🚦 1. Signs as a communication system
Traffic signs replace spoken language with a universal system of shapes, colors, and symbols to communicate road information 🛑. Only signs approved under the General Traffic Regulations may be used.
🛣️ 2. Types of road signs
In addition to light or hand signals, the road “language” is made up of:
- 🧱 Road markings: Lines and symbols painted on the pavement.
- 📏 Vertical signs: Plates mounted on posts.
- 🚦 Traffic lights: Light signals that regulate right of way.
- ⚠️ Delineation/marker devices: Cones, barriers, posts, and panels.
- 📢 Variable message signs: Electronic messages that change.
- 👮 Officer signals: Gestures made by law-enforcement officers.
The combination of all these forms the road signage system, which regulates and warns about driver behavior.
3️⃣ Functions of signs
- 🔔 Warn of hazards present on the road.
- 🔄 Order traffic according to context.
- 🧭 Guide and inform road users.
- 🔐 Ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
To do their job, they must be clear, visible, and simple 👁️.
| Priority of signs | Description |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Traffic officers | Direct traffic in real time using gestures or whistles. |
| 2️⃣ Temporary signage and delineation | Temporary signs for roadworks or emergencies. |
| 3️⃣ Traffic lights | Regulate movement using green, amber, and red lights. |
| 4️⃣ Vertical signs | Informative, warning, or regulatory plates. |
| 5️⃣ Road markings | Lines on the road that define lanes, crosswalks, and more. |
📏 4. Obedience to signs
🚘 All drivers must obey traffic signs, lights, and panels, adapting their behavior even if they contradict general rules.
👁️🗨️ Signs apply across the full width of the usable carriageway and must be obeyed according to the direction taken.
💡 5. Visibility and supplementary panels
At night, warning and regulatory signs must be illuminated or reflective 🌙.
📋 Where needed, a supplementary panel with clarifying text will be added (for example: “in 500 meters” or “except buses”).
🌐 6. Language and alteration of signs
- 🗣️ Signs are written in Spanish and in the official languages of the autonomous regions.
- 🚫 It is forbidden to alter, remove, or add signs without authorization.
- ❗ Objects must not be placed where they obscure or confuse signs.
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