RTO Traffic Signs in India | Cautionary, Mandatory, Informatory & Driving Rules

Cautionary Signs

Cautionary signs in traffic are triangular with a red border and white background, designed to warn drivers about potential hazards ahead on the road. These include signs for sharp curves, pedestrian crossings, speed breakers, narrow bridges, and slippery roads, helping prevent accidents by alerting motorists to slow down or take precautions. Understanding cautionary signs is essential for safe driving in India, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, and ignoring them can lead to fines or mishaps. Search for “cautionary signs meaning in Hindi” to learn more and drive responsibly.

Table of contents

Right hand curve	Left hand curve	Right hair pin bend
Left hair pin bend	Right reverse bend	Left reverse bend
Steep ascent	Steep descent	Quary side or river bank
Overhead cable	Narrow road ahead	Road wideness ahead
Narrow Bridge	Slippery Road	Loose Gravel
Cycle Crossing	Pedestrian Crossing	School ahead
Men at work	Cattle	Falling Rocks
Ferry	Cross Road	Gap in Median
Side Road Right	Side Road Left	Y-Intersection
Y-Intersection	Y-Intersection	T-Intersection
Staggered Intersection	Staggered Intersection	Major road ahead
Major road ahead	Roundabout	Dangerous Dip
Hump or rough road	Barrier ahead	Start of dual carriageway
End of dual carriageway	Reduced carriageway	Reduced carriageway
Two way operation	Traffic diversion	Traffic signals
Lane closure	Lane closure	Runway
Series of bends	Sudden side wind	Rumble strip
Speed breaker	Unguarded railway crossing 200 meters	Unguarded railway crossing 50-100 meters
Guarded railway crossing 200 meters	Guarded railway crossing 50-100 meters

Mandatory Signs

Mandatory signs are circular with a blue background and white symbols, instructing drivers to follow specific rules without exception. Common examples include Stop, Give Way, No Entry, Speed Limit, and compulsory direction signs like Keep Left or Turn Right. These regulatory signs ensure orderly traffic flow and safety; violating them attracts penalties under Indian traffic rules. For better road safety, always obey mandatory signs and teach them during driving license tests.

No Entry	One Way	One Way
No Way in Both Directions	All vehicles prohibited	Trucks prohibited
Cycles prohibited	Horns prohibited	Carts prohibited
Bullock carts prohibited	Tongas prohibited	Hand carts prohibited
Pedestrians prohibited	Right turn prohibited	Left turn prohibited
U-turn prohibited	Overtaking prohibited	No Parking
No stopping	Speed Limit	Width Limit
Height Limit	Length Limit	Load Limit
Axle load Limit	Buses only	Restriction ends sign
Compulsory cycle track	Compulsory sound track	Compulsory keep left
Compulsory turn left	Compulsory turn right	Compulsory ahead or turn right
Compulsory ahead or turn left	Compulsory ahead	Slip road ahead
Main road ahead	Stop	Give way

Informatory Signs

Informatory signs provide helpful guidance to road users through rectangular or square shapes, usually in blue or green colors. They indicate facilities like hospitals, parking areas, petrol pumps, eating places, public telephones, and directions to destinations or tourist spots. These signs assist in navigation and convenience, reducing confusion on highways and city roads in India. Knowing informatory signs enhances travel efficiency—check RTO guidelines for complete lists and symbols.

Advanced direction sign	Destination sign	Re-assurance sign
Direction sign	Place identification	Park this Side
Petrol Pump	Hospital	Eating Place
Light Refreshment	No through road	No through side road
First aid post	Public telephone	Parking both sides
Parking lot Bikes	Parking lot Cycles	Parking lot Taxis
Parking lot Auto

Traffic Signs

Traffic signs in India are categorized into cautionary, mandatory, and informatory types, regulated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). They use standardized symbols, colors, and shapes for clear communication, promoting road safety and reducing accidents. From speed limits to no-honking zones, traffic signs guide millions daily on Indian roads. Stay updated with the latest traffic signs chart PDF for learner’s license or driving exams to avoid violations and ensure smooth journeys.

Stop	Be Alert	Go
Steady Green Arrow Signal	Flashing Red Signal

Driving Rules

Driving rules in India, outlined in the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, cover essentials like lane discipline, speed limits, seat belt usage, helmet mandates, and no mobile phone while driving. Key rules include stopping at red lights, yielding to pedestrians, and avoiding drunken driving with strict BAC limits. Following these rules prevents fines up to ₹10,000 and license suspension. For safe driving tips, refer to official Parivahan website and always prioritize road etiquette for accident-free travel.

Signal for Left turn~1	Signal for right turn~2	Signal for stopping~3
Signal for slowing down~4	Signal for allowing overtaking~5

Traffic Signs Overview (Concise Information)

1. Cautionary Signs
   • Alert drivers about road hazards or unusual conditions.
   • Examples: Right hand curve, Steep ascent, Slippery road, Pedestrian crossing.
2. Mandatory Signs
   • Indicate actions drivers must follow.
   • Examples: No entry, One way, U-turn prohibited, Speed limits, Lane restrictions.
3. Informatory Signs
   • Provide guidance or useful information to drivers.
   • Examples: Advanced direction sign, Petrol pump, Hospital, Parking lot.
4. Driving Rules / Signals
   • Show hand or traffic light signals for safe vehicle movement.
   • Examples: Signal for left/right turn, Signal for stopping, Signal for overtaking.
5. Traffic Signs (Signals)
   • Used to regulate, warn, or guide traffic on roads.
   • Examples: Stop, Be Alert, Go, Steady Green Arrow Signal, Flashing Red Signal.
   • Tip: Follow these signs carefully to avoid accidents and fines.