English Vocabulary

Road Signs and Names in English

Road Signs Names in English with Visual Guide

Learning road signs names in English helps both drivers and language learners understand traffic rules and symbols. These names support clear communication on the road and boost vocabulary about travel, safety, and direction. This post helps learners recognize signs by type, color, and shape with examples and pictures. It’s useful for driving practice and ESL study. All signs are listed to give quick understanding and help students remember what each one means.

Road Signs Names with their Pictures

Road signs are important symbols used on roads to guide drivers and pedestrians. They help maintain safety, order, and direction.

One Way: Tells drivers traffic only moves in one direction, preventing wrong-way driving.

One Way - Road Signs Names

Falling Rocks: Warns of possible rocks falling from hillsides, reminding drivers to stay cautious.

Falling Rocks

School Zone: Indicates nearby school, drivers must slow down and watch for children crossing.

School Zone

Road Work Ahead: Alerts drivers about upcoming construction, requiring slower speed and extra care.

Road Work Ahead

Stop: Requires vehicles to come to a complete stop before continuing safely on road.

Stop - Road Signs Names

Hospital Ahead: Informs drivers of a hospital nearby, encouraging quiet driving and careful speed.

Hospital Ahead - Road Signs Names

Dead End: Marks a road with no outlet, warning drivers there’s no through passage.

Dead End - Road Signs Names

Slippery When Wet: Warns that road becomes dangerous in rain, urging drivers to slow.

Slippery When Wet

Speed Limit: Displays maximum or minimum legal speed, ensuring safe and regulated traffic flow.

Speed Limit - Road Signs Names

No Entry: Prohibits vehicles from entering a restricted area, keeping traffic safe and orderly.

No Entry - Road Signs Names

Do Not Enter: Warns drivers that the road is restricted, preventing dangerous wrong-way driving.

Do Not Enter

Railroad Crossing: Marks location where railway tracks cross road, alerting drivers to approaching trains.

Railroad Crossing

Pedestrian Crossing: Alerts drivers to pedestrian crossing area.

Pedestrian Crossing

Speed Bump: Warns drivers about raised bump ahead, encouraging reduced speed to avoid damage.

Speed Bump

Roundabout: Informs about circular intersection ahead.

Roundabout - Road Signs Names

Merge: Indicates two lanes joining into one, requiring drivers to adjust speed and position.

Merge

Narrow Bridge: Warns of a narrow passage ahead, urging drivers to proceed carefully.

Narrow Bridge

No U-Turn: Prohibits making a U-turn at specific place, keeping traffic safe and controlled.

No U-Turn - Road Signs Names

No Parking: Tells drivers that parking is not allowed in the marked area anytime.

No Parking - Road Signs Names

Yield: Requires drivers to slow and give way to other vehicles or pedestrians safely.

Yield - Road Signs Names
Traffic Signs Names List with Types and Meanings with Pictures
Road signs categorized by type: regulatory, warning, guide, and temporary signs

Types of Road Signs

Road signs are categorized based on their function and purpose. Below are the main types and their Names.

Regulatory Road Signs

These signs indicate rules and regulations that must be followed.

  • Stop
  • Yield
  • No Entry
  • No Parking
  • Speed Limit
  • One Way
  • U-turn Prohibited
  • No Honking
  • No Overtaking

Warning Road Signs

Warning signs alert drivers about potential hazards or changes on the road ahead.

  • Slippery Road
  • Sharp Turn
  • Steep Hill
  • Road Narrows
  • Pedestrian Crossing
  • School Zone
  • Traffic Signals Ahead
  • Animal Crossing
  • Uneven Road

Informational Road Signs

These signs give general information to support safe driving and navigation.

  • Hospital Ahead
  • Petrol Station
  • Rest Area
  • Telephone Booth
  • Parking Zone
  • Police Station
  • Airport
  • Food Available

Guide and Direction Signs

These signs help navigate routes, distances, and destinations.

  • Highway Route Number
  • Distance to Cities
  • Exit Signs
  • Detour
  • Roundabout Directions
  • Lane Use Directions
  • Overhead Direction Boards

Temporary Road Signs

These signs are used for temporary conditions like construction, repairs, or accidents.

  • Road Work Ahead
  • Men at Work
  • Temporary Detour
  • Loose Gravel
  • Construction Zone
  • Lane Closed Ahead

Road Signs for Drivers and Pedestrians

Some road signs are specifically meant for drivers and walkers to follow safely.

Pedestrian Crossing Signs

  • Pedestrian Crossing Ahead
  • Zebra Crossing
  • Pedestrian Only Zone

Speed Limit Signs

  • Maximum Speed Limit
  • Minimum Speed Limit
  • Variable Speed Zone

School Zone Signs

  • School Ahead
  • Slow Down: Children at Play
  • School Crossing Patrol Sign

Triangle Road Signs with Meaning

Triangle signs are usually warning signs with a red border. Below is a list with meanings.

  • Slippery Road: The surface may cause tires to slide.
  • Road Narrows: The width of the road reduces ahead.
  • Pedestrian Crossing: Watch for people crossing the road.
  • Animal Crossing: Animals may cross the road ahead.
  • Traffic Signals Ahead: Be prepared to stop or go.
  • Uneven Road: The surface is not smooth.

Circular Road Signs and Their Names

Circular signs mostly show orders or prohibitions. Below are examples:

  • Speed Limit
  • No Entry
  • No Parking
  • No Horn
  • U-turn Prohibited
  • Compulsory Left Turn
  • Compulsory Ahead Only
  • No Overtaking

Rectangular and Square Road Signs

These signs provide information or directions to drivers and pedestrians.

  • Hospital Ahead
  • Parking Area
  • Rest Stop
  • Petrol Pump
  • Telephone Booth
  • Distance Markers
  • City Name Boards
  • Exit Information

Road Signs by Color, Guide and Purpose

Road Sign NameMeaning/InstructionColorPurpose/Type
StopCome to a complete stopRedRegulatory
YieldGive way to othersRed/WhiteRegulatory
Pedestrian CrossingPedestrian path aheadYellowWarning
School ZoneDrive slowly near schoolYellowWarning
Hospital AheadMedical help nearbyBlueInformational
Speed LimitMaximum allowed speedWhite/BlackRegulatory
Roundabout AheadCircular intersection aheadYellowWarning
Parking AreaArea to park vehiclesBlueInformational
Road Work AheadConstruction zoneOrangeTemporary Warning
One WayOnly one direction allowedWhite/BlackRegulatory
No EntryDo not enter this roadRed/WhiteRegulatory
U-Turn ProhibitedNo U-turn allowedRed/WhiteRegulatory
Slippery RoadRoad may be slipperyYellowWarning
Narrow BridgeBridge ahead is narrowYellowWarning
Railroad CrossingTrain tracks aheadWhite/BlackWarning/Regulatory
Dead EndRoad ends aheadYellowWarning
Divided Highway BeginsRoad splits with a dividerYellowWarning
Merge AheadTraffic merging from sideYellowWarning
Animal CrossingWildlife may cross roadYellowWarning
Bicycle LaneReserved for cyclistsWhiteRegulatory
Truck RouteRoute designated for trucksGreenInformational
DetourTemporary route changeOrangeTemporary
No ParkingParking is not allowedRed/WhiteRegulatory
Keep RightStay to the right of obstruction/dividerWhite/BlackRegulatory
Height LimitMaximum vehicle height allowedWhite/BlackRegulatory
Weight LimitMaximum weight of vehicle allowedWhite/BlackRegulatory
Bridge May IceSlippery in winterYellowWarning
T-Intersection AheadRoad ends ahead in a T-shapeYellowWarning
Crossroad AheadAnother road crosses yoursYellowWarning
Left Turn OnlyOnly left turn is allowedWhite/BlackRegulatory
No Left TurnLeft turn is not allowedRed/WhiteRegulatory
Emergency Vehicles OnlyRestricted access for emergency useRed/WhiteRegulatory
Tunnel AheadTunnel is approachingYellowWarning
End School ZoneEnd of school speed zoneWhite/BlackRegulatory

Traffic Symbols Seen on Highways

Highways use special signs and symbols to assist with fast and safe movement. Here are some examples:

  • Exit Ahead
  • Toll Booth
  • Lane Merge Ahead
  • Freeway Ends
  • Emergency Phone
  • Rest Area
  • Speed Cameras
  • Overhead Signs
  • No Stopping
  • Fast Lane Only

FAQs

What are the 3 main types of road signs?

The three main types are regulatory signs (rules), warning signs (hazards), and informational signs (guidance).

What is the difference between warning and regulatory signs?

Warning signs alert you to dangers ahead. Regulatory signs tell you what you must or must not do.

What do triangle road signs mean?

Triangle road signs are mostly warnings. They signal hazards like curves, crossings, or road conditions ahead.

How are road signs classified by shape and color?

Shape and color show the purpose. Red circles mean prohibition, triangles mean warning, and blue rectangles give information.

Are international road signs different from local ones?

Yes. International signs use symbols. Local signs may include language or region-specific icons and instructions.

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About the author

Muhammad Mahboob

Muhammad Mahboob is an experienced English language teacher and ESL writer with over 8 years of teaching and blogging expertise. Holding a BS in English from COMSATS University and certified in TEFL, he creates practical grammar and vocabulary lessons at grammareer.com. He has guided thousands of learners worldwide through personalized online coaching, helping them use English confidently in daily life.