RTO Traffic signs

Understanding traffic signs is crucial for safe driving and road safety. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of RTO traffic signs in India, including their meanings and images. Whether you're a new driver or looking to refresh your knowledge, this resource will help you navigate the roads with confidence.

Cautionary Signs

Traffic Signs Meaning
Right hand curveCautions the driver about a right hand curve.
Left hand curveCautions the driver about a left hand curve.
Right hair pin bendCautions about a sharp right turn.
Left hair pin bendCautions about a sharp left turn.
Right reverse bendCaution the driver that there is a zigzag turn to the right.
Left reverse bendCaution the driver that there is a zigzag turn to the left.
Steep ascentIndicates that there is a steep rising upwards nearby
Steep descentIndicates that there is a steep descending downwards nearby
Quary side or river bankWarns of proximity to a quarry or riverbank, cautioning against potential hazards.
Overhead cableAlerts of low-hanging electrical or telecommunication cables overhead.
Narrow road aheadIndicates to the driver that the road ahead merges into a narrow road.
Road wideness aheadIndicates to the driver that the road ahead widens.
Narrow BridgeIndicates the driver about a narrow bridge on the road ahead.
Slippery RoadCautions the driver that gravel or loose earth keeps falling on the road.
Loose GravelWarns of a road surface with loose gravel, which may affect traction.
Cycle CrossingIndicates that the road is meant for riding a bicycle.
Pedestrian CrossingThis sign indicates that pedestrians should cross the road.-
School aheadCautions the driver about a school nearby.
Men at workIndicates that labourers are working on the road ahead.
CattleIndicates the possibility of cattle on the road nearby.
Falling RocksCautions the drivers that the road ahead is prone to falling rocks.
FerryIndicates the presence of ferry service.
Cross RoadIndicates an intersection where roads cross each other.
Gap in MedianAlerts of a gap in the road divider for crossing or turning
Side Road RightWarns of a road joining from the right side ahead.
Side Road LeftWarns of a road joining from the left side ahead.
Y-IntersectionIndicates a Y-shaped intersection ahead (specific alignment may vary).
Y-IntersectionIndicates a Y-shaped intersection ahead (specific alignment may vary).
Y-IntersectionIndicates a Y-shaped intersection ahead (specific alignment may vary).
T-IntersectionIndicates a T-shaped intersection ahead.
Staggered IntersectionWarns of closely spaced offset side roads on opposite sides.
Staggered Intersection Alerts to a major road crossing ahead.
Major road aheadIndicates a circular intersection requiring vehicles to go around.
Major road aheadIndicates a circular intersection requiring vehicles to go around.
RoundaboutIndicates a circular intersection requiring vehicles to go around.
Dangerous DipWarns of a sharp dip or sudden depression on the road.
Hump or rough roadAlerts of a hump or uneven road surface ahead.
Barrier aheadWarns of a physical barrier or obstruction on the road ahead.
Start of dual carriagewayIndicates the beginning of a divided road.
End of dual carriagewayIndicates the end of a divided road.
Reduced carriagewayWarns of a narrowing road ahead.
Reduced carriagewayWarns of a narrowing road ahead.
Two way operationIndicates a transition to two-way traffic ahead.
Traffic diversionWarns of a diversion in traffic flow.
Traffic signalsAlerts of traffic signal-controlled intersections ahead.
Lane closure Indicates a lane will be closed ahead due to roadwork or obstruction.
Lane closure Indicates a lane will be closed ahead due to roadwork or obstruction.
RunwayAlerts of an airstrip or runway crossing near the road.
Series of bendsWarns of multiple sharp bends on the road ahead.
Sudden side windIndicates areas prone to sudden gusts of wind.
Rumble stripWarns of a textured road section to slow vehicles down.
Speed breakerAlerts of a speed hump to control vehicle speed.
Unguarded railway crossing 200Warns of an unprotected railway crossing 200 meters ahead.
Unguarded railway crossing 50-100Warns of an unprotected railway crossing 50-100 meters ahead.
Guarded railway crossing 200 metersdWarns of a protected railway crossing 200 meters ahead.
Guarded railway crossing 50-100Warns of a protected railway crossing 50-100 meters ahead.

Mandatory Signs

Traffic Signs Meaning
No EntryRestricts entry of all vehicles into the marked area.
One WayVehicles can only travel in the one direction.
One WayVehicles can only travel in the one direction.
No Way in Both DirectionsEntry and exit are prohibited in both directions.
All vehicles prohibitedRestricts all vehicles from entering the marked area.
Trucks prohibitedRestricts trucks from entering the area.
Cycles prohibitedRestricts cycles from entering the area
Horns prohibitedProhibits the use of horns in the area.
Carts prohibiteddRestricts carts from entering the area.
Bullock carts prohibitedRestricts bullock carts from entering the area.
Tongas prohibitedRestricts tongas from entering the area.
Hand carts prohibitedRestricts hand carts from entering the area.
Pedestrians prohibitedIndicates the place is restricted for walking.
Right turn prohibitedProhibits turning right at the marked location.
Left turn prohibitedProhibits turning left at the marked location.
U-turn prohibitedProhibits taking a U-turn at the marked location.
Overtaking prohibitedRestricts overtaking in the marked zone.
No ParkingRestricts parking of vehicles in areas marked with this sign.
No stoppingProhibits vehicles from stopping in the marked area.
Speed LimitIndicates the maximum speed allowed.
Width LimitRestricts entry of vehicles exceeding the specified width.
Height LimitRestricts entry of vehicles exceeding the specified height.
Length LimitRestricts entry of vehicles exceeding the specified length
Load LimitRestricts entry of vehicles carrying loads beyond the limit.
Axle load LimitRestricts vehicles with axle loads exceeding the limit.
Buses onlyRestricts the lane or area for bus use only.
Restriction ends signIndicates the end of the previous restriction.
Compulsory cycle trackDesignates the lane for cycles only.
Compulsory sound trackRequires vehicles to sound their horn.
Compulsory keep leftRequires vehicles to keep to the left.
Compulsory turn leftMandates a left turn at the marked location.
Compulsory turn rightMandates a right turn at the marked location.
Compulsory ahead or turn rightAllows proceeding straight or turning right.-
Compulsory ahead or turn leftAllows proceeding straight or turning left.
Compulsory aheadMandates proceeding straight only.
Slip road aheadWarns of a slip road approaching ahead.
Main road aheadIndicates the main road is approaching ahead.
StopDrivers should immediately stop after seeing this.
Give wayIndicates the traffic to give way to the fellow traffic on the right.

Informatory Signs

Traffic Signs Meaning
Advanced direction signRestricts entry of all vehicles into the marked area.
Destination signIndicates distances and directions to specific destinations.
Re-assurance signConfirms the route and distance after the destination is passed.
Direction signShows the way to specific locations or destinations
Place identification Identifies the name of a place or area.
Park this SideIndicates that parking is allowed on the marked side of the road.
Petrol PumpSignifies the location of a fuel station nearby.
HospitalIndicates the location of a nearby hospital.
Eating PlaceShows the location of a restaurant or eating facility.
Light RefreshmentPoints to a facility offering light snacks or refreshments.
No through roadWarns that the road ahead does not have an outlet.
No through side roadWarns that the side road ahead is a dead end.
First aid postIndicates the location of a first-aid facility.
Public telephoneMarks the location of a public telephone booth.
parking both sidesIndicates that parking is allowed on both sides of the road.
Parking lot BikesDesignates a parking area for bikes.
Parking lot AutoDesignates a parking area for auto-rickshaws.
Parking lot TaxisDesignates a parking area for taxis.
Parking lot CyclesDesignates a parking area for cycles.

Traffic Signs

Traffic Signs Meaning
StopInstructs vehicles to come to a complete stop before proceeding.
Be AlertWarns drivers to remain cautious and prepared for potential hazards.
GoIndicates that it is safe for vehicles to proceed.
Steady Green Arrow SignalAllows vehicles to proceed in the direction of the green arrow.
Flashing Red Signal Requires vehicles to stop and proceed only when safe, similar to a stop sign.

Driving Rules

Traffic Signs Meaning
Signal for Left turn~1Indicates that the driver intends to turn left.
Signal for right turn~2Indicates that the driver intends to turn right.
Signal for stopping~3Warns or indicates the driver’s intent to stop the vehicle.
Signal for slowing down~4Alerts other drivers that the vehicle is slowing down.
Signal for allowing overtaking~5Indicates to other drivers that they can overtake safely.