About signs

 

Main types of signs

Most of the signs you will see on Afghanistan roads are international symbolic signs. This means they use the same shapes and symbols as traffic signs all over the world.

Symbolic signs are used because they are quick to read and easy for all drivers to understand.

Afghanistan's signs are generally made of reflective material, making them easier to read at night.

 

The three types of sign

The signs on our roads can be divided into three types:

  1. Compulsory signs
  2. Warning signs
  3. Information signs

 

You must be able to recognise and understand each type of sign.

Some examples of these signs are shown on the following pages.

Note: the examples shown are only a small sample of the symbolic signs used on our roads. They are intended to familiarise you with the three main types of symbolic sign rather than introduce you to all of the signs you will see when driving.

 

Important

Road authorities (for example, local councils) may have special rules for road users in specific areas. These restrictions should be signs or markings.

 

Compulsory signs

Compulsory signs tell you what you must or must not do.

They are usually red or blue.

Warning signs

Warning signs alert you to a particular hazard on the road ahead. They warn you to be careful for your own safety, the safety of other road users or the safety of road workers carrying out maintenance.

There are two types of warning signs:

  1. those that warn you of a permanent  hazard
  2. those that warn you of a temporary 

Both types of sign are usually diamond shaped.

Permanent warning signs

Permanent warning signs are yellow and black.

Temporary Warning Signs

Temporary Warning Signs are Orange and Black

Information signs

Information signs give you useful information, for example, the distance to the next town. They are all rectangular, but come in a range of different colours and sizes.