What Traffic Signs Mean

Traffic signs are part of every driver's daily life. Although everyone should know them perfectly, that is not always the case, partly because some signs are rarely used. 

But there is no excuse for not knowing them, because on streets and highways they can save lives. Here you will find what traffic signs mean.

What are traffic signs?

According to Law No. 63-17 on Mobility, Land Transportation, Traffic and Road Safety, traffic signs are devices or elements mounted horizontally or vertically, painted on or placed along public roads, that serve to inform, regulate, direct, and control vehicle and pedestrian traffic. 

This definition makes it clear that there are different types of signs and that they can come in different formats. They also serve both drivers and pedestrians. 

Creation and assignment of traffic signs

Many traffic signs are designed around symbols rather than text, because language differences could make them hard to understand for drivers from different countries. This type of design originated in Europe and has been adopted by most countries around the world.  

In the Dominican Republic, the exclusive authority to create and assign traffic signs belongs to the National Institute of Land Traffic and Transportation (INTRANT) and to the municipal governments within their jurisdiction. 

In addition, the  General Directorate of Land Traffic and Transportation Safety (DIGESETT) also has the authority to make changes when it deems necessary. All of this must comply with the Manual of Traffic Control and Signage Devices. Law 63-17 also expressly prohibits anyone other than these agencies from creating and placing signs on public roads.

Types of traffic signs

There are several ways to classify traffic signs. However, the main groups are the following:

Informational

All traffic signs aim to inform drivers about traffic rules. In the stricter sense of this classification, however, informational signs provide information about the location of places or services, distances, speeds, tourist sites, and so on. They are usually blue. Some examples include the following: 

• BUS STOP 
• GAS STATION
• TELEPHONES
• MEDICAL SERVICES

Regulatory

The main purpose of regulatory traffic signs is to warn about changes, limits, restrictions, or particular traffic patterns in a given location. They are usually red and black. Some examples include:

• STOP
• TWO ARROWS POINTING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. They indicate that two-way traffic resumes after a one-way section. 
• 120 Km/H. Indicates the maximum speed limit allowed.

Warning

Warning signs alert drivers or draw their attention to hazards on the road. These signs are designed in black and yellow. Examples include the following:

• PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
• EXIT
• SCHOOL AHEAD

How to respond to traffic signs

As mentioned above, traffic signs have different meanings. In addition, the action a driver must take is not always obvious from the sign's text or image. 

That is why drivers must know what each sign means and what action to take. Traffic laws, regulations, and agencies are responsible for establishing signs and defining how drivers must behave. This is the case in the Dominican Republic, where Traffic Law 63-17 sets out criteria such as: 

• STOP: drivers must come to a stop and may not proceed until they have verified that conditions are safe to avoid any accident.
• YIELD: at this sign, drivers must slow down and, if necessary, stop to give the right of way. 
• TRAFFIC LIGHT - GREEN LIGHT: drivers may proceed freely in any direction, as long as no other traffic sign prohibits a turn or movement in a given direction. 

In short, traffic signs are a safety mechanism for vehicle and pedestrian traffic on public roads.