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 82 entries
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Crossroad

W101, TW101
Warning Junction
Meaning
Intersection
Driver action: Warns that a crossroad is ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare for crossing traffic.
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Priority crossroad

W102, TW102
Warning Junction
Meaning
Intersection
Driver action: Warns of a priority crossroad ahead.
K53 study tip: Approach cautiously and observe the applicable priority controls.
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Secondary crossroad

W103, TW103
Warning Junction
Meaning
Intersection
Driver action: Warns of a secondary crossroad ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and look for crossing traffic.
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T-junction

W104, TW104
Warning Junction
Meaning
Intersection
Driver action: Warns that the road ahead ends at a T-junction.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare to turn or stop according to controls.
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Skew T-junction

W105, W106, TW105, TW106
Warning Junction
Meaning
Intersection
Driver action: Warns of a skewed T-junction ahead.
K53 study tip: Slow down and assess the direction of the road carefully.
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Side road junction

W107, TW107, W108, TW108
Warning Junction
Meaning
Intersection
Driver action: Warns that a side road joins from the indicated side.
K53 study tip: Watch for traffic entering or crossing your path.
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Staggered junctions

W109, TW109, W110, TW110
Warning Junction
Meaning
Intersection
Driver action: Warns of staggered junctions ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and be prepared for more than one junction movement.
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Sharp junctions

W111, TW111, W113, TW113
Warning Junction
Meaning
Intersection
Driver action: Warns of a sharply angled junction.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and approach with care.
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Sharp junction

W112, TW112, W114, TW114
Warning Junction
Meaning
Intersection
Driver action: Warns of a sharp junction ahead.
K53 study tip: Slow down and prepare for the junction.
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Y-junction

W115, TW115
Warning Junction
Meaning
Intersection
Driver action: Warns that the road divides at a Y-junction.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and choose the correct route.
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End of dual roadway

W116, TW116, W117, TW117
Warning Road layout
Meaning
Carriageway
Driver action: Warns that a dual roadway arrangement is ending.
K53 study tip: Prepare for the changed road layout and traffic conditions.
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Beginning of dual roadway

W118, TW118, W119, TW119
Warning Road layout
Meaning
Carriageway
Driver action: Warns of the beginning of a divided or dual roadway arrangement.
K53 study tip: Prepare for the change in traffic flow and lane arrangement.
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Traffic circle

W201, TW201
Warning Junction
Meaning
Roundabout
Driver action: Warns of a traffic circle ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare to yield as required.
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Gentle curve

W202, TW202, W203, TW203
Warning Road alignment
Meaning
Curve
Driver action: Warns of a gentle curve ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed as appropriate and stay within your lane.
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Sharp curve

W204, TW204, W205, TW205
Warning Road alignment
Meaning
Curve
Driver action: Warns of a sharp curve.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed before entering the curve.
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Hairpin bend

W206, TW206, W207, TW207
Warning Road alignment
Meaning
Bend
Driver action: Warns of a very sharp bend.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed significantly before entering the bend.
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Winding road

W208, TW208, W209, TW209
Warning Road alignment
Meaning
Curves
Driver action: Warns of a series of curves.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and maintain lane position through the series.
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Combined curves

W210, TW210, W211, TW211
Warning Road alignment
Meaning
Curves
Driver action: Warns of combined or successive curves.
K53 study tip: Adjust speed for the entire sequence of curves.
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Two-way traffic

W212, TW212
Warning Traffic flow
Meaning
Opposing traffic
Driver action: Warns that traffic travels in both directions.
K53 study tip: Keep left and watch carefully for oncoming traffic.
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Two-way traffic crossroad

W213, TW213
Warning Junction
Meaning
Intersection
Driver action: Warns of two-way traffic at a crossing point.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and observe crossing traffic.
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Lane ends

W214, TW214, W215, TW215
Warning Road layout
Meaning
Lane
Driver action: Warns that a lane is ending.
K53 study tip: Merge safely and check mirrors and blind spots.
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Concealed driveway

W216, TW216, W217, TW217, W218, TW218
Warning Access
Meaning
Driveway
Driver action: Warns of a concealed driveway or access point.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and watch for vehicles entering or leaving.
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Traffic signals ahead

W301, TW301
Warning Traffic control
Meaning
Signals
Driver action: Warns that traffic signals are ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare to respond to the signals.
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Traffic control STOP ahead

W302, TW302
Warning Traffic control
Meaning
Stop
Driver action: Warns that a stop control is ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare to stop.
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Traffic control YIELD ahead

W303, TW303
Warning Traffic control
Meaning
Yield
Driver action: Warns that a yield control is ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare to give way.
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Traffic control ahead

TW304
Warning Traffic control
Meaning
Control
Driver action: Warns that traffic control is ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare to obey the upcoming control.
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Scholar patrol ahead

TW305
Warning Pedestrians
Meaning
School
Driver action: Warns of a scholar patrol or school pedestrian-control area.
K53 study tip: Slow down and watch carefully for children and pedestrians.
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Pedestrian crossing

W306, TW306
Warning Pedestrians
Meaning
Crossing
Driver action: Warns of a pedestrian crossing.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and watch for pedestrians crossing.
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Pedestrians

W307, TW307
Warning Pedestrians
Meaning
Pedestrian activity
Driver action: Warns of pedestrians in or near the roadway.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and be prepared to stop.
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Children

W308, TW308
Warning Pedestrians
Meaning
School
Driver action: Warns of children in the vicinity of the road.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and watch carefully for children.
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Pedal cyclists

W309, TW309
Warning Cyclists
Meaning
Cyclists
Driver action: Warns that cyclists may be present.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and give cyclists adequate space.
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Domestic animals

W310, TW310, W311, TW311, W312, TW312
Warning Animals
Meaning
Animals
Driver action: Warns that domestic animals may be on or cross the road.
K53 study tip: Slow down and be prepared to stop.
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Wild animals

W313, TW313
Warning Animals
Meaning
Wildlife
Driver action: Warns of wild animals crossing or near the road.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and remain alert for animals.
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Gate

W314, TW314
Warning Obstruction
Meaning
Gate
Driver action: Warns of a gate or controlled access point ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare for the obstruction.
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Motor gate

W315, W316, W317
Warning Access
Meaning
Gate
Driver action: Warns of a motorised gate arrangement.
K53 study tip: Approach carefully and observe traffic-control instructions.
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Railway crossing

W318, TW318
Warning Railway
Meaning
Railway
Driver action: Warns of a railway crossing.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed, observe the crossing and prepare to stop.
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Tunnel

W319
Warning Road environment
Meaning
Tunnel
Driver action: Warns of a tunnel ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare for the tunnel environment.
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Height restricted

W320, TW320
Warning Dimensions
Meaning
Height
Driver action: Warns of a height restriction ahead.
K53 study tip: Check the vehicle height before proceeding.
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Length restricted

W321, TW321
Warning Dimensions
Meaning
Length
Driver action: Warns of a length restriction.
K53 study tip: Ensure the vehicle or combination can safely pass.
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Steep ascend and steep descend

W322, TW322, W323, TW323
Warning Gradient
Meaning
Slope
Driver action: Warns of a steep uphill or downhill section.
K53 study tip: Adjust speed and select an appropriate gear.
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Slow-moving heavy vehicles

W324, TW324
Warning Traffic
Meaning
Heavy vehicles
Driver action: Warns of slow-moving heavy vehicles.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare for slower traffic.
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Gravel road begins

W325, TW325
Warning Road surface
Meaning
Gravel
Driver action: Warns that a gravel road section begins.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and adjust driving for the loose surface.
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Narrow bridge

W326, TW326
Warning Road width
Meaning
Bridge
Driver action: Warns that the bridge is narrower than the approach roadway.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and watch for opposing traffic.
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One vehicle width structure

W327, TW327
Warning Road width
Meaning
Structure
Driver action: Warns that the structure is only approximately one vehicle width.
K53 study tip: Approach carefully and give way as required.
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Road narrows from both sides

W328, TW328
Warning Road width
Meaning
Narrowing
Driver action: Warns that the road becomes narrower from both sides.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and maintain lane position.
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Road narrows from one side only

W329, TW329, W330, TW330
Warning Road width
Meaning
Narrowing
Driver action: Warns that the road narrows from one side.
K53 study tip: Move safely away from the narrowing side.
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Uneven roadway

W331, TW331
Warning Road surface
Meaning
Uneven road
Driver action: Warns of an uneven road surface.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and maintain control.
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Speed humps

W332, TW332
Warning Road surface
Meaning
Speed hump
Driver action: Warns of speed humps ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed before the hump.
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Slippery road

W333, TW333
Warning Road surface
Meaning
Grip
Driver action: Warns that the road may be slippery.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and increase caution.
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Falling rocks

W334, TW334, W335, TW335
Warning Natural hazard
Meaning
Rocks
Driver action: Warns of rocks falling onto the roadway.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and watch for debris.
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Road works

TW336
Warning Temporary
Meaning
Roadworks
Driver action: Warns of roadworks ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and obey temporary traffic controls.
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Grader working

TW337
Warning Temporary
Meaning
Roadworks
Driver action: Warns of grading or road-construction machinery.
K53 study tip: Slow down and pass the work area carefully.
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Loose stones

TW338
Warning Temporary
Meaning
Roadworks
Driver action: Warns of loose stones on the roadway.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and increase following distance.
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General warning

W339, TW339
Warning General
Meaning
Hazard
Driver action: Warns of a hazard that requires additional explanation.
K53 study tip: Slow down and read any supplementary information.
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Surface step

TW340, TW341
Warning Temporary
Meaning
Road surface
Driver action: Warns of a step or abrupt change in the road surface.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and approach carefully.
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Soft shoulder

TW342
Warning Temporary
Meaning
Road shoulder
Driver action: Warns that the shoulder may not safely support a vehicle.
K53 study tip: Avoid driving onto the shoulder unless necessary.
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Stop/Ry-Go control ahead

TW343
Warning Temporary
Meaning
Traffic control
Driver action: Warns of temporary stop or proceed control ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and obey the person or device controlling traffic.
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Truck crossing

W344, TW344, W345, TW345
Warning Heavy vehicles
Meaning
Truck
Driver action: Warns of trucks crossing or entering the roadway.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and watch for heavy vehicles.
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Emergency flashing light

W346, TW346
Warning Emergency
Meaning
Emergency
Driver action: Warns of an emergency flashing-light location or hazard.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and proceed cautiously.
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Temporary police flashing light

TW347
Warning Temporary
Meaning
Police
Driver action: Warns of temporary police traffic control.
K53 study tip: Slow down and follow the traffic-control instructions.
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Jetty edge or river bank

W348
Warning Water hazard
Meaning
River
Driver action: Warns of a roadway near a jetty edge or river bank.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and maintain safe road position.
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Crosswinds

W349, TW349
Warning Weather
Meaning
Wind
Driver action: Warns that strong crosswinds may affect the vehicle.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and keep a firm but controlled steering grip.
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Drift

W350, TW350
Warning Road surface
Meaning
Drift
Driver action: Warns of a section where vehicles may drift due to road conditions.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and maintain control.
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Low-flying aircraft

W351
Warning Aircraft
Meaning
Aircraft
Driver action: Warns of low-flying aircraft near the roadway.
K53 study tip: Remain alert for unusual aircraft activity.
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Agricultural vehicles

W352
Warning Agriculture
Meaning
Agricultural traffic
Driver action: Warns of agricultural vehicles.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare for slow or wide vehicles.
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Collision

TW353
Warning Temporary
Meaning
Incident
Driver action: Warns of a collision or collision hazard ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and proceed with extreme caution.
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Reduced visibility

W354, TW354
Warning Visibility
Meaning
Fog
Driver action: Warns of conditions where visibility may be reduced.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and use appropriate vehicle lighting.
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Congestion

W355, TW355
Warning Traffic
Meaning
Congestion
Driver action: Warns of traffic congestion ahead.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and prepare for stopped or slow traffic.
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Horses and riders

W356, TW356
Warning Animals
Meaning
Horses
Driver action: Warns of horses and riders near the roadway.
K53 study tip: Slow down and pass with care.
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Elephant

W357
Warning Animals
Meaning
Wildlife
Driver action: Warns that elephants may cross or be near the road.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and remain alert.
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Warthog

W358
Warning Animals
Meaning
Wildlife
Driver action: Warns of warthogs near or crossing the roadway.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and watch carefully for animals.
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Hippo

W359
Warning Animals
Meaning
Wildlife
Driver action: Warns of hippos near or crossing the roadway.
K53 study tip: Reduce speed and remain alert.
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Width

W360, TW360
Warning Road width
Meaning
Width
Driver action: Warns of a width restriction or narrow section.
K53 study tip: Check the available road width before proceeding.
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Electrical shock

W361, TW361
Warning Electrical
Meaning
Hazard
Driver action: Warns of an electrical hazard.
K53 study tip: Keep a safe distance and follow any additional instructions.
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Gravel road ends

W363, TW363
Warning Road surface
Meaning
Gravel
Driver action: Warns that a gravel section is ending.
K53 study tip: Prepare for the change in road surface.
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Danger plates / delineator plates

W401, TW401, W402, TW402
Warning Hazard markers
Meaning
Delineation
Driver action: Marks a hazard, obstruction or road-edge feature.
K53 study tip: Follow the indicated direction and avoid the hazard.
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Railway crossing

W403, W404
Warning Railway
Meaning
Railway
Driver action: Provides additional railway-crossing warning information.
K53 study tip: Slow down and approach the crossing cautiously.
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Sharp curve chevron

W405, TW405, W407, TW407, W406, TW406, W408, TW408
Warning Delineation
Meaning
Curve
Driver action: Indicates the direction of a sharp curve.
K53 study tip: Follow the chevron direction and reduce speed.
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T-junction chevron

W409, TW409
Warning Delineation
Meaning
Junction
Driver action: Provides additional visual guidance at a T-junction.
K53 study tip: Follow the road alignment and approach cautiously.
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Dead-end or road closed chevron

W410, TW410
Warning Delineation
Meaning
Road closure
Driver action: Marks a dead-end or closed roadway.
K53 study tip: Do not continue beyond the obstruction.
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Temporary barricade

W411
Warning Temporary
Meaning
Barricade
Driver action: Marks a temporary obstruction or road closure.
K53 study tip: Do not pass the barricade unless directed to do so.
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Traffic signals out of order

TW412
Warning Temporary
Meaning
Signals
Driver action: Warns that traffic signals are not operating normally.
K53 study tip: Proceed with extreme caution and obey any traffic officer or temporary control.
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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.