How well do you understand traffic signs?

As the process of getting to own a car becomes easier, traffic in large Philippine cities such as Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao has become more chaotic. We all have to live through them, unfortunately, but many proper drivers will undoubtedly have their blood boiling at the rise of the so-called “kamote driver/rider.” 

Oftentimes, these drivers or riders, who are named after the Filipino word for a popular root crop, are the types who are driven by ego and couldn’t care less about road etiquette. More often than not, however, adopting the kamote state of mind is borne out of ignorance of road rules and road signs in particular. 

To help alleviate the issue and celebrate International Literacy Day, let’s review the basics of reading road signs. 

To note, all of the information below is based on the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) RO102 Comprehensive Driver’s Education module’s section on road signs, signals, and markings. It is by no means a complete list of all road signs in the Philippines, but it will aid one in becoming more literate when it comes to reading road signs. It may even save your life one day. 

The basics

Even if you’re a mere commuter, you might have noticed that most road signs and markings come with certain shapes and colors. The aforementioned are clues as to what kind of signs they are. 

Per standards set by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), sign panels should be 3 millimeters thick and made out of T6 aluminum or aluminum composite material coated in fluorocarbon - ensuring that they are corrosion-resistant and weather-proof. 

Signs should also have a retroreflective sheeting, secured by a bracket railing, and supported by Class A structural concrete base. 

Sign size, placement, means of illumination, and other parameters are also indicated by the DPWH under its Highway Safety Design Standards Manual, which is freely downloadable from the agency’s website. 

Regulatory signs

Per LTO module RO102, signs with red backgrounds or borders are prohibitive regulatory signs. The aforementioned come with a red-bordered circular shape, often with a white background with a red slash over a symbol. 

The said type of traffic sign consists of on-road behaviors or maneuvers that are not allowed on certain roads. It may come in the form of, but not limited to, the following:

• No turn signals
• No entry signs
• No entry for specific vehicle types
• No overtaking

Prohibitive road sign types on highways also indicate the maximum speed limit for a given area. In some instances, signs informing pedestrians to use a “ped xing” or an overpass also have the same design. 

Prohibitive signs with red borders but with a rectangular shape are likewise utilized for parking and passenger loading/unloading regulations. The same goes for signs that indicate whether a zone is a proper jeepney or bus stop. 

In some instances, prohibitive signs are also utilized to filter out vehicles that are too long or too heavy for a certain road. Weight, as standard, uses “T” for tons, while length is expressed with “m” for meters. 

Also falling under the umbrella of regulatory signs are direction signs, which have a blue background. The said type of sign indicates the only direction on a particular road a motorist should follow. 

On highways, a circular sign with a solid blue background is utilized to indicate the minimum speed limit. 

Pursuant to Republic Act Number 8750, otherwise known as the Seatbelt law, the DPWH also uses a special square-shaped sign reminding motorists to fasten their seatbelts. 

Circular signs with yellow backgrounds and black borders are also used to inform motorists to be aware of vulnerable road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, or children (when near school zones). 

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Warning signs

Warning signs, which often come in a triangular shape, are used to warn road users of potential hazards on or near a road. Response to the aforementioned requires caution, and as LTO recommends, a reduction of travel speed. 

The most common warning signs in the local setting are the warnings to watch out for the many types of road curves, intersections, and roundabouts. These, as mentioned, get a triangular shape and have a red border surrounding a black symbol. 

The same design, albeit with some modifications, is also used for warning motorists of an upcoming narrowing of the road, a stop sign, or a traffic light. Specific road hazards, such as slippery roads, animal crossings, flood-prone areas, or landslide-prone areas, also use the same design. 

Other warning signs that have a yellow field with black text or symbol provide warnings of an upcoming pedestrian crossing. Per the LTO, the said signs are likely paired with supplementary signs indicating the nature of the crossing (school, playground, disabled pedestrians) and a speed limit. 

Road work or “road construction ahead” signs also use a triangular shape with red borders. The same goes for upcoming railroad crossings. Some areas also use an X-shaped sign with text combined with a white or yellow background for rail crossings. 

A line or series of chevron signs is also used to guide motorists to follow the curvature of a road. Black and white chevrons pointing upwards are likewise used to indicate the wide column of an overpass structure or a median island. 

Informatory signs

The third type of sign deployed by the DPWH and LTO is informative signs, which provide advice to road users about directions, locations of services, distances, and points of interest - among others. 

Directional road signs in the Philippines, especially within big cities, come with a green background with white text and symbols. Otherwise, smaller towns and tourist spots utilize brown and white backgrounds for “finger board” and directional signs. 

Depending on the city or town, a rectangular sign with a blue or white background is used to indicate the name of a street. Otherwise, a blue background with a white symbol is the standard for signs indicating the location of facilities such as gasoline stations, rest stops, hospitals, camp sites, airports, and many other services. 

Final thoughts

Those are the basic road sign types as classified by the LTO. Pay attention to them, and you’ll be a slick but safe driver in no time. 

But let’s get real, though. In some cases, these road signs often do not meet the standards set by the DPWH. In some cases, traffic signs aren’t visible enough due to damage or are obstructed by trees and other urban structures. And often, many of them are vandalized to oblivion. In the said cases, one’s defensive driving instincts and common sense should take precedence. It is also important to be alert, but at the same time, be kind to others on the road. 

Also read:

Vehicles named after indigenous tribes

To conserve and protect: car brands in PH and their conservation projects

Ford Model T: WWI hero

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