Look over our collection before you find yourself behind the wheel in a far-off land
We have gathered examples of international road signs that you might encounter while driving overseas. These signs are graphic rather than textual in nature. As such, their meaning tends to be easy to understand, although some signs are less intuitive than others. The most important information to remember is that:
Red triangles are warnings.
Red circles are restrictions.
Squares and rectangles give guidance.
Blue circles are requirements.
Diamond signs indicate priority.
In general, the color red on an international road sign signals negative information, such as a warning or prohibition, whereas blue is positive, signalling a required action or some feature (such as a bicycle lane, rest stop or parking garage) that you can take advantage of. Simply put, blue says do, red says don't.
The signs on these pages tend to be warning and prohibitory signs (the red ones). Note that almost all of the prohibitory signs are designed with the conspicuous red circle. Most warning signs are enclosed with the red triangle, while the regulatory signs are a smattering of prohibitions, diamond-shaped priority signs and other guidance signs.
