Stop. But drivers turning left must give way / yield
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Two stop Sign
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Control road signs are regulatory traffic signs used to control the movement and actions of road users. They provide clear instructions that tell drivers when to give way, where traffic may travel, which movements are restricted and how road users should respond to specific traffic conditions.
In South Africa, Control Signs form part of the regulatory road-sign classification in the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual (SARTSM). Regulatory signs have legal significance and are used to control or restrict the actions of road users.
Control road signs can be used on public roads as well as suitable private roads, commercial properties, developments, parking areas and other locations where traffic movement needs to be clearly managed.
What Are Control Road Signs?
Control road signs are a category of regulatory signs that provide specific instructions to road users. They help establish how vehicles should approach intersections, enter or leave particular areas, give priority to other traffic and follow designated directions.
The purpose of these signs is to make traffic movements more predictable and to communicate the required road-user action clearly.
Control Signs as Regulatory Road Signs
South African road traffic signs are broadly classified into regulatory, warning, guidance and information signs. Regulatory signs include several groups, with Control Signs being one of the recognised regulatory categories.
Regulatory signs can communicate requirements such as stopping, yielding, restricting movement or following a particular traffic direction. Their legal significance depends on the specific sign and applicable road traffic regulations.
Common Control Road Signs
Common control road signs include signs that regulate priority, direction of travel and access. Examples include:
- Give Way / Yield signs
- Give Way at Roundabout signs
- Give Way to Oncoming Traffic signs
- Give Way to Pedestrians signs
- No Entry signs
- One-Way Roadway Left signs
- One-Way Roadway Right signs
- One-Way Roadway Straight signs
Give Way / Yield Signs
A Give Way or Yield sign tells approaching road users to give priority according to the applicable traffic rules before proceeding.
These signs are commonly associated with intersections and other locations where traffic needs to be controlled without requiring every approaching vehicle to stop.
Give Way at Roundabout Signs
Give Way signs used at roundabouts communicate that drivers approaching the roundabout must follow the applicable priority rules before entering.
Clear placement and visibility are important so that drivers can identify the control requirement before reaching the roundabout.
Give Way to Oncoming Traffic Signs
This type of control sign is used where drivers need to give priority to approaching traffic before proceeding through a restricted or shared section of road.
It can be useful where road geometry, lane restrictions or temporary traffic arrangements require one direction of traffic to give priority to another.
Give Way to Pedestrians Signs
Pedestrian-related control signs communicate that drivers must give appropriate priority to pedestrians in the circumstances indicated by the sign and applicable traffic rules.
These signs can be used around pedestrian crossings and other locations where vehicle and pedestrian movements need to be clearly managed.
No Entry Signs
A No Entry sign indicates that road users are not permitted to enter the particular roadway or area from the direction where the sign is displayed.
No Entry signs are commonly used at restricted entrances, one-way road systems, private properties, parking areas and other locations where access needs to be controlled.
One-Way Road Signs
One-way road signs communicate the permitted direction of traffic movement along a roadway or section of roadway.
Depending on the specific sign, the direction may indicate movement to the left, right or straight ahead. Clear positioning helps drivers understand the permitted direction before entering or continuing along the roadway.
Where Are Control Road Signs Used?
Control road signs can be used in many environments where vehicle and pedestrian movement needs to be regulated.
- Public roads
- Intersections
- Roundabouts
- Parking areas
- Shopping centres
- Office parks
- Industrial facilities
- Warehouses and distribution centres
- Construction and development sites
- Residential estates
- Private roads
- Commercial properties
- Schools and institutional properties
Control Road Signs for Private Roads and Properties
Private roads, commercial properties, estates, industrial parks and large parking areas may require signs to manage vehicle movement within the property.
When road traffic signs are used on private property, the appropriate sign type, positioning and applicable requirements should be considered based on the location and purpose of the signage.
Temporary Control Road Signs
Control signage may also be required for temporary traffic arrangements. Roadworks, construction, maintenance, events and temporary changes in traffic movement can require temporary traffic control measures.
The South African road traffic signing system recognises permanent and temporary forms of regulatory signs, with temporary signing used in circumstances such as roadworks, accident sites and temporary traffic accommodation.
Why Are Control Road Signs Important?
Control road signs help communicate required traffic movements clearly and consistently. They can help road users understand priority, access restrictions and permitted directions before making a movement.
- Communicate traffic control requirements
- Help manage vehicle movement
- Provide clear instructions at intersections
- Control access to restricted areas
- Communicate permitted directions of travel
- Help manage pedestrian and vehicle interaction
- Support orderly use of roads and traffic areas
Control Road Signs and Road Safety
Effective traffic control depends on road users being able to see, understand and respond to the applicable signs. Sign selection, placement, visibility and consistency are therefore important considerations when planning traffic signage.
Official South African road-sign manuals provide classification and design principles for road traffic signs, including regulatory signs.
Control Road Sign Placement
Control signs should be positioned where road users have an appropriate opportunity to see and understand the instruction before the controlled movement takes place.
Placement requirements can vary according to the road, traffic conditions, sign type and application. Official road-sign guidance should be considered when control signs are being designed or installed for regulated road environments.
Control Road Sign Design and Visibility
Road signs use standardised shapes, colours, symbols and layouts to communicate information quickly. The South African road traffic sign classification system uses these characteristics to help road users recognise the function of a sign before interpreting its specific message.
Signs should therefore be designed and produced according to the requirements applicable to their intended use rather than simply creating a custom graphic that resembles a traffic sign.
Control Road Signs for Construction Sites
Construction and roadwork environments can involve changing traffic patterns, temporary access restrictions and interaction between vehicles, pedestrians and construction activities.
Appropriate temporary traffic-control signage can help communicate changes to road users. The applicable road traffic signing requirements should be considered for projects involving public roads or regulated traffic areas.
Control Road Signs for Estates and Private Developments
Residential estates, business parks and private developments may use traffic signage to manage internal roads, entrances, exits, intersections, parking areas and pedestrian movement.
Signs4SA can assist businesses and property developments with signage requirements based on the intended application and location.
Control Road Signs for Commercial Properties
Shopping centres, office parks, warehouses and commercial properties often require clear traffic control within parking areas, loading zones, entrances and internal roads.
Control signage can be combined with directional, information and other traffic signs to create a clearer traffic-management system.
Control Signs vs Warning Signs
Control signs and warning signs serve different purposes. Control signs are part of the regulatory classification and communicate actions or restrictions that apply to road users. Warning signs are used to alert road users to hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions.
For example, a Give Way sign controls priority, while a warning sign may alert drivers that a particular road condition or hazard is ahead.
Control Signs vs Prohibition Signs
Control Signs are one subgroup within the broader regulatory classification. Prohibition Signs are another regulatory group used to prohibit particular actions or movements.
Because different regulatory signs have different meanings and legal significance, the correct sign should be selected for the specific traffic-control requirement.
Road Traffic Signage in South Africa
South Africa uses the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual and related SADC road traffic signing guidance for the classification, application and design of road traffic signs. The Department of Transport provides access to the SARTSM and SADC Road Traffic Signs Manual resources.
For signs intended for public roads or other regulated traffic environments, the applicable specifications and requirements should be confirmed before manufacture and installation.
Custom Control Road Signs
Signs4SA can assist with the supply of road and traffic signage for suitable commercial, private and project applications. Where a standard regulatory sign is required, the appropriate recognised sign design should be used rather than creating an unofficial variation.
For custom traffic-management requirements, the application, location and applicable requirements should be assessed before production.
How Much Do Control Road Signs Cost?
The cost of a control road sign depends on factors such as the sign size, material, reflective requirements, quantity, mounting method and installation requirements.
Larger projects may also involve additional requirements such as posts, frames, foundations, delivery and installation. Contact Signs4SA with your requirements for a project-specific quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Control Road Signs
What are control road signs?
Control road signs are regulatory traffic signs used to control the actions and movement of road users. They include signs that communicate requirements such as giving way, controlling entry and following a particular direction.
Are control signs regulatory signs?
Yes. Control Signs are classified as one of the groups within regulatory road signs in the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual.
What are examples of control road signs?
Examples include Give Way signs, Give Way at Roundabout signs, Give Way to Oncoming Traffic signs, Give Way to Pedestrians signs, No Entry signs and certain one-way roadway signs.
What is the purpose of a Give Way sign?
A Give Way sign communicates that approaching road users must give priority according to the applicable traffic rules before proceeding.
What does a No Entry sign mean?
A No Entry sign indicates that road users are not permitted to enter the particular roadway or area from the direction where the sign is displayed.
Where are control road signs used?
They can be used on public roads and, where appropriate, on private roads, commercial properties, estates, parking areas, construction sites and other traffic environments.
Are control road signs legally significant in South Africa?
Regulatory road signs have legal significance in South Africa, and the applicable meaning of a specific sign is determined by the relevant road traffic regulations.
Can Signs4SA supply control road signs?
Signs4SA can assist with road and traffic signage requirements for suitable projects. Requirements should be discussed based on the intended location, sign type, quantity and application.
How much do control road signs cost?
Pricing depends on the sign type, size, material, reflective requirements, quantity and installation requirements. Contact Signs4SA for a quotation based on your project.
Get Control Road Signs from Signs4SA
Signs4SA can assist with road and traffic signage for commercial properties, private developments, construction projects and other suitable applications.
Contact Signs4SA with your control road sign requirements, quantities and installation location so we can help you identify the appropriate signage solution.