserved for pedestrians, so no vehicles.

Source: Sign R110 (Pedestrians only)

Cyclists only R111

A bicycle on a blue disc reserves the lane or road for cyclists. A warning about cyclists would be a red-bordered triangle instead.

Source: Sign R111 (Cyclists only)

Cyclists and pedestrians only R112

A blue disc is a command. This one sets the road or path aside for cyclists and pedestrians only.

Source: Sign R112 (Cyclists and pedestrians only)

Motorcycles only R116

A blue disc with a vehicle on it sets the road or lane aside for that kind of vehicle only. Here, motorcycles.

Source: Sign R116 (Motorcycles only)

Motorcars only R117

A blue disc is a command: only the vehicle shown, a motor car, may use the road or lane. A red ring with a slash would prohibit it.

Source: Sign R117 (Motorcars only)

Taxis only R118

A blue disc is a command: only the vehicle shown, a taxi, may use the road or lane. The same taxi in a red ring with a slash means taxis are prohibited.

Source: Sign R118 (Taxis only)

Mini-buses only R119

The blue disc with a mini-bus on it sets the road or lane aside for mini-buses only.

Source: Sign R119 (Mini-buses only)

Switch headlamps on R133

This command sign means drive with your headlamps on from here. A separate sign shows where you may switch them off again.

Source: Sign R133 (Switch headlamps on)

Switch headlamps off R133-600

It ends the stretch where headlamps must be on. You still need them from sunset to sunrise, and whenever you cannot see clearly for 150 m.

Source: Sign R133-600 (Switch headlamps off) · Regulation 157(1)(b)

Roundabout R137

The law defines a traffic circle, or roundabout, as a junction where traffic travels clockwise around the island.

Source: Sign R137 (Roundabout) · Regulation 284

Midi-buses only R120

The Regulations define a midibus as a bus designed or adapted to carry not more than 35 persons, excluding the driver. This sign keeps the way for them.

Source: Sign R120 (Midi-buses only) · Regulation 284

Buses only R121

A bus on a blue disc means buses only. Other vehicles must keep out of that road or lane.

Source: Sign R121 (Buses only)

Delivery vehicles only R122

A delivery vehicle is a goods vehicle, motorcycle, motor tricycle or quadrucycle that is loading or unloading goods. A car dropping off a passenger isn’t one.

Source: Sign R122 (Delivery vehicles only) · Regulation 284

Construction vehicles only R125

The dump truck on a blue disc reserves the way for construction vehicles: those used for building and maintaining roads.

Source: Sign R125 (Construction vehicles only) · Regulation 284

Agricultural vehicles only R130

This sign is for agricultural vehicles: vehicles built only for farming, tractors among them. A goods vehicle, even one carrying farm goods, is not an agricultural vehicle.

Source: Sign R130 (Agricultural vehicles only) · Regulation 284

Animal-drawn vehicles only R131

A horse and cart on a blue disc means the road or lane is for animal-drawn vehicles only. In a red ring with a slash, they would be prohibited.

Source: Sign R131 (Animal-drawn vehicles only)

Toll road R132

The white T on a blue disc marks a toll road. Make sure you can pay before you join it.

Source: Sign R132 (Toll road)

End of toll road R132-600

A red X across a sign ends what the sign began. Across the toll road sign, it marks the end of the toll road.

Source: Sign R132-600 (End of toll road)

Trams only R138

A blue disc commands: with a tram on it, the road or lane is for trams only. Keep other vehicles out of it.

Source: Sign R138 (Trams only)

Goods vehicles over 3 500 kg only R123

A lorry on a blue disc commands: the road or lane is for goods vehicles over 3 500 kg only.

Source: Sign R123 (Goods vehicles over 3 500 kg only)

Vehicles transporting dangerous substances only R126

The tanker with the orange danger diamond on a blue disc reserves the way for vehicles transporting dangerous substances. In a red ring with a slash, they would be banned.

Source: Sign R126 (Vehicles transporting dangerous substances only)

Tour buses only R129

TOUR above a bus on a blue disc reserves the way for tour buses: buses run by a tour operator to carry tourists.

Source: Sign R129 (Tour buses only) · Regulation 284

Buses and mini-buses only R134

A bus and a mini-bus on a blue disc reserve the way for buses and mini-buses only.

Source: Sign R134 (Buses and mini-buses only)

Cyclists and pedestrians only (divided: cyclists left) R113

A blue disc with a bicycle and a walking figure keeps the path for cyclists and pedestrians alone. The line down the middle splits it: each uses the side its symbol is on.

Source: Sign R113 (Cyclists and pedestrians only)

Cyclists and pedestrians only (divided: pedestrians left) R115

The line splits the path. Cyclists use the part shown by the bicycle, here the right, and pedestrians the part shown by the walking figure.

Source: Sign R115 (Cyclists and pedestrians only)

Speed limit 60 km/h R201-60

A number in a red ring is a speed limit: the highest speed allowed on that road.

Source: Sign R201 (Speed limit) · Act s59(4)(b)

Speed limit 80 km/h R201-80

A bus may never go faster than 100 km/h, and here the sign sets a lower limit. The lower of the two applies: 80 km/h.

Source: Sign R201 (Speed limit) · Regulation 293(1)(b)(i) · Act s59(4)

Speed limit 100 km/h R201-100

A speed limit shown on a sign applies on that road, even where the general limit, 120 km/h on a freeway, is higher.

Source: Sign R201 (Speed limit) · Act s59(4)(b)

Speed limit 120 km/h R201-120

A goods vehicle heavier than 9 000 kg may not go faster than 80 km/h. A higher limit on a sign does not change that.

Source: Sign R201 (Speed limit) · Regulation 293(1)(a)(i) · Act s59(4)(c)

Height limit 4,42 m R204

The arrows above and below the number show height: no vehicle taller than 4,42 m may go past, for example under a low bridge.

Source: Sign R204 (Height limit)

Vehicles over 12 t GVM prohibited R202

The number with a "t" is a mass limit: vehicles heavier than 12 tonnes (gross vehicle mass) may not go past.

Source: Sign R202 (Vehicles over 12 t GVM prohibited)

Vehicles over 15 m long prohibited R205

The long lorry with "15 m" between two pointers is a length limit: no vehicle longer than 15 m may go past.

Source: Sign R205 (Vehicles over 15 m long prohibited)

Hooting prohibited R206

A hooter crossed out means no hooting or other unnecessary noise along this stretch, for example near a hospital.

Source: Sign R206 (Hooting prohibited)

Hitch-hiking prohibited R207

A raised thumb, the sign for asking a lift, crossed out: nobody may hitch-hike along this road.

Source: Sign R207 (Hitch-hiking prohibited)

Left turn prohibited R211

A red ring with a slash prohibits whatever it shows: here, turning left.

Source: Sign R211 (Left turn prohibited)

Right turn prohibited R212

This sign prohibits turning right, whatever the traffic is doing. Carry on and find another route.

Source: Sign R212 (Right turn prohibited)

U-turn prohibited R213

The U-shaped arrow, crossed out, prohibits turning around to go back the way you came.

Source: Sign R213 (U-turn prohibited)

Overtaking prohibited R214

Two cars side by side, crossed out, mark a stretch of road where you may not overtake.

Source: Sign R214 (Overtaking prohibited)

Parking prohibited R216

In law, parking means staying longer than you need to load or unload people or goods. So under a no-parking sign you may stop for that, but no longer.

Source: Sign R216 (Parking prohibited) · Act s1 ("park")

Stopping prohibited R217

This sign prohibits stopping, not just parking. You may not bring your vehicle to a standstill here to drop anyone off.

Source: Sign R217 (Stopping prohibited) · Act s1 ("stop")

Pedestrians prohibited R218

A walking figure in a red ring with a slash means people on foot may not use this road.

Source: Sign R218 (Pedestrians prohibited)

Cyclists prohibited R219

A bicycle in a red ring with a slash means cyclists may not use this road. On a blue disc, it would mean cyclists only.

Source: Sign R219 (Cyclists prohibited)

Motorcycles prohibited R222

A motorcycle in a red ring with a slash means motorcycles are not allowed on this road.

Source: Sign R222 (Motorcycles prohibited)

Motorcars prohibited R223

A car seen from the side, in a red ring with a slash, means motor cars may not use this road.

Source: Sign R223 (Motorcars prohibited)

Taxis prohibited R224

A car with a taxi sign on its roof, crossed out in a red ring, means taxis may not use this road.

Source: Sign R224 (Taxis prohibited)

Goods vehicles over 3 500 kg prohibited R229

The lorry in a red ring with a slash keeps goods vehicles of more than 3 500 kg off this road.

Source: Sign R229 (Goods vehicles over 3 500 kg prohibited)

Left turn prohibited ahead R209

A red ring with a slash prohibits. The arrow goes straight on and then turns left: no left turn at the junction ahead. The same arrow on a blue disc would command the turn.

Source: Sign R209 (Left turn prohibited ahead)

Right turn prohibited ahead R210

Cyclists and pedestrians prohibited R220

A red ring with a slash prohibits what it shows: neither cyclists nor pedestrians may use the road. The blue disc with both would set the road aside for them.

Source: Sign R220 (Cyclists and pedestrians prohibited)

Mini-buses prohibited R225

A red ring with a slash prohibits the vehicle it shows. Mini-buses may not go past this sign.

Source: Sign R225 (Mini-buses prohibited)

Horses and riders prohibited R238

A red ring with a slash prohibits: horses and their riders may not use this road. The warning for horse riders is a red triangle.

Source: Sign R238 (Horses and riders prohibited)

Vehicles over 2,1 m wide prohibited R239

A red ring with a measurement sets a limit. The pointers come in from the sides, so this is a width limit: no vehicle wider than 2.1 m may go past.

Source: Sign R239 (Vehicles over 2,1 m wide prohibited)

Overtaking prohibited for heavy vehicles R215

A red ring with a slash prohibits. Two lorries side by side: drivers of heavy vehicles may not overtake. The same sign with two cars stops all overtaking.

Source: Sign R215 (Overtaking prohibited for heavy vehicles)

Midi-buses prohibited R226

A red ring with a slash prohibits the vehicle it shows: midi-buses may not go past this sign.

Source: Sign R226 (Midi-buses prohibited)

Buses prohibited R227

A red ring with a slash prohibits the vehicle it shows: buses may not go past this sign.

Source: Sign R227 (Buses prohibited)

Goods vehicles over 10 t GVM prohibited R230

The sign keeps out goods vehicles with a GVM over 10 tonnes. GVM is the most the vehicle may weigh with its load, as its maker rates it, so it counts even when the vehicle is empty.

Source: Sign R230 (Goods vehicles over 10 t GVM prohibited)

Vehicles transporting dangerous substances prohibited R232

A red ring with a slash prohibits. The tanker with an orange hazard diamond stands for vehicles transporting dangerous substances: they may not use this road.

Source: Sign R232 (Vehicles transporting dangerous substances prohibited)

Agricultural vehicles prohibited R236

A red ring with a slash prohibits: tractors and other agricultural vehicles may not use this road. The warning that they may be on the road is a red triangle.

Source: Sign R236 (Agricultural vehicles prohibited)

Towed vehicles prohibited R240

A red ring with a slash prohibits what it shows: a trailer. No vehicle may be towed past this sign.

Source: Sign R240 (Towed vehicles prohibited)

Motorcycles and motorcars prohibited R242

The sign shows a motorcycle and a car, crossed out: neither may use this road.

Source: Sign R242 (Motorcycles and motorcars prohibited)

End of weight limit R202-600

A sign crossed out in red ends the restriction it shows. Here the 12 t mass limit no longer applies.

Source: Sign R202-600 (End of weight limit)

Vehicles over 2 t on a single axle prohibited R203

The axle under the arrow shows that the limit is the load on a single axle: no axle may carry more than 2 tonnes.

Source: Sign R203 (Vehicles over 2 t on a single axle prohibited)

Unauthorised vehicles prohibited R208

The two black bars mean unauthorised vehicles are prohibited. An authorised vehicle is one identified by its number plate, an authorised symbol or name, or an authorised windscreen disc that matches the sign.

Source: Sign R208 (Unauthorised vehicles prohibited) · Regulation 284

Delivery vehicles prohibited R228

This sign prohibits delivery vehicles: goods vehicles, motorcycles, motor tricycles and quadrucycles while they load or unload goods.

Source: Sign R228 (Delivery vehicles prohibited) · Regulation 284

Construction vehicles prohibited R231

A dump truck in a red ring with a slash prohibits construction vehicles. On a blue disc, the road would be for them only.

Source: Sign R231 (Construction vehicles prohibited)

Abnormal vehicles prohibited R233

The letters A V stand for abnormal vehicle: one that is operated under a written exemption from the rules, such as an extra-wide load, and any vehicle escorting it.

Source: Sign R233 (Abnormal vehicles prohibited) · Regulation 284

Rickshaws prohibited R234

It prohibits rickshaws: vehicles with two wheels designed to be pulled by a person.

Source: Sign R234 (Rickshaws prohibited) · Regulation 284

Tour buses prohibited R235

A tour bus is a minibus, midibus or bus run by a tour operator and used mainly to carry tourists. Other buses may still use the road.

Source: Sign R235 (Tour buses prohibited) · Regulation 284

Animal-drawn vehicles prohibited R237

The horse and cart in a red ring with a slash prohibit animal-drawn vehicles. On a blue disc, they would be the only vehicles allowed.

Source: Sign R237 (Animal-drawn vehicles prohibited)

Hawkers prohibited R241

It prohibits hawkers: people who sell or trade goods. Hawking signs, like parking signs, stand at each end of the stretch they apply to.

Source: Sign R241 (Hawkers prohibited) · Regulation 284 · Regulation 288(1)

Parking prohibited during the hours shown R216-R501

A plate under a sign limits when the sign applies. Here, the no-parking sign applies from 06:00 to 09:00, and 08:30 falls inside those hours.

Source: Sign R216-R501 (Parking prohibited during the hours shown)

Speed limit 120 km/h during the day R201-120-R511

The sun on the plate limits the sign to the day-time hours. At night, another limit, shown with a moon, may apply.

Source: Sign R201-120-R511 (Speed limit 120 km/h during the day)

Speed limit 100 km/h at night R201-100-R512

The moon and stars on the plate mean the 100 km/h limit applies during the night-time hours.

Source: Sign R201-100-R512 (Speed limit 100 km/h at night)

Parking R305-P

A white P on a blue rectangle marks a place where you may park, as long as no other sign or rule forbids it.

Source: Sign R305-P (Parking)

Parking for motorcycles R307-P

A parking sign with a symbol under the P reserves the parking for that kind of vehicle: here, motorcycles.

Source: Sign R307-P (Parking for motorcycles)

Parking for vehicles carrying disabled persons R323-P

Bays reserved for disabled persons are only for disabled persons, or for vehicles with the sticker that are conveying them.

Source: Sign R323-P (Parking for vehicles carrying disabled persons) · Regulation 305(7)

Reserved for buses R301

The large R marks a reservation, and the symbol above it says who for: here, buses.

Source: Sign R301 (Reserved for buses)

Reserved lane for buses R302

The R with a bus and the yellow broken line marks a lane reserved for buses. Other vehicles keep out of it.

Source: Sign R302 (Reserved lane for buses)

Start of a reserved lane for buses R303

The yellow broken line bending in at the foot shows the reserved lane beginning. Keep out of it from here unless you are driving a bus.

Source: Sign R303 (Start of a reserved lane for buses)

Reserved lane for bicycles R304

The R with a bicycle and the yellow broken line marks a lane reserved for bicycles. Keep your vehicle out of it.

Source: Sign R304 (Reserved lane for bicycles)

Reserved for high-occupancy vehicles R320

The diamond means high-occupancy vehicles: those carrying at least the number of people on the sign. A car with only its driver doesn’t qualify.

Source: Sign R320 (Reserved for high-occupancy vehicles) · Regulation 284

Reserved lane for high-occupancy vehicles R336

A high-occupancy vehicle is one carrying at least as many people as the sign shows, counting everyone in it. You and two passengers make three.

Source: Sign R336 (Reserved lane for high-occupancy vehicles) · Regulation 284

Parking for buses R301-P

The P with a bus under it keeps the parking for buses.

Source: Sign R301-P (Parking for buses)

Parking with a 60-minute limit R306-P

The time under the P is the most you may stay. Here, parking is allowed for up to 60 minutes.

Source: Sign R306-P (Parking with a 60-minute limit)

Parking for taxis R309-P

A vehicle under the P says who the parking is for: here, taxis. Other vehicles may not park there.

Source: Sign R309-P (Parking for taxis)

Reserved for taxis R309

The R reserves the place for the vehicles shown above it: here, taxis. Other vehicles keep out.

Source: Sign R309 (Reserved for taxis)

Reserved for ambulances R321

The ambulance with its red A, above the R, reserves the place for ambulances. Keep it clear: they may need it in a hurry.

Source: Sign R321 (Reserved for ambulances)

Reserved for police vehicles R322

POL in the yellow ring, above the R, reserves the place for police vehicles. Visitors park elsewhere.

Source: Sign R322 (Reserved for police vehicles)

Reserved for vehicles carrying disabled persons R323

The wheelchair symbol above the R reserves the place for vehicles carrying disabled persons.

Source: Sign R323 (Reserved for vehicles carrying disabled persons)

Reserved for diplomatic vehicles R324

CD stands for Corps Diplomatique: the place is reserved for diplomatic vehicles.

Source: Sign R324 (Reserved for diplomatic vehicles)

Reserved lane for buses and mini-buses R328

The R with a bus and a mini-bus, and the yellow broken line, marks a lane reserved for buses and mini-buses. Other vehicles keep out of it.

Source: Sign R328 (Reserved lane for buses and mini-buses)

Parking for bicycles R304-P

A bicycle under the P keeps the parking for bicycles.

Source: Sign R304-P (Parking for bicycles)

Parking for ambulances R321-P

Parking for police vehicles R322-P

POL in the yellow ring under the P keeps the parking for police vehicles.

Source: Sign R322-P (Parking for police vehicles)

Parking for diplomatic vehicles R324-P

Parking with a 30-minute limit on the days and hours shown R305-P-R505

On weekdays from 09:00 to 16:00, the plate limits parking to 30 minutes. Tuesday at 11:00 falls inside those hours.

Source: Sign R305-P-R505 (Parking with a 30-minute limit on the days and hours shown)

Dual-carriageway freeway begins R401

A freeway is a road designated as one by a road traffic sign. This sign marks where it begins: from here, freeway rules apply.

Source: Sign R401 (Dual-carriageway freeway begins) · Act s1

End of dual-carriageway freeway R401-600

The freeway sign crossed out in red marks the end of the freeway, and of the rules that go with it.

Source: Sign R401-600 (End of dual-carriageway freeway)

Single-carriageway freeway begins R402

One road under the bridge means a single-carriageway freeway: the freeway rules apply, but there is no median between you and oncoming traffic.

Source: Sign R402 (Single-carriageway freeway begins)

Living street begins R403

A living street, or woonerf, is shared by vehicles and people on foot, children playing among them. Drive very slowly and give them room.

Source: Sign R403 (Living street begins)

End of living street R403-600