Australian Road Signs Explained
Road signs use shapes and colours to tell you important information instantly. Learn what each type means.
Sign Shapes = Meanings
- Octagon (8 sides) = Stop
- Inverted triangle = Give Way
- Rectangle/Square = Information
- Diamond = Warning
Regulatory Signs (Must Do/Must Not Do)
Stop Sign
Octagonal red sign. Come to a complete stop. Give way to all traffic before proceeding.
Give Way Sign
Inverted red-bordered triangle. Slow down and give way to all traffic. Stop if necessary.
No Entry / Do Not Enter
Red circle with white horizontal line. Road is one-way. You cannot enter from this direction.
Prohibitory Signs (No/Can't/Must Not)
Red circle with a diagonal line through it means NO or NOT PERMITTED
No U-Turn
Red circle with U-turn symbol crossed out. U-turns are prohibited at this location.
No Right Turn
Red circle with right arrow crossed out. Cannot turn right here.
No Left Turn
Red circle with left arrow crossed out. Cannot turn left here.
No Overtaking
Red circle with car symbol crossed out. Cannot pass the vehicle in front.
Warning Signs (Be Careful)
Yellow diamond background = CAUTION / WARNING
Winding Road
Yellow diamond with winding road symbol. Road ahead curves. Slow down and be prepared.
Sharp Bend
Yellow diamond with sharp curve symbol. Sharp curve ahead. Reduce speed significantly.
Cross Road
Yellow diamond with cross roads symbol. Intersection ahead. Be prepared to stop.
School Zone
Yellow diamond with school symbol. Watch for children. 40km/h when active.
Information Signs
Blue squares/rectangles = INFORMATION / DIRECTION
Parking Permitted
Blue square with letter P. You may park here (check time limits).
↗️ Direction Arrows
Blue rectangle with arrows. Shows which way to go at intersections.
Hospital Ahead
Blue rectangle with H symbol. Hospital nearby. Look for emergency vehicles.
Fuel Station
Blue rectangle with fuel pump symbol. Fuel station ahead.
Temporary Signs
Orange Signs = Temporary/Construction
- • Road work ahead
- • Reduced speed in work zones
- • Changed traffic conditions
- • Detour information
Always obey temporary signs - they're there for safety!
Memory Trick:
RED = STOP/NOT | YELLOW = CAUTION | BLUE = INFORMATION | ORANGE = TEMPORARY
Octagon = Stop | Triangle = Give Way | Diamond = Warning | Rectangle = Info