Warning signsSouth Africa

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of South Africa. 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

Warning signs

A warning sign is a traffic sign that alerts drivers to a potential danger or change in road conditions ahead, giving them enough time to slow down and react safely. These signs warn about hazards such as sharp bends, pedestrian crossings, slippery surfaces, merging traffic, animals on the road, or upcoming intersections. Their purpose is not to forbid or command anything, but simply to prepare drivers for situations that require extra attention.

Warning for merging traffic from the left.

Warning for merging traffic from the right.

Warning for a hairpin bend to the right.

Warning for a double curve, first left then right.

Warning for a double curve, first right then left.

Warning for a road narrowing on the left.

Warning for a road narrowing on the right.

Warning for a road with two-way traffic.

Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign.

Warning for loose chippings on the road surface.

Warning of poor visibility due to rain, fog or snow.

Warning for an obstacle, pass left or right.

Warning for a railway crossing without barriers.

Warning for a railway crossing with barriers.

Warning for a railway crossing with one track.

Warning for a railway crossing with two or more tracks.

How should I recognise hazard warnings in South Africa?

Warning signs identify road hazards. A warning does not override a regulatory instruction.

🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — warning-signs

How should I react to a pedestrian warning in South Africa?

Reduce speed, look along both sides of the road and be ready to stop. The warning identifies a pedestrian hazard ahead; children, people with limited mobility or others may enter the road unexpectedly.

🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — warning-signs

Does a traffic-lights-ahead warning require an immediate stop in South Africa?

No. A warning sign is not an automatic STOP instruction and does not create a new numerical speed limit. Reduce speed when necessary, look for a queue or a concealed signal, and obey the traffic lights and any separate speed or stop signs.

🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — warning-signs

1. Stop and give way

This traffic sign means stop and give way. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and give way to traffic that has priority. Proceed only when it is safe.

English • R1 • Stop. Stop completely at the stop line, or before entering the junction if there is no line. Yield to traffic with right of way before proceeding.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 32 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Give way

This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.

English • R2 • Yield. Yield right of way to traffic on the intersecting road. Stop if necessary before proceeding safely.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 37 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-04-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates give way ahead. A give-way requirement applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to stop if necessary.

English • W303 • Yield ahead. A yield-controlled junction is ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 5 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Stop and give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates stop and give way ahead. A stop sign applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to come to a complete stop.

English • W302 • Stop ahead. A stop-controlled junction is ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 5 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Warning for an uncontrolled crossroad

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled crossroad. An intersection without traffic signals or signs assigning priority lies ahead. Reduce speed, watch for traffic approaching from other directions and follow the applicable local priority rules.

English • W101 • Crossroad. A crossroad is ahead. This plain cross symbol does not itself assign priority.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 3 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Crossroad ahead, give way

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a crossroad, give way. It alerts drivers that they are approaching an intersection where they must give way to traffic on the main road. Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop if needed.

English • W103 • Priority crossroad on a non-priority road. You are approaching a crossroad with a priority road. The thick horizontal bar represents the priority road.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 3 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Warning for a side road from the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road from the left. A side road joins the road ahead from the left at an uncontrolled junction. Reduce speed, watch for traffic entering from the side road and follow the applicable default priority rules.

English • W107 • Side road from the left. A side road joins from the left ahead. This warning does not itself assign priority; follow the applicable signs and local rules.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org • Wikimedia Commons original • Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3 · W107 · PDF p. 15 (May 2012).

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Source revision 2017-07-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Warning for merging traffic from the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for merging traffic from the left. Traffic travelling in the same general direction may join your traffic stream from the left. Stay alert for entering vehicles and follow the applicable priority signs and local rules.

English • W112 • Merging traffic from the left. Traffic may join from the left at an acute angle ahead. Watch for entering vehicles and follow the applicable priority signs and local rules.

Sources

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Source revision 2017-07-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. Warning for a side road from the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a side road from the right. A side road joins the road ahead from the right at an uncontrolled junction. Reduce speed, watch for traffic entering from the side road and follow the applicable default priority rules.

English • W108 • Side road from the right. A side road joins from the right ahead. This warning does not itself assign priority; follow the applicable signs and local rules.

Sources

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Source revision 2017-07-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Warning for merging traffic from the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for merging traffic from the right. Traffic travelling in the same general direction may join your traffic stream from the right. Stay alert for entering vehicles and follow the applicable priority signs and local rules.

English • W114 • Merging traffic from the right. Traffic may join from the right at an acute angle ahead. Watch for entering vehicles and follow the applicable priority signs and local rules.

Sources

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Source revision 2017-07-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. Warning for a roundabout

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a roundabout. A roundabout lies ahead. Reduce speed and follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local roundabout rules when approaching and entering it.

English • W201 • Traffic circle ahead. A traffic circle is ahead. Reduce speed and follow the controls at the circle.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 4 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. Side roads join from the left and right, and traffic entering from those side roads must give way.

English • W102 • Crossroad on a priority road. A crossroad is ahead on the priority road you are following. The thicker vertical line represents your road.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 3 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Warning for a staggered junction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a staggered junction. Side roads join the main road at different points rather than directly opposite each other. Reduce speed and watch carefully for vehicles entering, leaving or crossing the main road.

English • W109 • Staggered junctions: right then left. Side roads join first from the right and then from the left.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 3 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. Warning for a staggered junction

English • W110 • Staggered junctions: left then right. Side roads join first from the left and then from the right.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 3 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Warning for an uncontrolled T-junction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled T-junction. The road ends at an intersection where no traffic signs or signals assign priority. Reduce speed and follow the applicable default priority rules.

English • W104 • T-junction. The road ends at a T-junction ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 3 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-26. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. Warning for an uncontrolled Y-junction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an uncontrolled Y-junction. The road divides or meets another road at a Y-shaped intersection where no signs or signals assign priority. Reduce speed and follow the applicable default priority rules.

English • W115 • Y-junction. A Y-shaped junction is ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 3 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. Warning for a hairpin bend to the left

This traffic sign warns of a hairpin bend to the left. The road ahead makes a very sharp turn, so reduce speed and be prepared to steer sharply to the left.

English • W207 • Hairpin bend to the left. A very tight bend to the left is ahead. Reduce speed before the bend.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 4 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. Warning for a hairpin bend to the right

This traffic sign warns of a hairpin bend to the right. The road ahead makes a very sharp turn, so reduce speed and be prepared to steer sharply to the right.

English • W206 • Hairpin bend to the right. A very tight bend to the right is ahead. Reduce speed before the bend.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 4 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.

19. Warning for a curve to the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the left. A left-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

English • W203 • Gentle curve to the left. The road curves to the left ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 4 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.

20. Warning for a curve to the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a curve to the right. A right-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

English • W202 • Gentle curve to the right. The road curves to the right ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 4 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.

21. Warning for a sharp curve to the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a sharp curve to the left. A tight left-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within your lane and use smooth steering.

English • W205 • Sharp curve to the left. A sharp left-hand curve is ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 4 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.

22. Warning for a sharp curve to the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a sharp curve to the right. A tight right-hand bend lies ahead. Reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within your lane and use smooth steering, particularly when visibility or road grip is reduced.

English • W204 • Sharp curve to the right. A sharp right-hand curve is ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 4 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.

23. Warning for a double curve, first left then right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the left. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

English • W211 • Combined curves: left then right. Two successive curves are ahead, first to the left and then to the right.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 4 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2018-08-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

24. Warning for a double curve, first right then left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for successive curves, with the first curve to the right. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and be prepared for further changes in direction.

English • W210 • Combined curves: right then left. Two successive curves are ahead, first to the right and then to the left.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 4 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2018-08-20. Wikimedia original unmodified.

25. Warning for curves

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a series of curves. One or more changes in direction lie ahead and may occur in quick succession. Reduce speed before entering the winding section, maintain your lane position and use smooth steering.

English • W208 • Winding road: right then left. A sequence of curves is ahead, beginning to the right.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 4 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

26. Warning for a road narrowing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing. The available width of the road or carriageway decreases ahead. Reduce speed, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and watch carefully for approaching or adjacent traffic.

English • W328 • Road narrows on both sides. The roadway narrows from both sides ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

27. Warning for a road narrowing on the left

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the left. The available road width decreases from the left side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

English • W330 • Road narrows from the left. The roadway narrows from the left ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

28. Warning for a road narrowing on the right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a road narrowing on the right. The available road width decreases from the right side ahead. Reduce speed, follow the lane markings and maintain sufficient clearance from other traffic and the road edge.

English • W329 • Road narrows from the right. The roadway narrows from the right ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

29. Warning for a road with two-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a warning for two-way traffic. Oncoming traffic will use the same road or carriageway ahead. Keep to the correct side of the road and overtake only where it is permitted and clearly safe.

English • W212 • Two-way traffic. Two-way traffic is ahead. Watch for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 4 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

30. Warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a danger with no specific traffic sign. It's a general warning sign used when there is a hazard ahead that does not have its own dedicated warning sign. For example: road accidents, flooded roads and roads blocked by fallen trees. It usually has a supplementary sign attached that tells drivers of what hazard to expect.

English • W339 • General warning. A hazard is ahead. Any accompanying plate identifies the particular danger.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

31. Warning for a speed bump

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a speed bump. A raised traffic-calming feature lies ahead. Reduce speed before reaching it to maintain vehicle control and avoid damage or discomfort.

English • W332 • Speed humps. A speed hump or humps are ahead. Reduce speed.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-02. Wikimedia original unmodified.

32. Warning for a bad road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a bad or uneven road surface. Potholes, bumps, depressions or other surface irregularities may affect vehicle stability and braking. Reduce speed and avoid sudden manoeuvres.

English • W331 • Uneven roadway. The road surface is uneven ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-02. Wikimedia original unmodified.

33. Warning for a dip in the road

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a dip in the road. A sudden depression in the road surface lies ahead and may affect vehicle stability or visibility. Reduce speed before reaching the dip and be prepared for water or other hazards that may collect in the lowered section.

English • W350 • Drift. A drift or low water crossing is ahead. Water may cross the roadway.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-07. Wikimedia original unmodified.

34. Warning for a steep ascent

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep ascent. A steep uphill gradient lies ahead and may cause heavy or low-powered vehicles to lose speed. Select a suitable gear, maintain a safe following distance and be prepared for slower traffic.

English • W323 • Steep ascent. A steep uphill section is ahead. Expect slow heavy vehicles.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 5 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2018-08-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

35. Warning for a steep descent

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a steep descent. A steep downhill gradient lies ahead and the vehicle may gain speed quickly. Reduce speed before the descent, select a suitable gear and use engine braking where appropriate. Allow extra distance for heavy or towing vehicles.

English • W322 • Steep descent. A steep downhill section is ahead. Control your speed before descending.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 5 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2018-08-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

36. Warning for a tunnel

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a tunnel. Driving conditions may change at the tunnel entrance because of reduced light, limited visibility or restricted space. Reduce speed when necessary and follow the applicable rules for vehicle lighting, stopping, overtaking and lane use.

English • W319 • Tunnel. A tunnel is ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 5 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

37. Warning for a quayside or riverbank

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a quayside or riverbank. The road approaches or runs close to an edge beside water, where a vehicle could leave the roadway and enter the water. Reduce speed, identify the road edge carefully and take extra care in darkness or poor visibility.

English • W348 • Jetty edge or river bank. The road approaches an unprotected jetty edge or river bank. Take care near the water.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

38. Warning for traffic lights ahead

This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic lights ahead. Traffic signals are located ahead and may not be visible early enough without advance warning. Reduce speed and be prepared to stop if the signal requires it.

English • W301 • Traffic signals ahead. Traffic signals are ahead. Be prepared to stop.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 5 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-31. Wikimedia original unmodified.

39. Warning for falling rocks

This traffic sign indicates a warning for falling rocks. Rocks or stones may fall from nearby slopes or may already be lying on the road. Reduce speed, scan the road ahead and be prepared to avoid or stop for fallen material.

English • W335 • Falling rocks from the left. Rocks may fall from the left side or lie on the roadway.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.

40. Warning for roadworks

This traffic sign indicates a warning for roadworks. Construction or maintenance work is taking place on or beside the road. Reduce speed where necessary and be prepared for workers, machinery, temporary traffic signals, changed lane layouts or uneven road surfaces.

English • TW336 • Temporary warning: roadworks ahead. Road construction or maintenance work is taking place ahead. Slow down as necessary and watch for workers, machinery and changed traffic arrangements. Yellow background identifies the temporary version.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org • Wikimedia Commons original • Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2018-08-24. Wikimedia original unmodified.
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3 · TW336 · PDF p. 39 (May 2012).

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Source revision 2018-08-24. Wikimedia original unmodified.

41. Warning for loose chippings on the road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for loose chippings. Loose stones or gravel may reduce tyre grip and can be thrown up by passing vehicles. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.

English • TW338 • Temporary warning: loose stones ahead. Loose stones or chippings may reduce grip and be thrown up by passing vehicles. Reduce speed and increase your following distance. Yellow background identifies the temporary version.

Sources

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Source revision 2018-08-24. Wikimedia original unmodified.

42. Warning for a soft verge

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a soft or unstable verge. The edge of the road may provide less grip or support than the roadway and can affect steering or vehicle stability. Avoid driving onto the verge unless necessary and reduce speed if you must use it.

English • TW342 • Temporary warning: soft shoulder ahead. The verge or shoulder may be soft or unstable. Avoid leaving the roadway unnecessarily and reduce speed if you must use the shoulder. Yellow background identifies the temporary version.

Sources

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Source revision 2018-08-24. Wikimedia original unmodified.

43. Warning for traffic queues

This traffic sign indicates a warning for traffic queues. Slow-moving or stationary traffic may occur ahead, sometimes unexpectedly. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and be prepared to stop.

English • W355 • Congestion. Queues or congested traffic may be encountered ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 7 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

44. Warning for a slippery road surface

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a slippery road surface. The road ahead may provide reduced tyre grip because of water, ice, mud, oil or another surface condition. Reduce speed and avoid sudden braking, acceleration or steering movements.

English • W333 • Slippery road. The road surface may be slippery. Reduce speed and avoid sudden manoeuvres.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2018-08-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

45. Warning of poor visibility due to rain, fog or snow

This traffic sign indicates a warning for poor visibility. Fog, heavy rain, snow, smoke or another condition may significantly reduce how far you can see. Reduce speed, increase your following distance and use the vehicle lighting required by the local rules and conditions.

English • W354 • Reduced visibility. Visibility may be reduced ahead, for example by fog or smoke.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 7 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-16. Wikimedia original unmodified.

46. Warning for strong crosswinds

This traffic sign indicates a warning for strong crosswinds. Side winds may suddenly affect vehicle stability and steering. Reduce speed, keep a firm but controlled grip on the steering wheel and take extra care with high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and trailers.

English • W349 • Crosswinds. Strong crosswinds may affect vehicles ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-10-06. Wikimedia original unmodified.

47. Warning for a height restriction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a height restriction. The available clearance ahead is limited, for example at a bridge, tunnel or other overhead structure. Drivers of tall vehicles should check their vehicle height and use another route if the vehicle cannot pass safely.

English • W320 • Height restricted: 4.42 m. A restricted clearance of 4.42 metres is ahead. Check the height of your vehicle and load; obey the height-limit sign at the restriction.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 5 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

48. Warning for a width restriction

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a width restriction. The available passage ahead is limited in width. Drivers of wide vehicles should check their vehicle width and use another route if the vehicle cannot pass safely.

English • W360 • Width restriction: 2.1 m. A width restriction of 2.1 metres is ahead. Check your vehicle and load width; obey the regulatory sign at the restriction.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 7 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-07. Wikimedia original unmodified.

49. Warning for a narrowing

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a narrowing ahead. The available road width decreases ahead. Reduce speed when necessary and be prepared for less lateral space between vehicles, obstacles or the road edge.

English • W326 • Narrow bridge. A narrow bridge is ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3, PDF p. 6 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-08-07. Wikimedia original unmodified.

50. Warning for an obstacle, pass left or right

This traffic sign indicates a warning for an obstacle where you have to pass left or right. It alerts drivers to a fixed obstacle in the roadway—such as a traffic island, bollard, or construction zone—where vehicles are permitted to pass on either side.

English • W414 • Pass either side of a physical separation. The gore chevron marks a traffic island or physical separation. Choose the appropriate route to its left or right and follow the lane markings and other controls.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org • Wikimedia Commons original • Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2019-07-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 3 · W414 · PDF p. 59 (May 2012).

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Source revision 2019-07-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.

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