Triangular and Circular road signs may come up as theory test questions so be aware of them.


Approximately 2 minutes reading time

What information on triangular signs is shown?

Triangular road signs act as warnings for motorists, pointing out places that you need to stop and look before driving or notifying you of potential road hazards and hazardous driving areas. Hazardous driving areas include rocky mountain roads, slopes, and more. In addition to this, the upside-down triangle yield sign is used to warn you of oncoming traffic and instruct you to pause and look around for oncoming cars before you can continue driving. This is also an indicator that you do not have the right of way to drive until other vehicles have passed by you. Yield signs are similar to give way signs that you may see at a roundabout. Give-way signs are also triangular and normally show circular arrows indicating that you need to pay attention to the roundabout and wait for your turn to go to ensure your safety and the safety of the other motorists.

Most triangular signs have a red border and either white or yellow colouring on the innermost part of the sign. These are often accompanied by words, such as yield, and images such as a rocky slope or a hazardous condition. Pay attention to the words and images on these signs to give you an idea of the hazard ahead.

What information on circular signs is shown?

Circular road signs are normally cautionary and advise the driver to keep their eyes peeled for incoming hazards or people. For instance, a railroad crossing sign is usually circular and yellow, advising you to use caution and look out for an oncoming train before crossing the railroad tracks however in the majority of cases, barriers will lower. Another instance of circular signs is the use of a bicycle sign. These are often blue or white and red, depending on where you live. These are cautioning you to look out for cyclists crossing the street or cycling nearby, therefore you should pay attention carefully to signs such as these. It could save your life and the lives of others near you. 

Circular signs can also be regulatory, meaning that they regulate or control activity. In this case, the signs control the way you should be driving and paying attention to your surroundings.

You will also find speed limits to be on circular signs. To make it easy to remember, circular signs give 'O'rders. Think of the shape of the sign and the 'O' in order. 

In Summary

  • Triangular signs are warning signs and indicators to pause and look around to make sure it is safe to go.
  • Circular signs are cautionary and ensure that you are looking out for hazards and oncoming obstacles.
  • Road signs, in general, must be paid attention to in order to ensure the safety of you and others
  • The yield sign is used to make sure that you pause and look around to make sure it is safe to go and that you have the right of way.
  • Pay attention to images and words on signs to get a good idea of what they are trying to warn you about.

Let's Review with a Quiz

  1. What do triangular road signs do?
  2. What do circular road signs do?
  3. What colour is the typical bicycle sign?
  4. What can triangular and circular signs be used to show?

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