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Keep Right Road Sign – R104

The Keep Right road sign, designated R104, is a mandatory regulatory traffic sign used to instruct drivers to pass to the right-hand side of an obstruction or traffic island in the roadway.

R104 forms part of the South African regulatory road-sign system and communicates a mandatory direction for vehicles approaching an obstruction. Drivers must follow the direction indicated by the sign and pass the obstruction on its right-hand side.

What Does the R104 Keep Right Sign Mean?

The R104 sign means that drivers must keep to the right of the obstruction indicated by the traffic-control arrangement.

The sign is intended to provide a clear direction around an obstruction, traffic island or similar roadway feature. It should not be confused with a Turn Right Only sign, which gives a different instruction relating to a turning movement.

Where Is the R104 Sign Used?

R104 can be used where traffic is required to pass an obstruction on the right-hand side. Possible applications include:

• Traffic islands
• Median islands
• Channelising islands
• Roadway obstructions
• Temporary traffic arrangements
• Road construction and maintenance areas
• Temporary lane diversions
• Areas where traffic must pass an obstruction on the right

The exact use of R104 depends on the road layout and the traffic-control arrangement at the location.

R104 at Traffic Islands

A Keep Right sign can be used where the road layout requires vehicles to pass an island or obstruction on its right-hand side.

The SARTSM notes that R104 is generally reserved for special situations, while R103 Keep Left has a more common application at median and traffic islands. The correct sign should therefore be selected according to the specific roadway arrangement.

R104 Keep Right vs Turn Right Only

R104 should not be confused with a sign that instructs drivers to turn right at an intersection.

Keep Right means that the driver must pass an obstruction on its right-hand side. A Turn Right Only sign provides an instruction about the direction in which the vehicle must turn.

This distinction is important when selecting traffic signage for roads, intersections, traffic islands and temporary traffic arrangements.

R104 and R103 Keep Left

R103 and R104 are related regulatory signs:

• R103 – Keep Left: vehicles must pass to the left of the obstruction.
• R104 – Keep Right: vehicles must pass to the right of the obstruction.

They should be selected according to the direction in which vehicles are required to pass the particular obstruction.

Important Difference Between Keep Left and Keep Right

R103 and R104 should not automatically be displayed together on a channelising island that vehicles can pass on either side of. The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual provides specific guidance for these situations and indicates that other appropriate hazard-marker signs may be required.

The traffic-control arrangement should clearly communicate the intended movement to approaching drivers without creating conflicting instructions.

R104 at Roadworks

Temporary Keep Right signage can be used where roadworks, maintenance activities or temporary roadway changes require traffic to pass an obstruction on the right.

The temporary version of the sign is designated TR104. TR103 and TR104 are used at temporary roadworks to indicate temporary obstructions or changes in the direction of the roadway.

Temporary Keep Right signage may be used together with other temporary traffic-control devices, including barricades, cones, channelisation and warning signs, depending on the requirements of the work area.

R104 Sign Design and Appearance

The permanent R104 is a circular regulatory sign with a blue retroreflective background and a white retroreflective arrow and border.

The temporary TR104 uses the temporary traffic-sign colour arrangement, including a yellow retroreflective background and outer border with a black semi-matt arrow and inner border.

The applicable sign construction and materials should meet the requirements for the intended road or traffic-control application.

R104 Sign Placement

The R104 should be positioned so that approaching drivers can clearly see the instruction before reaching the obstruction.

Where the sign controls traffic around a specific island or obstruction, its position should correspond clearly with the intended vehicle path. Other signs and road markings may be used where additional information is required.

The exact installation height and position should be determined according to the applicable road environment and traffic-sign requirements.

R104 Keep Right Sign Size

The required size of an R104 sign depends on the applicable road environment and the relevant sign-size requirements.

Circular regulatory signs have different minimum dimensions depending on factors such as the speed environment and application. The correct size should therefore be selected according to the location rather than assuming that one size applies to every installation.

Keep Right Signs on Private Property

Keep Right signage can also be useful within controlled environments such as shopping centres, parking facilities, commercial properties, industrial sites and other private developments where vehicles need to follow a defined route around an obstruction.

Where an official regulatory road sign is used on private property, the property owner or site manager should consider the site's traffic-management requirements and any applicable property or authority requirements.

Benefits of Clearly Displayed Keep Right Signs

• Provides a clear mandatory direction around an obstruction.
• Helps drivers identify which side of an island or obstruction to use.
• Can support organised vehicle movement through restricted areas.
• Can form part of temporary traffic control at roadworks.
• Helps communicate temporary changes to the roadway.
• Can be incorporated into a wider traffic-management system.

Keep Right R104 Sign FAQs

What does the R104 road sign mean?

R104 means KEEP RIGHT. It instructs drivers to pass to the right-hand side of an obstruction in the roadway.

Is R104 the correct code for Keep Right?

Yes. R104 is the South African regulatory road-sign code for Keep Right.

What is the difference between R103 and R104?

R103 instructs drivers to pass an obstruction on the left, while R104 instructs drivers to pass an obstruction on the right.

Is R104 the same as Turn Right Only?

No. R104 is used to direct traffic around an obstruction on the right-hand side. A Turn Right Only sign provides a different instruction concerning a turning movement.

Where is R104 commonly used?

It can be used at suitable traffic islands, roadway obstructions and temporary traffic-control locations where vehicles are required to pass on the right.

What is the temporary version of R104?

The temporary version is TR104 and is used particularly for temporary roadway arrangements such as roadworks and maintenance areas.

Can R104 be used at roadworks?

Yes. TR104 can be used at temporary roadworks where traffic needs to pass an obstruction or temporary change in the roadway on the right.

Can R104 be used on private property?

Keep Right signage can be used as part of traffic management on private property, subject to the site's requirements and any applicable regulations or authority requirements.

Should R103 and R104 always be installed together?

No. The appropriate sign depends on the intended traffic movement. R103 and R104 should not automatically be displayed together where traffic can pass an obstruction on either side.

Get R104 Keep Right Road Signs from Signs4SA

Signs4SA can assist with R104 Keep Right road signs and temporary TR104 signage for roads, traffic islands, roadworks, commercial properties, parking areas, industrial sites and other controlled traffic environments.

Contact Signs4SA to discuss your Keep Right signage requirements, provide your specifications and request a quotation.

Keep Right signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Keep Right sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Keep Right signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment.

More About Keep Right

Safety signs are an essential part of any workplace or public space. They are used to warn people of potential hazards, provide guidance on safe behavior, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. One type of safety sign is the Keep Right sign, which is designed to alert people to potential dangers in a particular area. Keep Right signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Keep Right sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Keep Right signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment. In addition to these types of safety signs, there are also specialized signs available for specific industries or hazards. For example, construction sites may use signs to indicate the location of underground utilities or to warn of falling debris. Healthcare facilities may use signs to remind employees to wash their hands or to indicate the location of first aid supplies. When selecting safety signs, it is important to choose signs that are appropriate for the specific hazard or situation. Signs should be placed in prominent locations where they are easily visible, and should be made from durable materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. By using safety signs effectively, businesses and organizations can help protect their employees, customers, and visitors from harm.

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