Traffic Signs
Complete Signaling Guide: Everything you need to know for the exam
Hello future driver! Signs are the "language" of the road. They replace words to warn, order, guide, and guarantee your safety.
1. The Order of Priority: The Golden Rule
This is one of the most frequent questions in tests. When you encounter conflicting signals of different types, you must always obey the following hierarchical order:
| Priority | Signal Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (Maximum) | Traffic Officers | Police regulating an intersection |
| 2nd | Circumstantial Signaling | Cones, variable panels, beacons |
| 3rd | Traffic Lights | Red, green, or yellow lights |
| 4th | Vertical Signs | Speed limit discs, STOP |
| 5th (Minimum) | Road Markings | Painting on the roadway |
Watch out!
- If there is a contradiction between signals of the same type, you must always obey the most restrictive one (the one that prohibits the most).
- Signals apply to the entire width of the roadway unless delimited by road markings for specific lanes.
2. Traffic Officers
As we have seen, officers rule over everything. Their orders can be optical (arm or light signals) or acoustic (whistle). Their mission is to demand compliance with regulations and ensure safety.
Arm signals
- Arm raised vertically: Obliges all users approaching the officer to stop (unless they cannot do so safely).
- Arms extended horizontally: Obliges users cutting the direction of the arm to stop (i.e., those coming from in front or behind the officer). This signal remains in force even if the officer lowers their arms, until they change position.
- Arm movement up and down: Obliges vehicles on that side to slow down.
Whistle signals
Use this mnemonic rule!
- SHORT and frequent blasts = STOP (Cut the way).
- LONG blast = GO (Resume driving).
Signals from the patrol vehicle
- Red Flag: Roadway closed to traffic.
- Green Flag: Roadway open again (end of prohibition).
- Yellow Flag: Caution (danger).
- Red or yellow flashing light forward: The driver following must stop on the right side and follow instructions.
3. Circumstantial Signaling and Beacons
These signals adapt traffic to changing circumstances.
Variable Message Panels (PMV)
Regulate circulation and provide information. Important! If a panel has a signal (e.g., maximum speed), it ends when the panel itself indicates it or the causes that motivated it disappear.
Beacons and Works
- Cones and Flags: Create a line (real or imaginary) that is forbidden to cross.
- Fixed Red Light: Roadway closed to traffic.
- Yellow Lights: Caution, forbid crossing the imaginary line joining them.
- Road Works Signs: Have a yellow background. Their meaning is the same as normal signs, but indicate a section under construction. You must obey them the same.
4. Vertical Signs
Governed by international standards to be the same throughout the European Union. They are classified into three large groups:
- Warning of Danger: Usually triangular with a red border.
- Regulation:
- Priority: Yield, Stop.
- Prohibition: No entry, access restriction.
- Obligation: Mandatory direction, use of chains.
- Indication: Inform about lanes, services, orientation, etc.
5. License Plates and Distinctives
Every vehicle must be identified. Plates must be legible, lit at night, and without ornaments preventing their reading.
Location of license plates
| Vehicle Type | Front Plate | Rear Plate | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars | YES | YES | Flat and rectangular. White with black characters. |
| Motorcycles | NO | YES | Vertical at the rear. |
| Trailers < 750kg | - | YES (of towing vehicle) | Carry the number plate of the car towing it. |
| Trailers > 750kg | - | YES (RED + TRACTOR) | Carry their own red plate on the right and the tractor car's on the left. |
Important distinctives (V Signals)
- Signal V-13 (L Novice): Must be placed on the rear left side.
- Signal V-15 (Disabled): Identifies the driver with reduced mobility.