Traffic signsPhilippines

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Philippines. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Traffic signs

A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.

Is a temporary speed limit at roadworks binding in the Philippines?

Where an authorised temporary regulatory speed limit is in force, you must obey it. A roadworks warning alone should not be mistaken for a new numerical limit, but conditions may require driving more slowly.

🔗 issuances-library.senate.gov.ph • Philippines RA 4136 — Sections 35–54: prudent speed, traffic controls, safe circulation and local/facility restrictions

🔗 lto.gov.ph • LTO — Filipino Driver’s Manual, volume 1, 2nd edition; relevant official indexed excerpts, full download blocked

51. Parking and stopping prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that parking and stopping are prohibited. Vehicles may not stop or park voluntarily where the restriction applies, except where an applicable rule provides an exemption or stopping is required by traffic conditions.

English • Traffic sign R5-8 • No stopping at any time. Stopping is prohibited at any time along the section indicated by the arrows.

Filipino • R5-8 • Bawal huminto anumang oras. Bawal huminto sa bahaging ipinapakita ng mga palaso, anumang oras.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 11 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal
🔗 Scribd.com • DPWH • R5-8 (pampublikong kopya)

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? derivative work: TagaSanPedroAko (Let's talk/Usap tayo) • Public domain • Original revision 2018-09-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Tuktukph.top • official published diagram R5-8.

52. Pass obstacle on either side

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on either the left or the right. Use either permitted side while following the road layout and any accompanying signs or markings.

English • Traffic sign R2-4 • Pass on either side. You may pass the traffic island or obstruction on the left or right, as shown by the arrows.

Filipino • R2-4 • Maaaring dumaan sa alinmang panig. Maaaring daanan ang isla o sagabal sa kaliwa o kanan, ayon sa mga palaso.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 6 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal
🔗 Scribd.com • DPWH • R2-4 (pampublikong kopya)

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Photo07 • Public domain • Original revision 2014-05-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.

53. Pass obstacle on the right

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the right. Keep to the right of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

English • Traffic sign R2-3 • Pass on the right. Pass the traffic island or obstruction on its right, as shown by the arrow.

Filipino • R2-3 • Dumaan sa kanan. Daanan ang isla o sagabal sa kanang panig nito, ayon sa palaso.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2015-05-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

54. Mandatory right

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory direction to the right. Traffic must proceed to the right at the sign and may not continue straight ahead or to the left.

English • Traffic sign R2-2 • One-way traffic to the right. Follow the one-way flow of traffic to the right, as shown by the arrow.

Filipino • R2-2 • Isahang direksiyon pakanan. Sundin ang isahang daloy ng trapiko patungo sa kanan, ayon sa palaso.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2015-04-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

55. Driving straight ahead mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is mandatory. Traffic must continue straight ahead and may not turn left or right at the location to which the sign applies.

English • Traffic sign R2-1 • Ahead only. Continue straight ahead in the direction of the arrow. Turning is prohibited where this sign applies.

Filipino • R2-1 • Dumiretso lamang. Dumiretso sa direksiyong ipinapakita ng palaso. Bawal lumiko sa lugar na sakop ng karatula.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2015-04-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

56. Start of a minimum speed

This traffic sign indicates the start of a minimum speed. Road users covered by the sign must travel at or above the indicated speed when conditions allow. Driving more slowly may still be necessary because of traffic, weather, road conditions or another safety-related reason.

English • Traffic sign R4-3 • Minimum speed: 40 km/h. This sign indicates a minimum speed of 40 km/h on the section of expressway it covers. Continue to adapt your driving to traffic and safety conditions.

Filipino • R4-3 • Pinakamababang bilis: 40 km/h. Ipinapakita ng karatulang ito ang 40 km/h na pinakamababang bilis sa bahaging sakop nito sa expressway. Iangkop pa rin ang pagmamaneho sa trapiko at kaligtasan.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 9 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal
🔗 Scribd.com • DPWH • R4-3 (pampublikong kopya)

SVG source: Government of the Philippines derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2018-10-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

57. Start of an expressway

This traffic sign indicates the start of an expressway. From this point, the traffic rules and access conditions that apply to expressways take effect according to the applicable local regulations.

English • Traffic sign GE6-2 • Start of an expressway. The expressway begins here. Follow the limits, restrictions and other signs designated for the expressway.

Filipino • GE6-2 • Simula ng expressway. Dito nagsisimula ang expressway. Sundin ang mga limitasyon, pagbabawal at iba pang karatulang nakatalaga sa expressway.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 31 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal
🔗 Scribd.com • DPWH • GE6-2 (pampublikong kopya)

SVG source: Original sign - Department of Public Works and Highways (Philippines) Redrawn sign - TagaSanPedroAko • Public domain • Original revision 2018-10-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

58. Dead end street

This traffic sign indicates a dead end street. The road has no through route for vehicles, although access to properties or other destinations along the road may still be possible.

English • Traffic sign S2-8 • Dead end. This road does not lead to another road for through travel. It may be used to reach destinations along it.

Filipino • S2-8 • Kalsadang walang lagusan. Hindi umaabot ang kalsadang ito sa isa pang kalsada para sa tuloy-tuloy na biyahe. Maaari itong gamitin upang puntahan ang mga lugar na nasa loob nito.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 33 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal
🔗 Scribd.com • DPWH • S2-8 (pampublikong kopya)

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2020-07-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

59. Information about the next exit

This traffic sign gives information about the next exit. It may show the exit number, destination, direction or distance to the exit.

English • Traffic sign G1-2 • Direction to Bataan. The arrow shows the route towards Bataan at the approaching junction. Choose the correct lane early.

Filipino • G1-2 • Direksiyon patungong Bataan. Ipinapakita ng palaso ang direksiyon ng daan patungong Bataan sa papalapit na sangandaan. Piliin nang maaga ang tamang lane.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 22 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal
🔗 Scribd.com • DPWH • G1-2 (pampublikong kopya)

SVG source: Department of Public Works and Highways (Philippines) Sign redrawn by TagaSanPedroAko. • Public domain • Original revision 2015-08-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Tuktukph.top • official published diagram G1-2.

60. Ramp destination

This traffic sign gives information about the destination reached via the ramp. The displayed destination indicates where the ramp leads.

English • Traffic sign G1-3 • Directions on South Super Highway. At the approaching junction, the route to Pasay City is to the left and the route to Alabang is to the right, as shown by the arrows.

Filipino • G1-3 • Mga direksiyon sa South Super Highway. Sa papalapit na sangandaan, pakaliwa ang daan patungong Pasay City at pakanan ang daan patungong Alabang, ayon sa mga palaso.

Sources

SVG source: Original sign: Department of Public Works and Highways Sign redrawn by TagaSanPedroAko, using sign specifications, other than the fonts, which rather used Clearview(via the Roadgeek 2005 road sign fonts) • Public domain • Original revision 2016-01-01. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Tuktukph.top • official published diagram G1-3.

61. Information about the directions of the roundabout

This traffic sign gives information about directions at a roundabout. The diagram shows the available exits and the destinations reached from them.

English • Traffic sign G1-5 • Directions at a roundabout. The diagram shows the roundabout exits: straight ahead towards Pasay City, left towards Intramuros and right towards Port Area.

Filipino • G1-5 • Mga direksiyon sa rotonda. Ipinapakita ng diagram ang mga sangay ng rotonda: diretso patungong Pasay City, pakaliwa patungong Intramuros at pakanan patungong Port Area.

Sources

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Diagram:Department of Public Works and Highways (Philippines) Derivative work:TagaSanPedroAko • Public domain • Source revision 2018-10-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

62. Junction layout, directions and destinations

This traffic sign shows the junction layout, directions and destinations. The diagram shows how the roads are arranged and which direction leads to each indicated destination or route.

English • Traffic sign G1-4 • Directions at a junction. The diagram shows the branches ahead: straight ahead towards Lipa City, right towards Palanca and diagonally right towards San Jose.

Filipino • G1-4 • Mga direksiyon sa sangandaan. Ipinapakita ng diagram ang mga sangay sa unahan: diretso patungong Lipa City, pakanan patungong Palanca at pahilis sa kanan patungong San Jose.

Sources

63. For blind people

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign specifically concerns blind or visually impaired people.

English • Supplementary plate W8-6 • Blind people. Used with a pedestrian warning sign, this plate indicates that blind people may be crossing ahead. Slow down and take care.

Filipino • W8-6 • Mga taong bulag. Kasama ng babala sa pedestrian, ipinapakita ng platong ito na maaaring may mga taong bulag na tatawid sa unahan. Magbagal at mag-ingat.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 21 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal
🔗 Scribd.com • DPWH • W8-6 (pampublikong kopya)

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2018-10-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

64. For children with disabilities

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign specifically concerns children with disabilities.

English • Supplementary plate W8-10 • Disabled people. Used with a crossing warning sign, this plate indicates that disabled people may be crossing ahead. Slow down and take care.

Filipino • W8-10 • Mga taong may kapansanan. Kasama ng babala sa tawiran, ipinapakita ng platong ito na maaaring may mga taong may kapansanan na tatawid sa unahan. Magbagal at mag-ingat.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2018-10-07. Wikimedia original unmodified.

65. For buses

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to buses. The vehicle categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

English • Supplementary plate W8-11B • For buses. The turning prohibition on the main sign applies to buses. Read this plate together with that sign.

Filipino • W8-11B • Para sa mga bus. Ang pagbabawal sa pagliko sa pangunahing karatula ay para sa mga bus. Basahin ang plato kasama ng karatulang iyon.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (HueMan1 • CC BY-SA 4.0)
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 21 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal
🔗 Scribd.com • DPWH • W8-11B (pampublikong kopya)

SVG source: HueMan1 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Original revision 2018-10-07. Wikimedia original unmodified.

66. metres ahead

This supplementary sign indicates the distance from the main traffic sign to the point where the indicated danger, regulation or information begins. The distance is shown in metres.

English • Supplementary plate W8-3 • Distance in metres. This plate shows how many metres remain before the danger indicated by the main warning sign. No number is shown in this example illustration. The illustration is an example of a plate; read the actual number on the sign installed on the road.

Filipino • W8-3 • Distansiya sa metro. Ipinapakita ng platong ito kung ilang metro pa bago ang panganib na tinutukoy ng pangunahing babala. Walang bilang na nakalagay sa halimbawang larawang ito. Halimbawa ng isang plato ang larawang ito; basahin ang aktuwal na bilang sa karatulang naka-install sa kalsada.

Sources

SVG source: Department of Public Works and Highways (Philippines) Sign redrawn by TagaSanPedroAko. • Public domain • Original revision 2015-08-07. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Tuktukph.top • official published diagram W8-3.

67. kilometres ahead

This supplementary sign indicates the distance from the main traffic sign to the point where the indicated danger, regulation or information begins. The distance is shown in kilometres.

English • Supplementary plate W8-4 • Distance in kilometres. This plate shows how many kilometres remain before the danger indicated by the main warning sign. No number is shown in this example illustration. The illustration is an example of a plate; read the actual number on the sign installed on the road.

Filipino • W8-4 • Distansiya sa kilometro. Ipinapakita ng platong ito kung ilang kilometro pa bago ang panganib na tinutukoy ng pangunahing babala. Walang bilang na nakalagay sa halimbawang larawang ito. Halimbawa ng isang plato ang larawang ito; basahin ang aktuwal na bilang sa karatulang naka-install sa kalsada.

Sources

SVG source: HueMan1 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Original revision 2018-10-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Tuktukph.top • official published diagram W8-4.

68. For kilometres

This supplementary sign indicates the length of the section to which the main traffic sign applies. The length is shown in kilometres.

English • Supplementary plate LTO • Supplementary Signs • For the next kilometres. The condition or danger indicated by the accompanying warning extends over the distance stated on the plate. No number is shown in this example. The illustration is an example of a plate; read the actual number on the sign installed on the road.

Filipino • LTO • Supplementary Signs • Sa susunod na mga kilometro. Ang kalagayan o panganib na tinutukoy ng kasamang babala ay umaabot sa susunod na distansiyang nakasaad sa plato. Walang bilang na nakalagay sa halimbawang ito. Halimbawa ng isang plato ang larawang ito; basahin ang aktuwal na bilang sa karatulang naka-install sa kalsada.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 21 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal

SVG source: Government of the Philippines • Public domain • Original revision 2018-10-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

69. Indicated height

This supplementary sign shows an indicated vehicle height. Read it together with the main traffic sign to determine how the height value affects the applicable rule or restriction.

English • Supplementary plate W9-1B • Low overhead clearance. There is limited clearance under a bridge or other structure. Compare the height of your vehicle and load with the stated clearance. No number is shown in this example. The illustration is an example of a plate; read the actual number on the sign installed on the road.

Filipino • W9-1B • Mababang espasyo sa taas. May mababang espasyo sa ilalim ng tulay o iba pang istruktura. Ihambing ang taas ng iyong sasakyan at karga sa nakasaad na clearance. Walang bilang na nakalagay sa halimbawang ito. Halimbawa ng isang plato ang larawang ito; basahin ang aktuwal na bilang sa karatulang naka-install sa kalsada.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 21 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal
🔗 Scribd.com • DPWH • W9-1B (pampublikong kopya)

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: TagaSanPedroAko (Let's talk/Usap tayo) derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2018-10-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Tuktukph.top • official published diagram W9-1B.

70. Recommended speed

This supplementary sign indicates a recommended speed rather than a maximum speed limit. Its legal effect depends on the applicable local rules.

English • Supplementary plate W8-1 • Advisory speed: 55 km/h. A speed of 55 km/h is recommended for the danger indicated by the accompanying warning when weather, traffic and road conditions are good. Slow down further if necessary.

Filipino • W8-1 • Inirerekomendang bilis: 55 km/h. Inirerekomenda ang 55 km/h sa panganib na tinutukoy ng kasamang babala kapag maganda ang panahon, trapiko at kondisyon ng kalsada. Magbagal pa kung kinakailangan.

Sources

SVG source: Department of Public Works and Highways (Philippines) Sign redrawn by TagaSanPedroAko. • Public domain • Original revision 2018-10-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

71. Wet

This supplementary sign warns that the road surface may be wet and slippery.

English • Supplementary plate W8-5 • When wet. Used with a slippery-road warning sign, this plate indicates a danger when the road surface is wet.

Filipino • W8-5 • Kapag basa. Kasama ng babala sa madulas na kalsada, ipinapakita ng platong ito na may panganib kapag basa ang ibabaw ng kalsada.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2018-10-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Tuktukph.top • official published diagram W8-5.

72. Retirement home

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign relates to a nearby retirement home.

English • Supplementary plate W8-7 • Older people. Used with a pedestrian warning sign, this plate indicates that older people may be crossing ahead. Slow down and take care.

Filipino • W8-7 • Mga nakatatanda. Kasama ng babala sa pedestrian, ipinapakita ng platong ito na maaaring may mga nakatatandang tatawid sa unahan. Magbagal at mag-ingat.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2018-10-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

73. Kindergarten

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign relates to a nearby kindergarten or preschool.

English • Supplementary plate W8-8 • Playground. Used with a pedestrian or children warning sign, this plate indicates a playground ahead. Slow down and watch for children.

Filipino • W8-8 • Palaruan. Kasama ng babala sa pedestrian o mga bata, ipinapakita ng platong ito na may palaruan sa unahan. Magbagal at bantayan ang mga bata.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2018-10-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Artwork verified against Tuktukph.top • official published diagram W8-8.

74. School

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign relates to a nearby school.

English • Supplementary plate W8-9 • School. Used with a pedestrian or children warning sign, this plate indicates a school ahead. Slow down and watch for people crossing.

Filipino • W8-9 • Paaralan. Kasama ng babala sa pedestrian o mga bata, ipinapakita ng platong ito na may paaralan sa unahan. Magbagal at bantayan ang mga tumatawid.

Sources

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2018-10-07. Wikimedia original unmodified.