Complete RTMC-approved catalog of South African road signs, traffic signals, and road markings for learner's license test preparation
All road sign meanings and classifications on this page comply with official standards set by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual. Sign categories, shapes, and colors follow the National Road Traffic Act requirements for 2025.
South African road signs are divided into four main categories. Each category has a specific purpose and design to help you recognize them quickly on the road.
Shape: Usually circular or rectangular
Colors: Red, white, blue
Purpose: Give orders and instructions that MUST be obeyed
View Signs →Shape: Triangular or diamond
Colors: Yellow with black symbols
Purpose: Alert you to hazards and dangers ahead
View Signs →Shape: Rectangular
Colors: Green, blue, or brown backgrounds
Purpose: Provide directions and route information
View Signs →Shape: Rectangular
Colors: Blue or white backgrounds
Purpose: Give useful information about the road ahead
View Signs →These signs give orders that MUST be obeyed by law. Failure to comply may result in fines or penalties.
Meaning: Come to a complete halt at the stop line or before the sign.
Action: Stop completely, check for traffic and pedestrians, proceed only when safe.
Meaning: Give way to traffic that has right of way.
Action: Slow down, be prepared to stop, proceed only when safe.
Meaning: You may not enter this road or area.
Action: Do not proceed past this sign.
Meaning: You must proceed in the direction shown.
Action: Follow the arrow direction only.
Meaning: Maximum speed allowed (60 km/h shown).
Action: Do not exceed this speed under any circumstances.
Meaning: Turning left is prohibited.
Action: You may not turn left at this intersection.
Meaning: Turning right is prohibited.
Action: You may not turn right at this intersection.
Meaning: U-turns are not allowed.
Action: You may not turn around to face the opposite direction.
Meaning: Parking is prohibited at all times.
Action: You may not park your vehicle here.
Meaning: Use of vehicle horn is prohibited.
Action: Do not sound your hooter in this area.
Meaning: Pedestrians may not use this road.
Action: Pedestrians must use alternate routes.
Meaning: Motorcycles are not permitted.
Action: Motorcycles must use alternate routes.
Meaning: This area is reserved for parking.
Action: May be restricted to specific vehicles or times.
Meaning: Reserved for vehicles with disabled persons' permits.
Action: Only park here if you have a valid disabled permit.
Meaning: Lane reserved for buses only.
Action: Other vehicles may not use this lane.
Meaning: Lane reserved for taxis only.
Action: Other vehicles may not use this lane.
Yellow triangular signs that alert you to potential hazards or dangerous situations ahead.
Meaning: Steep descent ahead.
Action: Use lower gear, control speed, test brakes.
Meaning: Steep incline ahead.
Action: May need to use lower gear for power.
Meaning: Road surface may be slippery, especially when wet.
Action: Reduce speed, increase following distance.
Meaning: Road surface is rough, bumpy, or has potholes.
Action: Slow down, watch for obstacles.
Meaning: Speed humps or bumps ahead.
Action: Slow down to avoid damage to vehicle.
Meaning: Rocks may fall onto the road from above.
Action: Watch for rocks on road, be ready to avoid.
Meaning: Strong sidewinds can affect vehicle control.
Action: Hold steering firmly, reduce speed.
Meaning: Frequent fog, mist, or poor visibility.
Action: Use headlights, reduce speed, increase following distance.
Meaning: Sharp curve to the left ahead.
Action: Reduce speed before entering curve.
Meaning: Sharp curve to the right ahead.
Action: Reduce speed before entering curve.
Meaning: Series of curves ahead.
Action: Reduce speed, stay in your lane.
Meaning: Four-way intersection ahead.
Action: Prepare to stop or yield, watch for crossing traffic.
Meaning: Road ends, must turn left or right.
Action: Slow down, prepare to turn.
Meaning: Road divides into two roads ahead.
Action: Choose your direction, watch for other traffic.
Meaning: Roundabout ahead.
Action: Yield to traffic already in circle, travel clockwise.
Meaning: Road ahead carries traffic in both directions.
Action: Keep to the left, watch for oncoming traffic.
Meaning: Pedestrians frequently cross or walk on this road.
Action: Slow down, watch for pedestrians.
Meaning: School or area where children are present.
Action: Reduce speed, be extremely cautious.
Meaning: Cyclists use this road frequently.
Action: Watch for cyclists, give them space.
Meaning: Cattle may be on or crossing the road.
Action: Slow down, be prepared to stop.
Meaning: Wild animals cross this road.
Action: Reduce speed especially at dawn/dusk.
Meaning: Elephants may be on the road.
Action: Drive slowly, do not approach elephants.
Meaning: Construction or maintenance work ahead.
Action: Reduce speed, follow temporary signs.
Meaning: Traffic lights ahead.
Action: Prepare to stop if light is red or yellow.
Provide directions, route numbers, distances, and destinations to help you navigate.
Meaning: Direction and distance to destination on national route.
Action: Follow for major cities and long-distance travel.
Meaning: Metropolitan route within city areas.
Action: Follow for city destinations.
Meaning: Direction to tourist site or attraction.
Action: Follow for tourism destinations.
Meaning: Direction to local street.
Action: Follow for local destinations.
Meaning: Direction to freeway entrance.
Action: Follow for high-speed highway access.
Meaning: Direction to airport.
Action: Follow for airport access.
Meaning: Direction to parking area.
Action: Follow to find parking facilities.
Meaning: Direction to hospital or medical facility.
Action: Follow for emergency medical services.
Provide helpful information about road conditions, facilities, and services.
Meaning: Parking area available.
Action: You may park in this designated area.
Meaning: Petrol/fuel station ahead.
Action: Follow to refuel your vehicle.
Meaning: Restaurant or food facility ahead.
Action: Dining facilities available.
Meaning: Hotel or lodging facility.
Action: Accommodation services available.
Meaning: Public toilets available.
Action: Restroom facilities available.
Meaning: Tourist or traveler information center.
Action: Get maps, directions, and local information.
Meaning: Public telephone available.
Action: Phone services available.
Meaning: Vehicle repair services available.
Action: Garage or workshop ahead.
Shapes tell you the category: circles = regulatory, triangles = warning, rectangles = guidance/information.
Red = prohibition or danger, blue = information, yellow = caution, green = highways.
Look at signs while traveling as a passenger. Quiz yourself on their meanings.
Stop, yield, speed limit, and no parking signs appear most frequently in tests.
Use our quiz to practice identifying signs under test conditions.
Learn WHY each sign exists and what action it requires - understanding beats memorization.
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