Additional Info

Roundabout – R137 Road Sign

The Roundabout road sign, identified as R137, is a South African regulatory command sign used at qualifying roundabouts to control how drivers enter and travel through the circular roadway.

R137 imposes a mandatory requirement on drivers entering a roundabout to turn to the left and travel around the roundabout in a clockwise direction. Drivers entering the roundabout must also yield right-of-way to traffic approaching from the right within the roundabout where that traffic is close enough to constitute a danger or potential danger.

The R137 sign is different from a general roundabout warning sign. It is a regulatory sign that reinforces the applicable rule of the road at a qualifying roundabout. The South African Road Traffic Signs Manual states that R137 should only be used where the relevant circumstances justify reinforcing the rule of the road.

What Does the R137 Road Sign Mean?

R137 means ROUNDABOUT.

When entering a roundabout controlled by R137, drivers are required to turn left and travel around the circular roadway in a clockwise direction.

Drivers entering the roundabout must also yield right-of-way to traffic approaching from the right within the roundabout when that traffic is sufficiently close to create a danger or potential danger.

Is R137 a Regulatory Sign?

Yes. R137 is a regulatory command sign.

It provides a mandatory traffic instruction rather than simply warning motorists that a roundabout is approaching. The sign is intended to reinforce the applicable rule of the road at qualifying roundabouts.

For advance warning of a traffic circle or roundabout where visibility of the entry point or roundabout itself is insufficient, the SARTSM specifies the use of the W201 Traffic Circle advance warning sign rather than relying on R137 as an advance warning sign.

How Does R137 Work at a Roundabout?

When approaching a roundabout where R137 applies, the driver must enter the circular roadway in the prescribed direction and travel around the roundabout clockwise.

The driver must also yield to traffic approaching from the right within the roundabout when that traffic is close enough to constitute a danger or potential danger.

This means R137 should not be treated as a general sign simply indicating the presence of any circular junction. Its use is connected to the specific traffic-control requirements of the roundabout.

Where Is R137 Used?

R137 is intended for qualifying roundabouts with a sufficiently large internal circulatory roadway.

Possible applications include:

• Large urban roundabouts
• Large rural roundabouts
• Major road intersections designed as roundabouts
• Multi-lane roundabouts
• Roundabouts with large central islands
• Intersections where reinforcement of the applicable traffic rule is required
• Road junctions where the circular roadway can accommodate vehicles between entry and exit points

The SARTSM states that R137 should only be used at roundabouts where the internal roadway is large enough for a vehicle to be fully contained within the circular roadway between an entry roadway and the next possible exit path.

R137 and Roundabout Size

The SARTSM gives a typical minimum internal circle diameter in the range of 20 m to 25 m for the type of roundabout for which R137 is intended, based on a typical 12 m bus or goods vehicle.

This is a typical design reference rather than a universal minimum for every roundabout. The suitability of a roundabout and the appropriate traffic control depend on the road layout, vehicle requirements and applicable design standards.

R137 Sign Placement

The R137 sign should be positioned on the left side of the roadway, as close as possible to the point where the driver is required to stop when yielding right-of-way.

Where a YIELD LINE marking RTM2 is used, the preferred position for R137 is approximately 1.5 metres in advance of the yield line.

Correct positioning allows drivers to see the regulatory instruction at the point where they need to respond to the roundabout traffic conditions.

R137 and Roundabout Warning Signs

R137 and the W201 Traffic Circle advance warning sign have different purposes.

• R137: Regulatory command sign used at the roundabout.
• W201: Advance warning sign used to warn drivers of a traffic circle or roundabout ahead.

Where there is insufficient advance visibility of the roundabout entry point or the roundabout itself, W201 should be provided according to the applicable requirements. On a dual-carriageway approach, W201 may be provided on both the left and right sides of the roadway.

R137 and Yield at Mini-Circles

R137 should not automatically be used at every type of circular junction.

The SARTSM specifically states that the use of R137 and the R2.2 Yield at Mini Circle sign must be carefully controlled. At smaller traffic circles, particularly mini-circles, R2.2 may be appropriate because it provides a different yield procedure.

This distinction is important when selecting the correct regulatory sign for a particular circular junction.

R137 at Large Roundabouts

Large roundabouts can contain more than one circulating lane and may have several entry and exit points.

Where a roundabout becomes sufficiently large that it effectively consists of a number of T-junction-type movements, the SARTSM recommends considering a combination of R105 Proceed Left Only and W408 Sharp Curve Chevron signs at the relevant entry points.

The exact sign arrangement depends on the geometry and design of the roundabout.

R137 Sign Design and Colours

The permanent R137 sign uses the standard permanent regulatory command-sign colour arrangement:

• Border and symbol: White retroreflective
• Background: Blue retroreflective

The blue background and white retroreflective symbol and border identify the permanent R137 as a regulatory command sign.

R137 Sign Size

The R137 sign must be sized according to the applicable requirements in the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual.

SARTSM Volume 4 provides the dimensional specifications for R137 and its temporary equivalent TR137. Sign dimensions should therefore be selected according to the particular road application rather than using one universal physical size.

Temporary Roundabout Sign – TR137

The temporary version of the R137 sign is TR137.

The SARTSM states that temporary ROUNDABOUT signs are likely to be required only rarely. Where a temporary version is specified, it uses the temporary regulatory command-sign colour arrangement:

• Inner border and symbol: Black semi-matt
• Background and outer border: Yellow retroreflective

TR137 may therefore be relevant where temporary traffic arrangements require a roundabout command sign during roadworks or other temporary traffic-management situations.

R137 and Road Markings

R137 is normally used as part of a wider roundabout traffic-control arrangement rather than as a standalone sign.

Depending on the design, the roundabout may include yield lines, lane markings, painted islands, edge lines, directional signs and other regulatory or warning signs.

The applicable road markings and additional signs depend on the design of the particular roundabout and the road environment.

R137 at Urban and Rural Roundabouts

Roundabouts can be found in both urban and rural road environments, but their design and traffic-management requirements can differ.

The SARTSM includes separate examples of urban and rural traffic-circle layouts showing how regulatory, warning and road-marking elements can work together around a roundabout.

R137 and Traffic Management

A roundabout may require several signs and road markings to communicate how drivers should approach, enter, circulate and exit.

Depending on the layout, traffic-management arrangements can include:

• R137 Roundabout signs
• W201 Traffic Circle advance warning signs
• R2.2 Yield at Mini Circle signs where applicable
• R105 Proceed Left Only signs
• W408 Sharp Curve Chevron signs
• Yield line markings
• Lane markings
• Directional signs
• Pedestrian and crossing facilities

The appropriate combination depends on the road design and the requirements of the responsible road authority.

R137 on Private Property

Private developments such as shopping centres, office parks, residential estates, hospitals and industrial properties may have circular traffic arrangements within their premises.

Appropriate traffic-management signage can be used to guide drivers around these areas. However, an official R137 regulatory sign should not automatically be treated as applicable to every private-property traffic circle. The sign selection should take into account the site's traffic-management requirements and any applicable authority or property requirements.

Who May Need Roundabout R137 Signs?

R137 signage may be relevant to organisations involved in road infrastructure and traffic management, including:

• Municipalities
• Road authorities
• Road construction contractors
• Traffic-management contractors
• Infrastructure development projects
• Property developments
• Shopping centres
• Industrial developments
• Office parks
• Residential developments
• Transport infrastructure projects

Benefits of Clear Roundabout Signage

• Provides a clear regulatory instruction at qualifying roundabouts.
• Communicates the required direction of travel around the roundabout.
• Helps identify the point where drivers must comply with the roundabout traffic-control arrangement.
• Can be used together with appropriate warning signs and road markings.
• Supports consistent traffic management at roundabout junctions.
• Provides a standardised South African road-sign solution for the applicable roundabout arrangement.

Frequently Asked Questions About R137 Roundabout Signs

What does the R137 road sign mean?

R137 is the ROUNDABOUT regulatory sign. It requires drivers entering the roundabout to turn left and travel around the roundabout clockwise, and to yield to traffic approaching from the right within the roundabout where that traffic is sufficiently close to constitute a danger or potential danger.

Is R137 a warning sign?

No. R137 is a regulatory command sign. The W201 Traffic Circle sign is used for advance warning where appropriate.

Where should R137 be installed?

R137 should be positioned on the left side of the roadway as close as possible to the point where drivers are required to stop when yielding. Where an RTM2 yield line is used, the preferred position is 1.5 metres in advance of the yield line.

Does R137 apply to mini-circles?

Not automatically. The SARTSM states that the use of R137 and R2.2 Yield at Mini Circle must be carefully controlled. R2.2 is recommended for smaller traffic circles, particularly mini-circles, where the different yield procedure is applicable.

What is the temporary version of R137?

The temporary version is TR137. It uses the temporary regulatory command-sign colour arrangement with a yellow retroreflective background and outer border and black semi-matt inner border and symbol.

Does R137 tell drivers which way to travel around a roundabout?

Yes. The R137 command requires drivers entering the roundabout to turn left and travel around the roundabout in a clockwise direction.

Can R137 be used with other road signs?

Yes. Depending on the roundabout design, R137 can form part of a wider traffic-management arrangement that includes advance warning, yield markings, directional signs, chevrons and other regulatory signs.

Can Signs4SA supply R137 roundabout signs?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with R137 Roundabout signs and other road, regulatory, warning, traffic-management and safety signage. Provide your required sign code, dimensions, quantity and installation requirements when requesting a quotation.

Order R137 Roundabout Road Signs

Need R137 Roundabout signs for a road project, traffic-management application, development or other qualifying roundabout?

Contact Signs4SA to discuss your R137 signage requirements, provide your specifications and request a quotation.

Roundabout 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 Roundabout 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. Roundabout 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 Roundabout

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 Roundabout sign, which is designed to alert people to potential dangers in a particular area. Roundabout 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 Roundabout 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. Roundabout 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.

Customer Reviews