Signs & Signals
Road signs and signals tell you what you must do, what is coming up, and what is not allowed. Reading them early gives you time to react.
Regulatory signs
Regulatory signs set rules you must obey by law. A red octagonal STOP sign means come to a complete stop behind the line and give way before entering. A triangular GIVE WAY sign means slow down and be ready to stop so you can give way to traffic and pedestrians. Speed limit signs (a number in a red circle) show the maximum speed for that road.
Warning signs
Yellow diamond-shaped signs warn of a hazard ahead, such as a curve, crest, crossing or merging traffic. They are not a law you 'obey' like a regulatory sign, but they tell you to slow down and prepare. A yellow sign under a curve sign showing a speed is an advisory speed for the hazard.
Traffic lights and arrows
A red light means stop and stay behind the line. A red arrow means you must not go in that direction until it turns green. A yellow (amber) light means stop if you can do so safely. Green means you may proceed if the way is clear and you have given way where required.