Road signs in South Africa facts for kids

Road signs in Africa are a lot like road signs in many other parts of the world! This is because most African countries follow an international agreement called the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. This agreement helps make sure that drivers understand signs no matter where they are.

In South Africa, you'll find some special signs too. A sign with a white background means it's a permanent sign that's always there. If a sign has a yellow background, it means it's a temporary sign, like for road work or a special event.

Warning signs are usually shaped like an upside-down red triangle with a black picture inside that shows what danger or problem is ahead. Speed limit signs are red circles with the speed number in black. Remember, in South Africa, people drive on the left side of the road!

Understanding Road Signs

Road signs are super important for keeping everyone safe on the roads. They tell drivers what to do, what to watch out for, and where they are going. Let's look at some common types of signs you might see.

Signs That Tell You What to Do

These signs give you clear instructions, like when to stop or give way to other cars or people.

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  This is a Stop sign. It means you must stop completely before going forward.

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  This is a Give Way sign. It means you must let other vehicles go first if they are already on the road you want to enter.

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  This sign means you must Give Way to pedestrians. Pedestrians are people walking.

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  This sign tells you to Give Way at a roundabout. You let cars coming from your right go first.

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  This sign means Do not enter. You cannot drive past this sign.

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  This sign shows that pedestrians have priority. Drivers must give way to people walking.

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  This sign shows a one-way street to the left.

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  This sign shows a one-way street to the right.

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  This sign shows a one-way street straight ahead.

Signs That Forbid Things

These signs tell you what you are not allowed to do. They often have a red circle with a line through them.

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  This sign means No unauthorized vehicles. Only certain vehicles are allowed.

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  This sign means No U-turn. You cannot turn your car around to go the other way.

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  This sign means No parking. You cannot leave your car here.

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  This sign means No stopping. You cannot stop your car here, even for a short time.

Temporary Forbidden Signs

Sometimes, these "no" signs are temporary, like during road construction. They will have a yellow background.

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  Temporary No unauthorized vehicles.

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  Temporary No parking.

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  Temporary No stopping.

Signs That Warn You of Danger

Warning signs let you know about dangers or changes in the road ahead. They are usually red triangles pointing upwards with a black picture.

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  Traffic Signals ahead. Get ready for traffic lights.

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  STOP ahead. A stop sign is coming soon.

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  Give Way ahead. A give way sign is coming soon.

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  General Warning. This sign means there's a general danger. It often has another small sign below it to explain more.

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  Roundabout ahead. Get ready for a circular intersection.

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  Tunnel ahead. You will be driving into a tunnel.

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  Single vehicle passage structure ahead. The road ahead only has space for one car at a time.

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  Hairpin turn (to left). A very sharp turn to the left is coming.

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  Hairpin turn (to right). A very sharp turn to the right is coming.

Temporary Warning Signs

Just like prohibitory signs, warning signs can also be temporary and have a yellow background.

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  Temporary Traffic Signals ahead.

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  Temporary STOP ahead.

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  Temporary Give Way ahead.

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  Temporary General Warning.

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  Temporary Roundabout ahead.

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  Temporary Single vehicle passage structure ahead.

Signs That Give You Information

These signs give you helpful information about the road or area you are in.

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  This sign means a dual-carriageway motorway begins. This is a big road with two separate sides for traffic going in opposite directions.

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  This sign means a single-carriageway motorway begins. This is a big road, but traffic in both directions shares the same road surface.

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  This sign means a residential zone begins. This is an area where people live, so you should drive carefully.

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  This sign means the dual-carriageway motorway ends.

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  This sign means the single-carriageway motorway ends.

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  This sign means the residential zone ends.

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  This sign means Dead end. The road does not go through.

Temporary Information Signs

Some information signs can also be temporary, showing information for a short time.

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  Temporary single-carriageway motorway begins.

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  Temporary Dead end.

Images for kids

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  A directional signboard in the Northern Cape, South Africa

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  A Pothole warning sign in North West Province

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