Let’s Learn About Traffic Signs and Stay Safe
While traveling on the road, we often come across different types of road signs or traffic signs. Most of the time, these are self-explanatory, telling us what actions are mandatory or prohibited in that area. Unfortunately, many people in the country either don’t know the correct meaning of these signs or ignore them. A skilled rider always prioritizes safety above everything else, and the first step toward safety on the road is having a clear understanding of traffic signs.
There are different categories of road signs. Some are only for directions, some give mandatory instructions, some prohibit certain actions, and some warn you about risks ahead. In this article, we’ll learn about the different types of road signs in Bangladesh and the meanings of commonly used ones.
Types of Road Signs
In Bangladesh, we mainly see 5 types of traffic signs:
- Mandatory Road Signs
- Prohibitory Road Signs
- Warning Road Signs
- Informative Road Signs
- Road Marking Symbols
Mandatory Road Signs
These traffic signs are placed on the roads to enforce strict compliance from riders and drivers. They are usually circular in shape with a light blue background. These signs generally indicate directions, movement limits, or designated lanes—for example, turn left or right, keep to the left or right side of the road, or designated lanes for rickshaws or bicycles.
Ignoring these signs is not an option since they are specifically designed to prevent accidents.
Prohibitory Road Signs
These traffic signs prohibit specific actions for drivers and pedestrians. They typically have a red circular border with a white background displaying the restriction. In some special situations, octagonal-shaped signs are used, such as “Stop” or temporary halt instructions.
Warning Road Signs
These signs are used to warn riders about potential hazards. They are triangular in shape and usually have a red border. Some temporary or special warning signs are also used in certain conditions.
Informative Road Signs
These signs are not mandatory but are provided for the convenience of riders. They display useful information such as place names, directions, important facilities, or services like hospitals, mosques, temples, or parking areas. In Bangladesh, informative road signs are usually rectangular in shape and come in green, blue, yellow, or white colors.
Road Marking Symbols
On roads, you will find different markings painted in white or yellow. These are designed in different lengths and widths for visibility from a distance. Examples include lane lines, carriage lines, barrier lines, traffic island markers, no parking areas, turn markings, divided roads, or no-overtaking lines. For detailed explanations, you can refer to BRTA’s Road Sign Manual.
We hope this article will help you handle any situation while riding and make you road-smart. Learn traffic signs and national laws. Always ride in compliance with the law. Happy riding!
