Warning road signs

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Common warning signs

Warning signs alert you that there may be dangers or changed road conditions ahead. The signs are usually diamond-shaped with pictures, diagrams, symbols or words in black on a yellow background.

These are some of the most common warning signs.

Intersections and road signs

Crossroads ahead. Be prepare to stop — *Crossroads ahead*

'T' intersection approaching. Slow down and prepare to stop if required — *You’re approaching a T-intersection where the road you’re driving on ends. You must give way to all vehicles*

You are approaching a side road ahead. Be aware and watch for entering traffic — *Side road ahead. A side road meets the road you’re driving on*

Curves, bends and turns signs

Be aware the road ahead curves to the right — *Road ahead curves to the right*

Road ahead has a sharp right turn ahead — *Sharp right turn ahead*

Left hairpin turn in road ahead. Slow down and drive to conditions — *Sharp bend to the left ahead*

Road ahead is winding and curving — *Winding road ahead*

'Divided' road signs

Road ahead becomes a divided road. Ensure you stay left — *Road divides ahead*

Road divide ends ahead becomes a two way road. Ensure you stay left — *Divided road ends ahead*

'Narrow' road or bridge signs

Be aware the road narrows ahead as you are approaching a narrow bridge — *Road narrows ahead*

Narrow bridge road sign — *Narrow bridge*

Be aware you are approaching a narrow bridge road sign — *You’re approaching a narrow bridge – slow down and prepare to stop*

Give way and Stop sign ahead signs

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Pedestrian and bicycle signs

Pedestrian crossing ahead sign — *Pedestrian crossing ahead*

Pedestrian crossing sign — *Pedestrians may be crossing ahead*

Children crossing sign — *Children may be crossing ahead*

Be on the lookout for bicyles. Cycle areas are around. — *Look out for bicycles*

Changing road conditions signs

There is a in the road ahead. Approach with caution — *The road dips ahead (a sudden slope down, then up)*

The road ahead has a crest in it and your view maybe limited. Drive carefully — *As you approach the top of the hill ahead, you cannot see a safe distance in front of you. Drive carefully*

Road ahead has a steep descent. Be aware and drive to conditions — *Steep descent (down grade) ahead*

The road ahead has a speed or traffic hump — *Hump ahead (a sudden slope up, then down)*

Road ahead has a grid in place. May be for cattle or livestock — *Grid ahead (a row of metal bars across the road)*

Changing traffic conditions signs

Road ahead has 2 oncoming lanes in opposite direction — *Road conditions are changing to two lanes of oncoming traffic*

Be aware slow vehicles may be crossing or entering ahead — *Beware of slow moving vehicles crossing or entering traffic*

Traffic hazard on road ahead. Drive with caution — *Temporary emergency situation ahead, such as an oil spill, fallen tree, snow or landslide*

Weather and water signs

Warning slippery when wet sign. Slow down and drive to conditions — *Road is slippery when wet*

Road ahead has a ford and water may be across the road or road maybe under water — *Road ahead is under water (for example, a stream)*

Causeway ahead. Road may be covered in water. Proceed with caution — *Causeway ahead may be covered in water (a causeway is a raised road across a low or wet area or a body of water)*

Warning sign advising road is subject to flooding and a depth indicator is located on side of road — *Road ahead may be covered by water*

Warning signs measure — A measure showing the depth of floodwater across a road

Animals and livestock signs

Warning sign advising of Kangaroos in the area. Lookout for Kangaroos on the road or roadside — *Look out for kangaroos*

Livestock may be crossing ahead. Drive with caution — *Image-based stock crossing road sign*

Stock crossing area. Be aware stock may be crossing the road ahead — *Livestock may be crossing ahead*

Advisory speed sign

Sometimes an advisory speed sign is used with a warning sign. For example, to show the maximum speed that’s safe in good conditions, or how long you should look out for a particular hazard.

55Km/h Speed limit advisory road sign — *Road ahead curves to the right. 55km/h maximum speed in good conditions*

Variable message sign

Some roads have large electronic signs (called variable message signs). These signs warn you of changes in traffic conditions ahead – for example, fog, a crash, roadworks, congestion, road closures or police operations.