Command road signs are a category of regulatory traffic signs used to instruct road users to take a specific action. They help communicate mandatory movement instructions clearly to drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and other road users.
In South Africa, Command signs form part of the regulatory road traffic sign system covered by the South African and SADC road traffic sign manuals. The official SADC Road Traffic Signs Manual identifies Command signs as circular regulatory signs using a white symbol on a blue background with a white border.
Command signs are designed to communicate an instruction quickly and consistently, which is particularly important in areas where road users need to make a specific movement or follow a particular route.
What Are Command Road Signs?
Command road signs give road users a mandatory instruction. Unlike warning signs, which alert people to a potential hazard, a Command sign tells the road user what action is required.
Examples of Command instructions can include keeping to a particular side, following a designated movement or using a specified route. The exact sign design and application depend on the traffic-sign system and the road environment.
What Do Command Road Signs Look Like?
Command signs are generally circular and use a blue background with a white symbol and white border. This consistent colour and shape combination helps road users identify the Command category quickly.
The use of standardised colours, shapes and symbols is important because drivers often need to understand road signs quickly while travelling.
Why Are Command Road Signs Important?
Command signs provide clear instructions that help manage how road users move through a road or controlled area.
- Communicate mandatory movement instructions
- Help organise traffic movement
- Reduce confusion at important road locations
- Separate different traffic movements where required
- Provide consistent instructions to road users
- Support safe and orderly road use
What Types of Command Road Signs Are Available?
Command signs cover different mandatory movement instructions. The specific sign used depends on the road layout, traffic movement and requirements of the applicable road authority.
Keep Left Signs
Keep Left signs instruct road users to keep to the left side of an obstruction, traffic island or other designated area.
They can be used to communicate the required direction of movement where traffic needs to pass on a particular side.
Keep Right Signs
Keep Right signs communicate that road users must keep to the right side of a designated obstruction, island or traffic feature where the sign is applicable.
Pass Either Side Signs
Where applicable, Command signage can communicate that road users may pass an obstruction using either of the indicated sides. The correct standard sign should be selected for the specific application.
Compulsory Direction Signs
Certain Command signs communicate a required direction of movement. These signs help guide road users where traffic must follow a particular route or movement.
Vehicle-Specific Command Signs
Regulatory signage can also be used to provide instructions or restrictions associated with particular categories of road users or vehicles. The appropriate standard sign depends on the specific traffic rule being communicated.
Are STOP and GIVE WAY Command Signs?
No. Although STOP and GIVE WAY are mandatory traffic controls, they belong to the Control category rather than the Command category.
This distinction is important when discussing South African regulatory road signs. The SADC-RTSM separates regulatory signs into different sub-categories, including Control, Command, Prohibition, Reservation and Comprehensive signs.
Are NO ENTRY and NO RIGHT TURN Command Signs?
No. NO ENTRY and NO RIGHT TURN communicate prohibitions and therefore belong to the Prohibition category rather than the Command category.
Command signs tell road users what action they must take, while Prohibition signs communicate an action or movement that is not permitted.
Command Signs vs Warning Signs
Command signs and warning signs have different purposes.
Command signs give a mandatory instruction that road users are required to follow.
Warning signs alert road users to a potential hazard or change in road conditions ahead.
For example, a warning sign may alert a driver that a bend is approaching, while a Command sign may instruct the driver to follow a particular movement.
Command Signs vs Prohibition Signs
Both are part of the regulatory road-sign system, but their messages are different.
- Command signs: communicate an action that must be followed.
- Prohibition signs: communicate an action, movement or access condition that is not permitted.
The SADC-RTSM distinguishes these categories using standardised shape and colour systems. Command signs are circular and use white on blue, while Prohibition signs are circular and use black on white with a red border.
Where Are Command Road Signs Used?
Command road signs can be used in road environments where a mandatory movement instruction needs to be communicated.
Depending on the application, road regulatory signage can be found on:
- Public roads
- Urban streets
- Highways and major routes
- Intersections and traffic-control areas
- Traffic islands and road medians
- Private roads
- Residential estates
- Commercial properties
- Industrial sites
- Controlled-access areas
Command Road Signs for Private Roads
Private roads, estates, business parks, industrial properties and large commercial sites may require traffic signage to organise vehicle and pedestrian movement.
Signs can be used to communicate designated movements, access arrangements and other site-specific traffic instructions.
Private-property signage should be selected according to the site's layout and any applicable requirements or approvals.
Command Road Signs for Construction Areas
Construction projects can involve temporary changes to normal traffic and pedestrian movement. Where applicable, regulatory and temporary traffic signs can help communicate the required movement through or around a work area.
Construction sites may also require construction signs, warning road signs and other road safety signage.
Command Road Signs for Pedestrian Areas
Road traffic and pedestrian environments may require signs that clearly communicate designated movements or routes. The appropriate sign depends on the type of road user, the location and the instruction that needs to be communicated.
Where pedestrian-only or shared-use areas are involved, the applicable standard signage should be selected for the specific environment.
How Are Command Road Signs Manufactured?
Command road signs are manufactured using materials selected for their intended application and exposure. Outdoor signs may require durable substrates, suitable finishes and reflective sheeting where required.
Common road-sign materials can include aluminium and other suitable sign substrates. Reflective sheeting can be used where visibility during low-light conditions is required.
Are Command Road Signs Reflective?
Reflective materials may be used for road traffic signs where night-time or low-light visibility is required. The appropriate material and specification depend on the sign, application and applicable road traffic requirements.
Why Is Standardised Command Sign Design Important?
Road users need to recognise signs quickly. Standardised shapes, colours, symbols and layouts help create consistency across the road traffic sign system.
The SADC-RTSM specifically uses colour and shape to differentiate regulatory sign categories. For Command signs, the specified colour combination is white on blue with a white border.
Command Road Signs in South Africa
South Africa's road-sign system is supported by the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARTSM) and the SADC Road Traffic Signs Manual (SADC-RTSM). The Department of Transport provides these manuals as part of its road infrastructure resources.
The correct sign type, dimensions, placement, mounting and application depend on the road environment and applicable requirements. Signs used on public roads should therefore be specified with the relevant road authority or project requirements in mind.
Custom Command Road Signs
Standard regulatory road signs should retain the required design and meaning so that road users can recognise them correctly.
Signs4SA can also assist with traffic and safety signage for private properties, commercial sites, construction projects and other applications where site-specific information may be required.
How Much Do Command Road Signs Cost?
The cost of a command road sign depends on factors such as the sign size, material, reflective requirements, quantity, mounting method and installation requirements.
Larger projects may require multiple signs, poles, brackets and installation, which can affect the overall project cost.
Contact Signs4SA with the sign type, quantity, size and installation location for a quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Command Road Signs
What are command road signs?
Command road signs are regulatory signs that communicate mandatory instructions to road users. They tell road users what movement or action is required.
What colour are Command road signs?
Command signs are generally circular and use a blue background with a white symbol and white border within the SADC road traffic sign system.
Are Command road signs legally enforceable?
Command signs are part of the regulatory road-sign class, which has legal significance within the road traffic sign system. The exact legal application depends on the sign, location and applicable road traffic legislation and regulations.
Is a STOP sign a Command sign?
No. STOP is a Control sign rather than a Command sign. Control, Command and Prohibition are separate categories within the regulatory road-sign system.
Is a NO ENTRY sign a Command sign?
No. NO ENTRY is a Prohibition sign. Prohibition signs communicate restrictions or actions that are not permitted.
What is the difference between a Command and Warning road sign?
A Command sign gives a mandatory instruction, while a Warning sign alerts road users to a potential hazard or change in road conditions ahead.
Can Command road signs be used on private roads?
Traffic and regulatory signage can be used in private-road and controlled-property environments where appropriate. The correct sign should be selected according to the site's traffic arrangement and applicable requirements.
Can Signs4SA manufacture Command road signs?
Yes. Signs4SA can assist with regulatory, traffic and safety signage for public-sector projects, construction sites, commercial properties, private roads and other applications.
Order Command Road Signs from Signs4SA
Need Command road signs or other regulatory traffic signage for a road, construction project, private property or commercial site?
Signs4SA can assist with Command signs, warning signs, prohibition signs, control signs and other road safety signage. Contact us with your requirements, quantities, sizes and installation details for a quotation.
