South African Road Signs Explained
How the South African road sign system works, from stop and yield signs to speed limits and warnings, and which signs you need for an estate, mine or parking area.
How road signs are grouped
South Africa uses the road sign system in the SADC Road Traffic Signs Manual, given legal force by the National Road Traffic Regulations. Each sign has a code: R for regulatory signs, W for warning signs, and G or IN for guidance and information signs. Regulatory signs are law; warning signs tell drivers what is ahead.
Control (R1)
Stop and yield signs that control right of way.
Command (R100)
Blue circles: keep left, compulsory direction.
Prohibition (R200)
Red circles: speed limits, no entry, no parking.
Regulatory signs
| Series | What it does | Examples | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1 Control | Controls right of way at junctions | Stop, yield, 4-way stop, pedestrian priority | View |
| R100 Command | Tells drivers what they must do | Keep left, proceed straight, turn left ahead | View |
| R200 Prohibition | Tells drivers what they may not do | Speed limit, no entry, no U-turn, no parking | View |
| R300 Reservation | Reserves a lane or area for certain users | Bus lane, parking for disabled persons, loading zone | View |
Warning signs
Road warning signs are triangles with a red border, pointing up. They tell drivers what is ahead so they can slow down in time.
| Series | Warns about | Examples | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| W100 Road layout | Junctions and the shape of the road | Crossroad, T-junction, traffic circle | View |
| W200 Direction of movement | Bends and changes in direction | Sharp curve, winding road, road narrows | View |
| W300 Symbolic | Specific hazards on or near the road | Pedestrians, children, speed hump, animals | View |
| W400 Hazard markers | Exact position of a hazard | Chevrons and sharp-curve markers | View |
Signs for estates, mines and parking areas
- Stop or yield at every internal junction and gate exit
- Speed limit signs at entrances, usually 20 to 40 km/h
- Speed hump warnings before every hump
- Pedestrian and children warnings near play areas and walkways
- No parking and reserved parking (disabled, visitors, loading)
- One way and keep left signs on circulation routes
Frequently asked questions
Who decides which road signs go on a private property?
On private roads, estates, mines and parking areas the owner decides, but using the official South African sign shapes and colours means everyone understands them. On public roads, only the road authority may put up road signs.
What sizes do road signs come in?
Common sizes are 600, 900 and 1200 mm. Smaller signs suit slow private roads and parking areas; larger signs suit faster roads.
What material are road signs made of?
Most are aluminium or Chromadek with reflective vinyl so they can be seen at night in headlights.
Do you supply poles and brackets?
Yes. We can supply poles, brackets and clamps and install the signs.
Order Your Signs Today
Express Print makes SABS-style safety signs on ABS, aluminium, Chromadek, Correx and photoluminescent vinyl, in Rivonia, Johannesburg. Tell us the sign codes and sizes and we will quote you.
