Road warning signs
Warning signs let you know that road changes are coming up on your drive. These can be permanent or temporary traffic hazards and obstacles.
Warning signs can warn you about:
- merging lanes or added lanes
- narrowing of the road
- corners or changes in the direction of the road
- highway and motorway entry and exits
- crossings on the road for pedestrians, farm animals, or wildlife
- roundabouts, stops, or giveways
- changes to the road's surface or condition, for example, road humps, unsealed roads, rain, hail or ice, or falling rocks.
Change in the road direction ahead
These warning signs let you know the road is going to change direction. You should drive with caution within the speed limit and follow the conditions of the road.
Change in the road direction ahead signs can show you how the road you are on will:
- curve, have a sharp turn, or wind for a distance
- have an approaching intersection or change in traffic direction
- have a steep descent, dip, crest or incline
- narrow because of a bridge
- have a lane merging or starting
- have a recommended exiting speed due to the road direction.
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
 | Winding road sign A number of closely spaced curves to the left and right are ahead. The winding road can be up to 1km in length. A supplementary Next km sign will let you know the distance of the winding road if it is more than 1km. |
| Reverse curve signs 2 curves in opposite directions are close to each other on the road ahead. |
  | Reverse turn signs 2 sharp turns in opposite directions are close to each other on the road ahead. |
  | Curve signs A curve is coming up on the road ahead. The arrow shows you the direction of the curve. |
  | Turn signs The road ahead is about to turn sharply in the direction of the arrow. |
  | Hairpin bend signs A sharp bend, greater than 90 degrees is coming up on the road ahead. You should slow down and approach the bend with caution. |
    | Side road intersection on a curve signs A curve is on the road ahead with an intersection at the side road. |
  | Side road intersection on a curve signs A side road continues straight ahead off the curved continuing road. |
      | Successive side road intersection on a curve signs On the curve ahead there are 2 intersections, made by side roads, which are close to each other. |
    | Successive side road intersection signs You will see 2 side roads close together that meet on the continuing road ahead. |
   | Crossroad signs A side road crosses the continuing road at an intersection ahead. The road will continue in the direction of the arrow. When the road curves, the sign will let you know the direction of the curve. |
  | Side road intersection signs An intersection is ahead made by a side road joining the continuing road. This sign warns you that you are approaching an intersection with a side road. |
 | T-intersection sign The road you are driving on will come to an end when it joins another road. |
  | T-intersection beyond a curve signs These signs warn you of a curve on the road ahead and that the road ends after the curve. |
      | Modified intersection signs The main road you are driving on turns through the approaching intersection and continues on in the direction of the arrow. |
  | Steep descent or steep climb signs The road climbs or descends. |
 | Crest sign The highest point of the hill or mountain is coming up ahead and visibility of the road ahead may be limited. |
 | Dip sign There is a sharp depression from one side of the road to the other on the surface ahead and you should drive with caution. You may see this sign with the ford or floodway sign. |
 | Narrow bridge sign The bridge ahead is narrower than the road leading up to the bridge. |
 | One lane sign This sign tells you that up ahead there will only be 1 lane to drive in. This sign appears with the narrow bridge sign or grid sign. |
 | Road narrows sign The road you are travelling on, or the lane you are travelling in, is about to reduce in width. |
 | End divided road sign This sign tells you that a divided road is about to finish. This sign appears when the median strip that separates the road is more than 300m in length. |
 | Divided road signs This sign tells you that a divided road is about to begin. This sign appears when the median strip that separates the road is more than 300m in length. |
 | S-lanes signs On a multi-lane divided road, this sign lets you know that the far left lane is ending. The remaining lanes bend to the left, to allow for a right turn only lane at the next intersection. You will see this warning sign before the lane ends. |
 | Two-way traffic sign You will see this sign when traffic starts travelling in both directions on the road. This sign is used to warn drivers to expect traffic in both directions. It is used when you travel from a divided road to an undivided road. |
 | Lane allocation sign You will see this sign on undivided roads when there are 2 lanes of traffic in approaching you and 1 lane of traffic in the other direction you are driving in. |
  | Added lane signs An extra lane is about to join the road. |
  | Merging traffic signs You should prepare for traffic merging as a side road ends and joins the road you are travelling on. |
  | Left lane ends and Merge right signs The left lane is ending and traffic will need to merge into the continuing lane. The merge right sign tells you that traffic needs to merge with vehicles travelling in the next lane. |
      | Exit speed signs When leaving a motorway you should follow the recommended exit speed. The arrow shows you the direction the road takes. These examples show the recommended exit speed for good weather conditions is 60km/h and the direction of the road ahead. |
 | Advisory speed sign This sign points out the recommended speed for good weather and road conditions through a hazard. This sign is seen with other warning signs. |
  | Next …km and Next…m signs This sign is used to let you know that a number of hazards will be present for the indicated length on the sign. |
Watch out for pedestrians, bicycle riders, school zones, and wildlife
These warning signs show you that you are coming up to an obstacle and you should be on the lookout for:
- school zones
- pedestrians
- bicycle riders
- wildlife living in the area.
You should prepare for these warning signs.
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
 | Children sign Children may be crossing the road ahead (not at a pedestrian crossing). |
 | Crossing ahead sign A crossing for pedestrians or children is coming up ahead. A crossing ahead sign is only used with a children sign or traffic signal sign. |
   | Schools and playground signs Children may be crossing the road ahead (not at a pedestrian crossing) because of a:
|
 | Pedestrians sign Pedestrians may be crossing the road ahead (not at a pedestrian crossing). |
   | Warning signs for pedestrians Pedestrian signs warn you that people may be crossing the road up ahead (not at a pedestrian crossing):
These signs can be used with the pedestrian or children signs. |
 | Pedestrian crossing ahead sign You are approaching a pedestrian crossing on the road ahead. |
 | Refuge island sign Pedestrians may cross the road in stages by stopping at a refuge island in the middle of the road. |
 | Bus stop sign
|
 | Bicycle warning sign bicycle riders are using the path or road ahead. |
 | Crossing ramp On a bicycle ramp crossing, this sign warns you that bicycles may be crossing the ramp. The crossing ramp sign is only used with the bicycle sign. |
 | Bicycle/pedestrian warning sign bicycle riders and pedestrians can both use the path. |
 | Crossing arrows sign Crossing arrows show pedestrians and bicycle riders that their path crosses with an upcoming path or road. |
 | Watch for traffic sign This sign lets pedestrians, trail riders, and bicycle riders know that they are coming up to a road crossing. |
 | Road ahead sign This sign lets bicycle riders travelling on an off-road path know that their path is about to end or cross a road. |
  | Look for trains signs The signs are used where there are no traffic control signs for vehicles or pedestrians crossing the tracks. The sign may also show the number of tracks you will cross. |
       | Animal crossing signs
|
  | National trail crossing signs This combination shows the trail crosses the road 300m ahead. You should drive with caution. |
  | National trail road crossing signs These signs warn bushwalkers and horse riders using a national trail that they will cross a road ahead and to proceed with caution. These signs are not visible to motorists on the road. |
  | Emergency services signs These signs give you early warning that emergency vehicles may suddenly drive in or out of their entrance onto the road. |
Drive with caution for approaching obstacles
These signs warn you that a hazard or obstacle is coming up and extra caution is needed.
For example, you should drive with caution when:
- an obstacle such as a speed bump or railway crossing is ahead
- an obstruction may be on the road such as farm animals or fallen rocks
- a regulatory sign is coming up such as a roundabout, stop sign, or traffic light.
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
 | Road hump ahead sign This signs warns you a speed bump is coming up. |
 | Road hump sign This sign lets you know you are approaching a speed bump. A speed bump is an obstacle used to make vehicles reduce their speed on the road. |
 | Stop sign ahead sign A stop sign is coming up and you should start to slow down and prepare to stop and obey the give way rules. |
 | Give way sign ahead sign A give way sign is coming up and you should prepare to stop and obey the give way rules. |
 | Signals ahead sign This sign shows that you are approaching traffic lights. |
 | Signals ahead – ramp metering sign This sign tells you that when you are using a motorway entry ramp, there will be a set of traffic lights that may require you to stop before entering the motorway. |
 | Roundabout ahead sign This sign means you are approaching a roundabout. |
 | Slow point sign You need to drive slowly ahead because of changes in the road ahead such as the lanes narrow or reduce to a single lane. |
 | Road ends sign This sign tells you the road you are on is ending soon. This warning allows you to prepare to stop in time. |
  | On side road signs This sign lets you know there is a hazard or obstacle on the side of the road. You will see this sign used with other warning signs. |
   | Tilting truck signs This sign warns that trucks may tip over when driving around the curve of the road or when making a turn. The sign may show the recommended speed limit for heavy vehicles to drive. |
 | Trucks—crossing or entering sign This sign tells you that trucks frequently enter or cross this section of road. |
 | Farm machinery sign The farm machinery sign is on roads where slow moving or wide farm machinery is working near the side of the road. |
 | Stock sign Farm animals may be wandering on the road ahead and may cause a hazard for a distance shown on a Next…km sign. |
 | Unfenced road, watch for wandering animals sign You should watch out for wandering farm animals on an unfenced road. For example, this sign would be on an outback pastoral lease. |
 | Grid sign A grid for livestock is across the road ahead. A grid is a structure made of metal bars covering a hollow or hole dug in the road to keep livestock inside a fenced area. You should drive slowly over a grid. |
 | Aircraft sign An airfield is nearby and aircraft may fly over the road at low altitude. |
  | Fallen rocks or falling rocks signs You should be aware that rocks or soil may fall, or have fallen, onto the road. |
 | Rumble strips sign Rumble strips slow you down or alert you that you are heading into a known accident or fatigue area. This sign tells you that raised strips or grooves lay across the road in this area. You will feel bumps as you drive over the strips. |
 | Gate sign A closed gate across the road is ahead and may stop traffic from using the road beyond the gate. If you need to open the gate to pass, make sure you close it again after you drive through. |
 | Island sign You are approaching a traffic island. |
 | Ferry sign You are approaching a ferry landing. |
 | Opening bridge sign An opening bridge is on the road ahead. A road-block barrier will be in place to stop traffic. An opening bridge is a bridge that raises to allow boats to pass underneath safely. |
 | Low level bridge sign The level of the road ahead will drop to allow for the bridge ahead that is at a lower than normal road level. |
 | Low clearance x m sign This sign warns you a height clearance restriction is ahead for a:
A regulatory low clearance sign will be displayed on these structures. You must ensure the height of your vehicle is under the height measurement on the sign. If your vehicle is higher than the low clearance height, you must not drive through. Use an alternative route. |
 | Tram sign This sign gives warning of a tramway on the road. |
 | Railway level crossing flashing signal ahead sign A railway level crossing controlled by flashing signals is coming up. |
 | Railway gate sign A railway level crossing is ahead where a gate stops traffic going over the crossing. |
 | Do not cross while lights are displayed or alarm sounding, (number) tracks sign At railway level crossings with boom gates and lights, this sign advises traffic and pedestrians they should wait until it is safe before crossing. It also advises how many railway tracks there are to cross. |
  | Number of tracks signs This sign is used on multiple rail track crossings to indicate the number or tracks. In this example there are two sets of tracks to cross. |
  | Railway crossing ahead—passive control signs A railway crossing is ahead and controlled by a give way or stop sign. This sign used with a railway crossing on road signs gives you warning of the railway ahead. |
   | Railway crossing on road signs A railway crossing is ahead and controlled by a give way sign. You should look for approaching trains. |
    | Railway crossing on side road or cross road signs A railway level crossing controlled by signs, such as a give way or stop sign, is on the next side road. |
 | Prepare to stop sign The prepare to stop sign is installed when the train signals are not easily seen on approach. You will see this sign used with the warning sign for signals ahead. |
 | Cane railway sign A railway is used by sugar cane trains. This warning sign is only used with the railway crossing ahead—passive control signs. |
 | Cane hauling ahead flag Sugar cane harvesting and hauling may be happening on the road. Drivers should look out for agricultural and heavy vehicles. You will see this flag used with the guide sign sugar cane area. See traffic instruction signs to find out more. |
  | Cane railway crossing signs A series of cane railway crossings are on the road ahead. You will see both signs used—so that you know where the crossings start and end. The first sign will tell you the distance of road that the cane railways are on. |
Driving for the road conditions
These signs warn you how the weather and environment can change the road condition because it:
- floods
- is unsealed or under construction
- is affected by weather conditions.
You must drive to the conditions of the road.
| Sign | Meaning |
|---|---|
 | Slippery sign This warning sign lets you know the road ahead is slippery. |
     | Slippery surface because of weather signs
The boggy when wet sign indicates that after rain, the road becomes spongy, and you may not be able to drive or will be very slow. You will see this sign used with the slippery sign. |
 | Floodway sign A floodway sign warns you that a section of road ahead may have water flowing over it. You can still use the road with care unless signed otherwise. |
 | Floodways sign A floodways sign warns you that sections of the road ahead may have water flowing over it. A sign showing the length of road subject to flooding is also used with this sign. You can still use the road with care unless signed otherwise. |
 | Uneven surface sign This sign lets you know you are approaching a road where the surface is uneven and the road condition changes. |
 | Gravel road sign The road ahead does not have a sealed bitumen or concrete surface. You should drive to the road conditions. |
 | Drift sand sign The road surface might not be visible or slow to drive on because sand has drifted onto it. |
 | Soft edges sign This sign lets you know that the sides of the road are soft or not firm, and may be slow or hazardous to drive on. |
 | Ford sign This sign lets you know water may flow across the road ahead except during droughts. You can still use the road with care. |