Learning about traffic signs and symbols is just one of the many conditions imposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) before issuing a driver’s license. Not only does it help you pass the LTO exams, but it also helps keep you and others safe on the roads. After all, while accidents do happen, knowing your way on the road and understanding the traffic signs can help you avoid causing one.
While it’s not possible to determine whether the people who didn’t follow the road signs and traffic rules don’t know them, we know that being on the road automatically makes you responsible for other people’s lives. As such, we made this guide to the most common road traffic signs and symbols so you can refresh your knowledge or simply learn more about them.
What are Road Traffic Signs and Symbols
Road traffic signs and symbols are visual markers that were designed to guide drivers and pedestrians toward their destination. These were meant to keep them safe while they’re on the move on public roads. They usually provide either a direction, a warning, or an instruction that both drivers and pedestrians must follow. Some road signs are usually found at the side of the street, though some can also be found above the roads or on the roads, pavements, and bridges.
The traffic signs in the Philippines were designed to be simple, striking, and easy to understand. It is why it is usually written in large letters or shown as pictures or symbols. In some cases, they are even translated into Filipino or the place’s local dialect, so they would be easier for locals to understand. In any case, these signs were designed such that no one will misinterpret what they mean.
The official typeface for signs in the Philippines looks like Clearview. The designs, on the other hand, are standardized, but are known to reflect some influences from America, Australia, and the Vienna Convention. They are regulated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure that the signs and symbols don’t change, regardless of location.
Why are LTO Traffic Signs Important
The assortment of road traffic signs and symbols in the Philippines are important to both drivers and pedestrian for the following reasons:
- Safety
- Warning for potential dangers of congested and accident-prone areas.
- Efficient explanation of the rules of road usage to facilitate better and safer traffic flows.
- For the motorists, the traffic signs can also be cues for mindful driving.
- Drivers and pedestrians can also refer to these signs to find areas that are safe for walking, driving, turning, and crossing.
- Satisfies a requirement for driver’s license application. Learning the road signs is a section of the LTO written exam which happens to be one of the primary requirements for getting a driver’s license.
Complete List of Road Traffic Signs and Symbols in the Philippines
In the Philippines, there is an assortment of road and traffic signs and symbols in the Philippines, and LTO encourages drivers to learn them by heart to stay safe on the road.
These traffic signs are divided into eight different categories, including:
Regulatory Signs
As the name suggests, regulatory signs provide information on traffic laws in the Philippines. These signs direct and help manage the flow of traffic and inform motorists and road users of traffic laws and regulations. It also refers to the commonly known signs that motorists are obliged to follow because if they are disregarded, they will constitute an offense, which could lead to imposition of penalties and sanctions.
There are six different types of regulatory traffic signs and they are as follows:
1. Priority Signs
Stop Sign
This sign requires the driver to stop at a designated stop line. They are also not allowed to park within 6 meters of the stop line.
Give Way Sign
With this sign, drivers are expected to yield to the vehicles on the right side of the intersection.
Left Turner Must Give Way
When turning left at intersections, you can only have the right of way if you use your turn signal at least 30 meters before reaching the intersection. If there are cars arriving or already too close to the intersection, yield, give allowance, or make a full stop and let them pass.
2. Direction Signs
As the name implies, the direction signs are traffic signs indicative of the only direction(s) that the motorist is obliged to follow. These signs usually come in white arrows over a blue circle placed in a rectangle with a label.
Pass either side
No turns
One Way
Keep right
Keep left
All traffic must turn right
All traffic must turn left
Merging traffic
Two-way traffic
Salubong na trapiko
Right lane must turn right
Left lane must turn left
3. Prohibitive/Restrictive Signs
The prohibited or restrictive signs indicate the direction(s) in which the motorist or pedestrian is obliged to follow. These signs tell drivers what is not allowed to enter on certain roads and can be easily identified by the slash symbol it bears.
No entry for all vehicles
No entry for cars
No entry for jeepneys
No entry for buses
No entry for trucks
No entry for bicycles
No entry for motorcycles
No entry for tricycles
No entry for vehicles with trailer
No entry for animal-drawn vehicles
No entry for pushcarts
No pedestrian crossing
Pedestrians are not allowed to cross the road.
Use Overpass
Pedestrians must use an overpass.
Use Ped Xing
Pedestrians must use a pedestrian crossing.
No Right Turn
Vehicles are not allowed to turn right.
No Left Turn
Vehicles are not allowed to turn left.
No U-Turn
Vehicles are not allowed to make a U-turn.
No Overtaking Zone
4. Speed Signs
The signs included in this set basically tells drivers the minimum or maximum speed limit allowed in or out of a particular stretch of road.
Maximum speed restriction
End of maximum speed restriction
Speed limit derestriction
Minimum speed restriction
5. Parking and Stopping Signs
These signs indicate whether you can stop a vehicle with or without a driver, whether to park, load, or unload passengers, for at least three minutes outside of congested traffic.
- Allowable parking and loading zone at a given time and place
Loading zone, xx:xx AM – xx:xx PM
2P Time restricted parking
Loading and unloading zone
No waiting anytime
Bawal maghintay ano mang oras (No waiting anytime)
No loading and unloading anytime
Bawal magsakay at magbaba (No loading and unloading)
Do not block intersection
No Parking
No Parking: Bawal Pumarada
No Parking: Tow-away Zone
Parked vehicle will be towed.
No Parking Anytime from Monday-Friday
Right Turner Cross at Broken Lines
Vehicles from the left lane may cross the broken line to turn right within the BUS/PUJ zone.
No Stopping Anytime
- No parking allowed in the following zones:
No parking, public utility bus stop (Bus Stop Zone)
No parking, public utility jeepney stop (PUJ Stop Zone)
6. Miscellaneous Signs
Other signs belonging to this category include:
- Load and Dimension Restriction Signs
No entry for vehicles with more than 2 meters of width
No entry for vehicles with 3.5 meters in height
No entry for vehicles with more than 10 meters in length
No entry for vehicles with gross vehicle mass of more than 5 tons
No entry for vehicles with gross axle load of more 2 tons
Use Seat Belt sign
This sign is being used pursuant to R.A. 8750, the Seat Belt Law.
No Blowing of Horns
Be aware of pedestrian crossing
Be aware of school children crossing
Bike lane ahead
Be aware of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) crossing
Warning Signs
The LTO traffic signs under this category were designed to warn motorists and pedestrians about the hazards on the road or sidewalk. They may tell motorists that there’s an incoming road layout, hazards, or humps ahead or that the area they’re traversing is prone to flooding and landslides. Warning signs are usually designed with an upward triangle outlined in red or filled with other shapes in yellow and green colors. They are intended to serve as a precaution and a reminder to be mindful of their surroundings for safety purposes.
This type of road signs come with several subtypes, including:
1. Horizontal Signs
These signs are used to indicate the type of road curve ahead of the motorist. They were designed to appear in white, red-bordered triangles that have black symbols depicting the type of curve or turn.
Sharp turn (right)
Sharp turn (left)
Reverse turn (right)
Reverse turn (left)
Curve (right)
Curve (left)
Reverse curve (right)
Reverse curve (left)
Winding road (right)
Winding road (left)
Hairpin bend (right)
Hairpin bend (left)
2. Intersection Signs
These signs are usually seen when one approaches an intersection, junction, or rotunda.
Intersection ahead
Staggered intersection (right)
Staggered intersection (left)
Skewed intersection (right)
Skewed intersection (left)
T-Junction ahead
Y-Junction ahead
Half Y-Junction (right)
Half Y-Junction (left)
Half Y-Junction behind (right)
Half Y-Junction behind (left)
Side road junction ahead (right)
Side road junction ahead (left)
Roundabout ahead
Approach to intersection
Approach to intersection side road (right)
Approach to intersection side road (left)
Approach to Intersection merging traffic (right)
Approach to Intersection merging traffic (left)
3. Advance Warning/Traffic Control Device Signs
These signs are similar to the last sub-category, and are usually found when one approaches an intersection or junction.
Traffic Lights Ahead
Driver must not park or stop within six (6) meters of this sign as it reduces visibility for other drivers.
Stop Sign Ahead
Give Way Sign Ahead
4. Road Width Signs
These signs help inform drivers of a sudden change of road width either narrowing or widening of carriage ways.
Road narrows
Road narrows ahead
Narrow bridge
Narrow bridge ahead
Start of divided traffic
End of divided traffic 2-way road ahead
5. Road Obstacle Signs
These are signs that warn drivers of the possible dangers or items that might slow them down, including animals crossing, airplanes, landslides, and floods.
Opening bridge
Uneven road
Hump
Steep descent (right)
Steep descent (left)
Steep climb (right)
Steep climb (left)
Spill way sign
Flood-prone area
Falling debris (right)
Falling debris (left)
Slippery when wet
Slippery road (Mag-ingat madulas ang kalsada)
Animal crossing ahead
Low-flying airplane zone
6. Pedestrian Signs
These signs come in different shapes but are usually yellow in color. It signifies the need to slow down as children, PWDs, and bikers are common in the area. There might also be a few pedestrian lanes.
Slow down, pedestrian crossing ahead
Pedestrian Crossing Ahead
Be aware and stop for children crossing ahead
Be aware and stop for Persons with Disabilities ahead
Advice to pedestrian to cross at designated areas
Be aware and slowdown on bike lane ahead
7. Railway Level Crossing Signs
Railroad crossing vehicles must stop or give the right of way
Railroad crossing advance warning (signaled)
Railroad crossing advance warning (unsignaled)
Alternative railway crossing position in an area that can be easily seen
8. Supplementary Signs
Advisory speed
Indicates the distance from the hazard
When wet (usually combined with the Slippery Road warning sign)
For Blind persons
Signs of PWDs
Signs of senior citizens
Signs of schools
Signs of playground
9. Other Warning Signs
- Vertical Clearance
Maximum height of a vehicle must be 4.8 to 5.5 meters
Maximum height of a vehicle must be 4.8 meters or less
Slow down, accident-prone area
Bumagal madalas ang aksidente dito
Merging traffic ahead
Lane ends, merge left
Guide/Informative Signs
These signs point or indicate what destination lies ahead or lies after a particular turn or exit, including milestones, signs, and distance markers that tells you where you are, where certain facilities are, where important points of interests are, and how far the next town or city are from your current location. These signs are usually rectangular in shape and come in green and blue colors.
1. Advance Direction Signs
These signs are usually found in national highways as they indicate which direction you should take if you are heading to a certain province.
Stack direction sign (multiple destinations)
Stack direction sign (single destinations)
Stack direction sign (with road/street name)
Diagrammatic direction sign
Diagrammatic direction sign (for roundabout/rotunda junction)
2. Intersection Direction Signs
These signs are present at least one kilometer before you approach an intersection that you should take when going to a certain province.
Intersection direction sign (right-facing)
Intersection direction sign (left-facing)
Intersection direction sign (left and right-facing)
Intersection direction sign with route number and road name
3. Reassurance Direction Signs
These are signs that provide you with a guide on how many meters or kilometers you are away from a certain province or city exit.
Reassurance direction sign
Reassurance direction sign with route number and road name
4. Fingerboard & Direction Signs
These signs are more specific than the first two as they point you to where you should go in order to find a tourist spot, town, or landmark.
5. Street Name Signs
These signs indicate which street you are in or about to enter or exit.
6. Town Names & Geographical Feature Signs
These signs indicate the town you are in or about to enter or exit as well as certain geographical features.
Town name
Province name
Geographical feature
Local government unit boundary
7. Service Signs
These signs are designed to indicate which service facility like hospitals and restaurants in the area and usually come in blue with white symbols.
Service sign (with name of service, symbols, and distance)
Service sign (advance sign with name of service)
Weighbridge station
8. Tourist Information & Tourist Destination Signs
9. Route Markers
These are neutral white, round-shaped signs with black numbers or arrows that identify the arterial road as well as give directions how far the arterial road is.
10. Asian Highway Route Markers
Signs on Expressways
Expressway signs are neutral white or green-colored signs that indicate the location of certain services like the closest service station or rest stop that lie ahead in a certain direction or exit. It also tells motorists to slow down or go the other direction. Some signs also give information that directs drivers to appropriate lanes or exits while some expressway signs indicate the start and the end of the expressway. Some special signs, on the other hand, may give drivers valuable reminders such as checking their brakes and reducing their speed.
1. Expressway Approach Signs
These signs are typically installed in advance or at the nearest intersection or interchange leading to the expressway.
2. Expressway Information Signs
Toll charges
This sign informs motorists of the amount of toll charges required to pay at the toll plaza.
Prohibited on expressway
These signs offers advance information that prohibits traveling on expressways.
Lane direction signs
These signs guide motorists into the correct lanes leading to an intersection or an interchange.
3. Advance Exit Signs
These are signs placed in advance of an exit toll.
Exit advance sign (with distance)
Exit advance sign (with distance and “Right Lane”)
Supplementary exit advance sign (“Next Exit”)
4. Expressway Exit Direction Signs
Expressway exit signs are signs posted overhead before the exit ramp of an interchange for directions.
Exit direction sign (placed overhead in advance of the exit ramp)
Next exit XX km
Exit direction sign
Exit direction sign (for numbered exits)
5. Expressway Service Signs
These are signage pointing to services offered on or off expressways like rest areas and other services.
Distance and Direction to Rest Areas
Distance and Direction to Various Expressway Services
6. Start and End of Expressway Signs
These signs indicate the start and the end of the expressway.
Start Expressway
7. Expressway Traffic Instruction & Regulatory Signs
These are special signs normally seen exclusively on expressways, usually about 200 meters away from toll exits.
Traffic Instruction Signs
The signs under this category complement the regulatory signs and support the implementation of traffic rules by giving specific instructions for motorists and pedestrians to follow.
1. Supplementary Signs
Use Overpass
Use Pedestrian Crossing
Trucks Use Low Gear
Check brakes
2. Movement Instruction Signs
Reduce Speed
Stop here on red signal
Low clearance ahead, high vehicles detour
No right turn on red signal
Slow vehicles use right lane
Mabagal na sasakyan mamalagi sa kanan
Trak at bus mamalagi sa kanan maliban kung lulusot.
Trucks and buses keep right unless overtaking.
No through road
Road Closed
Hazard Markers
These signs are pretty self explanatory and is used to indicate a directional change or the presence of an obstruction ahead. From the name itself, it helps motorists avoid getting getting an LTO violation or getting into an accident by pointing them in the direction that the roadbend is going. Typically found on the side of provincial roads, along meandering, rural highways and consist of a sequence of red arrows (or chevron signs) which signal the driver to follow the direction of the arrow, as the road ahead bends.
In the Philippines, there are different kinds of hazard markers, including:
One-way hazard markers
Indicate the direction to be followed at the end of the road.
Obstruction markers
Indicates road closure ahead.
Two-way hazard markers
Warning that the road ahead is about to change direction.
Two-way hazard markers
Usually used on two-way traffic obstructions or accompany a pass either side sign.
Width markers (left)
Narrowing vehicle width clearance usually used on approaches of narrow bridges or mounted below a keep left sign on traffic islands where the road narrows
Width markers (right)
Narrowing vehicle width clearance usually used on approaches of narrow bridges or mounted below a keep right sign on traffic islands where the road narrows
Road Work Signs
Self explanatory in its imagery, road works signs are typically found in places where there is ongoing road work and is typically seen in places where traffic is piling up ahead. Regardless, road work signs warn users and motorists to slow down or to merge in the other direction because there is ongoing construction or excavation. These signs also offer warning against local hazards like deep holes or falling debris, prompting drivers to slow down or change their route.
Pavement Markings
Unlike the other traffic signs and symbols, pavement markings usually appear as lines, symbols, messages or numerals set into the surface of, applied upon, or attached to the pavement itself. Most of the time, pavement markings are used to supplement traffic control devices, traffic signals, and road signs in guiding traffic or by giving advance warnings.
1. Longitudinal Lines
Center Line (Or Separation Line)
These marks indicate that crossing solid white lines requires special care and is discouraged.
Lane Line (Broken white center line or lane divider)
This mark mean that drivers can change lanes provided that it is safe to do so and will not result in obstruction.
Barrier Line Double Solid Yellow Lines
When you see this markings, it means you should never cross to pass another vehicle unless permitted. It is usually found around blind curves.
Broken Yellow Line
This mark means passing is allowed.
Single Solid Yellow Line
This pavement mark means overtaking is prohibited in both directions.
Broken And Solid Yellow Lines (Mixed center line)
When you see this mark, it means overtaking is permitted on the side of the broken line but not on the side of the solid line.
Solid Yellow Lane On Left of Traffic Direction
This mark means that a driver must not stop at the side of a road marked with a continuous yellow edge line.
Continuity Line
When you see continuity line on the left side, it means the lane is ending or exiting and that you, as the driver, must change lanes if you want to continue in the current direction. Continuity lines on the right side means that the lane will continue unaffected.
Transition Lines
These markings are either used to guide the traffic safely past obstructions on roadways such as islands, median strips, bridge piers or to indicate changes in the width of the traveled portion of the roadway and an increase or reduction in traffic lanes.
2. Traverse Lines
Stop Lines
Stop lines signify that vehicles are required to stop before the white line.
Give Way or Holding Lines
These lines mean that drivers must give way to all traffic according to the standard sign.
Pedestrian Intersection Non-signalized
Pedestrian Intersection Signalized
Roundabout Holding Lines
When you see these markings, it means that the vehicle within the rotunda have the right-of-way over vehicles which are just about to enter.
3. Other Lines
Parking Bay
The marks mean that the designated space can be used to as parking space.
Loading and Unloading Bay Lane Line
Characterized by unbroken white lines, this mark signifies the proper location of loading and unloading zones of public utility vehicles preferably with parking restrictions.
Do Not Block Intersection lines
This pavement marks consist of a yellow box within the intersection and yellow diagonal lines forming an “X” inside the box. It means that the box should be left open to avoid obstructing other vehicles.
Turn Line
This line is used to guide vehicles turning at intersections.
4. Object Markings
Objects Within the Roadway
Markings on Curbs
Objects Adjacent to the Roadway
5. Raised Pavement Markers
Cat’s Eyes
6. Other Markings
Curb Markings for Parking and Loading and Unloading Restrictions
Approach Markings to Islands and Obstructions
Chevron markings
Chevron marks are often used to guide traffic into the right turning lanes separated by an island.
Rumble Strips
The rumble strips are thermoplastic lane markings designed to aid and provide motorists with visual, audio, and motion warnings on the road. These are highly visible horizontal lines on the road that produce a humming sound and ample bumpy ride when motorists run over.
Railroad Crossing Ahead
Motorcycle Lanes
The markings allot lanes for motorcycle riders and can be shared by other vehicles. Riders are not allowed to stay on other lanes unless instructed by enforcers or the rider is turning into an intersection.
Bus Lane
These pavement marks identify the designated lanes for buses.
Pavement Arrows
These arrows are painted on pavements for lane control and is usually in white color.
For Bicycles Only
These marks painted in the pavement using solid white lines along either side of the street signify bike lanes.
Speed Limit at 60KPH
The speed limit pavement markings are meant to supplement the speed limit posted on the road side.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Each LTO traffic sign is very straightforward and easy to understand. In the event that you still have some questions related to them, you can use this section as additional reference.
1. Are pavement markings considered road signs?
No. The pavement markings, though essentially used to complement traffic and road signs, are in a different category assigned by both the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Nevertheless, these marks are meant to add another layer of safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
2. What happens if I disregard the LTO traffic signs?
If you don’t abide by the rules as marked by the traffic signs and symbols, you are considered a traffic violator which may result in having to pay fines or penalties. It may also result in accidents.
3. Where can I learn more about basic traffic signs in the Philippines?
There are numerous resources online, but since it is an important part of the LTO Driver’s License Exams, then you may also find it on the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) portal’s eLearning section.
To access the LTMS e-Learning section and the materials within, you may follow these steps:
Step 1: On the LTMS page, click the E-Learning tab.
Step 2: Click Getting Ready to Drive.
Step 3: On the next page, click Road Traffic Signs. If you want to learn more about road markings, click Pavement Markings instead.
The LTMS e-Learning tab is accessible with or without an LTMS account. It also offer materials covering other topics like:
- Driving Fundamentals
- Road Courtesy and Safety
- Rights, Duties, and Responsibilities of Drivers
- Land Transportation-Related Laws
Summary
The LTO Traffic signs and symbols were primarily designed to help drivers, passengers, and pedestrian stay safe on the road. These are visual markings that everyone need to observe, lest it causes danger to all road users. It’s important enough that it merits a space in the LTO exams required for license applicants to show off how well they know the signs and symbol.
Having said that, understanding the traffic signs and symbols and following them is useful in increasing driver’s awareness and preventing accidents. After all, public roads can be quite dangerous when you operate vehicles without practicing utmost care and caution. Plus, accidents can sometimes be fatal, both to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. It’s best to enjoy the scenery in the comforts of your car or motor vehicle while still being mindful of your surroundings and staying safe.
If you’re still reading this part, then congratulations! You’ve taken yet another step to becoming a good driver and a responsible pedestrian.
If you wish to learn more, then feel free to contact LTO or visit any of the LTO offices in the Philippines.