Internationally Known Street Signs

Internationally recognized street signs use colors, signs and symbols to convey information. Red is used for traffic control, green for directions, blue for motorist services and brown for sightseeing instructions.

Traffic control

Red means stop or do not enter, in any language. Sometimes this comes in the form of the octagonal or eight-sided sign that requires a motorist to come to a full stop. Similar to this is the triangular yield sign that may mean a full stop is required. A red triangle is used when the driver should yield and let other traffic or pedestrians pass.

Guide signs

Green signs give highway directions and indicate the way through highway interchanges, using diagrams to show the path to take. Instructions to motorists on where they may find gas, food and lodging are shown in blue. Historical points of interest, recreation areas and parks use brown signs.

Railroad and roadwork

Road workers rely on traffic to recognize designated work areas that use orange signs to help protect them. These signs are also made more noticeable by attaching a flag. Railroad signs are round, indicating that a railroad crossing is coming up.

Recognizing signs, shapes and colors of street signs helps a person navigate his or her way in different countries. However, there is not always uniform, international adherence to the established guidelines.