San Ignacio de Loyola University

Alex Sanchez, Ph.D., P.E.

Lecture 19b

6/12/2017
Traffic Signs
The general principle of traffic signs is to make
a message known quickly, (100kph) accurately,
with minimum reading skills required.
This should allow traffic to meet the goals of
safe, rapid, and efficient transportation.
Poor signs, signal, and traffic markings can lead
to a break down in the system.
They are recognizable by shape and color,
message and diagram.
Traffic Signs
In Peru, traffic signs and marking is regulated by

EL Manual de Dispositivos de Control del Trnsito

Automotor en Calles y Carreteras.
Last version in progress

6/12/2017 3
Dr. Alex M. Sanchez
There are three types (classifications) of
traffic signs
They are regulatory
Warning
and guide.
Regulatory signs
Stop signs. Stop signs are red octagons and mean come to a
complete stop. They are the only sign so shaped. Easily
recognized at a distance.

Yield signs. Yield signs are red and triangular. This sign
requires a driver to allow other drivers first use of the road.

Speed limit signs. Speed limit signs are white with black
lettering. They are also vertical rectangles. They can also be
orange. A construction speed limit is a regulatory sign as well.

Other regulatory signs also include: Do not enter, one way, no

passing, no left or U turn. These are combinations of white,
black and/or red.
Warning signs
Warning signs provide information to warn drivers of
potential hazards they are about to encounter.

They are usually yellow and diamond shaped. There are

messages to help drivers understand these hazards.

Although these are not regulatory signs, not following the

warning may result in an accident and/or a citation for
driving too fast for existing conditions.

There are several other shapes used for warning signs. School
zone warning signs are a pentagon. Railroad warning signs
are round.
Guide Signs
Guide signs. Guide signs are used to inform drivers of routes,
gas, food, lodging, hospitals, rest areas and others. Guide
signs are designated
by color and shape.
Blue is motorist services. Gas, food,
lodging, hospitals etc.
Brown is for recreational areas.
The Basic Speed Law
The Basic Speed law requires that a driver always drive at a
speed safe for existing conditions.
Three colors used in traffic lights
Red is always stop. If it is flashing red, you may go
as if a stop sign. A solid red you might be allowed to
turn under certain circumstances.
Green means you may go, if safe to do so. There is
no right of way given by a green light.
Yellow is used for caution, but it is a clearance light.
You may clear an intersection if the light is yellow,
but you are not allowed to enter an
intersection once the light has changed to yellow.
Right Turn on Red
In Peru, right turn is not allowed.
In the U.S., in all 50 states is allowed to complete a
right turn on red but drivers must come to a
complete stop, yield to any and all traffic and make
sure there is no sign prohibiting the turn, before
completing a right on red.
Pavement Markings
Pavement markings, like signs and signals, are
designed to move traffic safely, rapidly, and efficiently.

Markings therefore, should communicate a simple,

clear message for all highway users.
Color has meaning!
Generally, yellow traffic markings are used to separate
traffic traveling in opposite directions.
White lines are for marking sides of roadways,
crosswalks, warnings and to separate traffic traveling
in the same direction.
Crosswalks
White crosswalks are marked in several different ways.

Standard crosswalks with two lines, depend on streets

and lights. Bold markings are used for increased
visibility.

Zebra markings are to tell drivers to yield.

Handicapped
Blue pavement markings are used for handicapped
parking.
This double white line has the same
restriction as a double yellow line. Then
what is the difference?