South African K53 Road Signs

Study the South African road traffic sign system with a searchable K53 road signs library. Explore regulatory signs, warning signs, guidance signs, information signs, road markings and traffic signals. Each entry includes its sign code, meaning, driver action and a practical K53 study tip.

269Catalogue entries
99Regulatory
82Warning
37Guidance
11Information
40Markings & signals
All Regulatory (99) Warning (82) Guidance (37) Information (11) Road Marking (35) Traffic Signal (5)
Road signs library Showing 35 entries

Stop line

RTM1
Road Marking Control markings
Meaning
Stop
Driver action: Marks the position at which a vehicle must stop when required.
K53 study tip: Stop before the line and obey the associated traffic control.
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Yield line

RTM2
Road Marking Control markings
Meaning
Yield
Driver action: Marks the position associated with a yield control.
K53 study tip: Give way before crossing the line when required.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Pedestrian crossing lines / block pedestrian crossing

RTM3, RTM4
Road Marking Pedestrian markings
Meaning
Crossing
Driver action: Marks an area where pedestrians cross the roadway.
K53 study tip: Approach cautiously and give pedestrians the required priority.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

No overtaking lines

RM1
Road Marking Regulatory markings
Meaning
Overtaking
Driver action: Marks a section where overtaking is restricted.
K53 study tip: Do not cross the marking to overtake where prohibited.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

No crossing lines

RM2
Road Marking Regulatory markings
Meaning
Crossing
Driver action: Marks a line that should not be crossed.
K53 study tip: Remain on the permitted side of the marking.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Channelizing line

RM3
Road Marking Lane guidance
Meaning
Traffic flow
Driver action: Channels traffic into a particular path.
K53 study tip: Follow the channelised lane movement.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Left-edge and right-edge line marking

RM4.1, RM4.2
Road Marking Edge markings
Meaning
Road edge
Driver action: Marks the edge of the roadway.
K53 study tip: Keep the vehicle within the appropriate road area.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Painted island

RM5
Road Marking Islands
Meaning
Traffic island
Driver action: Marks an area separating traffic movements.
K53 study tip: Do not drive through the painted island unless permitted.
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P

Parking bay

RM6
Road Marking Parking
Meaning
Parking
Driver action: Marks an area designated for parking.
K53 study tip: Park within the marked bay and observe other restrictions.
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P

Exclusive parking bay

RM7
Road Marking Parking
Meaning
Reserved parking
Driver action: Marks a parking bay reserved for a specified user or vehicle class.
K53 study tip: Park there only if authorised.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Mandatory direction arrows

RM8
Road Marking Direction markings
Meaning
Direction
Driver action: Indicates a mandatory movement.
K53 study tip: Follow the direction shown by the arrow.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Bus lane marking

RM9
Road Marking Public transport
Meaning
Bus lane
Driver action: Marks a lane reserved or controlled for buses.
K53 study tip: Use the lane only when permitted.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Box junction

RM10
Road Marking Intersection markings
Meaning
Junction
Driver action: Marks an area that should not be blocked.
K53 study tip: Do not enter unless your exit is sufficiently clear according to the applicable rule.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Pedestrian crossing ahead lines

RM11
Road Marking Pedestrian markings
Meaning
Crossing
Driver action: Warns or marks an approach to a pedestrian crossing.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and look for pedestrians.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

No stopping lines

RM12
Road Marking Regulatory markings
Meaning
Stopping
Driver action: Marks an area where stopping is prohibited.
K53 study tip: Do not stop where the restriction applies.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

No parking line

RM13
Road Marking Regulatory markings
Meaning
Parking
Driver action: Marks an area where parking is prohibited.
K53 study tip: Do not park on the restricted marking.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Bicycle lane lines

RM14
Road Marking Cyclists
Meaning
Cycle lane
Driver action: Marks a lane or facility for bicycles.
K53 study tip: Do not obstruct or improperly use the bicycle lane.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Traffic circle mandatory directional arrows

RM15
Road Marking Direction markings
Meaning
Roundabout
Driver action: Shows the required direction of movement through a traffic circle.
K53 study tip: Follow the indicated direction.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Railway crossing ahead

WM1
Road Marking Warning markings
Meaning
Railway
Driver action: Marks or warns of a railway crossing ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and approach the crossing cautiously.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Continuity lines

WM2
Road Marking Lane markings
Meaning
Continuity
Driver action: Shows continuation of a lane or road feature.
K53 study tip: Follow the lane and observe other restrictions.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Dividing lines

WM3
Road Marking Lane markings
Meaning
Division
Driver action: Separates traffic streams or lanes as indicated.
K53 study tip: Remain in the appropriate lane or side of the road.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Reversible lane lines

WM4
Road Marking Lane markings
Meaning
Reversible lane
Driver action: Marks lanes whose direction of use can change.
K53 study tip: Follow the active traffic-control indication.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Yield control ahead

WM5
Road Marking Warning markings
Meaning
Yield
Driver action: Provides advance road-marking information for a yield control.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare to give way.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Lane reduction arrows

WM6.1, WM6.2, WM6.3
Road Marking Lane markings
Meaning
Lane reduction
Driver action: Shows that a lane is reducing or ending.
K53 study tip: Merge safely into the continuing lane.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Mandatory direction arrow ahead

WM7
Road Marking Direction markings
Meaning
Direction
Driver action: Shows a mandatory movement ahead.
K53 study tip: Prepare to follow the indicated direction.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

No overtaking or no crossing line ahead

WM8
Road Marking Regulatory markings
Meaning
Restriction
Driver action: Warns of an upcoming restriction on overtaking or crossing.
K53 study tip: Prepare to remain on the permitted side of the marking.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Arrestor bed ahead

WM9.1, WM9.2
Road Marking Emergency markings
Meaning
Arrestor bed
Driver action: Provides advance marking information for an arrestor bed.
K53 study tip: Observe the route and use the facility only when necessary.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Speed hump

WM10
Road Marking Road surface
Meaning
Speed hump
Driver action: Marks a speed hump.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed before crossing.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Lane lines

GM1
Road Marking Lane markings
Meaning
Lane
Driver action: Separates lanes used by traffic.
K53 study tip: Keep within your lane unless changing lanes safely and legally.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Guide lines

GM2
Road Marking Lane guidance
Meaning
Guidance
Driver action: Guides vehicles through a junction or road layout.
K53 study tip: Follow the indicated path.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Bifurcation arrows

GM3
Road Marking Direction markings
Meaning
Lane split
Driver action: Shows that a lane divides into different movements.
K53 study tip: Select the appropriate movement early.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Information arrows

GM4.1, GM4.2
Road Marking Information markings
Meaning
Direction
Driver action: Provides directional information using arrows.
K53 study tip: Follow the indicated route or lane.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Bicycle crossing lines

GM5
Road Marking Cyclists
Meaning
Crossing
Driver action: Marks a bicycle crossing.
K53 study tip: Approach carefully and watch for cyclists.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Road marking symbols

GM6.1, GM6.2, GM6.3
Road Marking Symbols
Meaning
Road markings
Driver action: Uses road-marking symbols to communicate information or restrictions.
K53 study tip: Follow the meaning of the displayed marking.
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Road-marking visual not yet available This marking needs its verified line, arrow, symbol or pavement layout added before it is displayed as an actual sign.

Word markings

GM7
Road Marking Text markings
Meaning
Road markings
Driver action: Uses words painted on the road to communicate a traffic instruction or warning.
K53 study tip: Read and obey the road marking.
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About this K53 road-sign library

FreeMode is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with the Department of Transport, RTMC, a DLTC or any testing centre. The catalogue is organised around the South African Road Traffic Signs Manual classification. The explanations and K53 study tips are learner-friendly summaries and are not reproduced verbatim from the official manuals.

For the authoritative sign designs, classifications, applications and technical specifications, consult the applicable South African Road Traffic Signs Manual.