Traffic Signs 交通標誌

Traffic Signs Giving Orders 發出指令的交通標誌

Distinguish 'Give way to traffic on major road' from 'Stop and give way': the first requires you to give way, while the second requires you to stop first and then give way. Stop signs used by the police or a school crossing patrol also require vehicles to stop at the sign.

'No stopping' and 'No parking' are different signs, and a plate can change how a sign applies. Plates may show the time or day, the direction, the length of road affected or the vehicle class concerned. Where a plate says the restriction does not apply to the vehicle classes shown to pick up or drop off passengers, those vehicles are exempt only for that purpose; the wording may instead refer to loading or unloading goods. Another plate exempts vehicles gaining access to premises adjacent to the road, which does not allow them to use the road as a through route.

Limits on width, length, height, gross vehicle weight and axle weight all include the load. Wind susceptible vehicles (vehicles with an overall height exceeding 1.6m, motor cycles and motor tricycles) must not enter when the relevant sign applies. Bus lane signs show the hours of operation and which buses may use the lane, while a contraflow bus lane may be for franchised buses only. A hard shoulder must not be used except in an emergency, and a lay-by is also for emergency use. Where the relevant sign is displayed, vehicles must use the left-most lane except when overtaking.

A taxi stand sign can be used with a sign identifying an urban, New Territories, Lantau or cross-harbour taxi stand. A time plate shows when a taxi stand operates, and taxis may park there at other times. Other signs mark the end of the New Territories and Lantau taxi operating areas. Signs at the entrances and exits of car parks and petrol filling stations show the way in, the way out and where vehicles must not enter or exit.

Traffic, Lane and Pedestrian Signals 交通信號、行車線信號及行人過路燈號

Act on what each traffic signal orders. Do not cross the 'Stop' line when told to stop behind it. The signal telling you to prepare to start when the green light shows still requires you to stop. Even when a signal allows you to go, go only if the way is clear. Another signal requires you to stop behind the 'Stop' line unless it is unsafe to do so. When signals flash alternately, you must stop behind them.

An arrow signal allows traffic to go only in the direction shown, such as turning left, going ahead or turning right. Vehicles heading in other directions must not proceed. Trams and light rail vehicles have their own traffic light signals, which other vehicles should not follow.

Lane signals apply to individual lanes. They may tell you not to proceed beyond the signal in this lane, to proceed in this lane if it is safe to do so, to change lanes to the left or right, or to leave the expressway at the next exit on the left or right ahead. Warning signals may tell you to slow down and prepare to stop, or to drive with caution and prepare to change lanes or stop.

Pedestrian signals mean 'do not cross', 'cross with care' or 'do not start to cross'. Knowing them helps a driver anticipate what pedestrians are likely to do.

Warning Signs and Hazard Markers 發出警告的交通標誌及危險標記

Warning signs tell you about road conditions or hazards ahead, so you can slow down and prepare early. 'Stop or give way ahead' can be used with a plate showing the distance. Low gear signs also differ: use low gear, use low gear for the distance shown, and keep in low gear. Other signs tell you to reduce speed now or warn of a lower speed limit ahead.

Some signs use a plate to give more detail. 'Children ahead' can be used with a school or playground plate, and 'Overhead electric cable ahead' can be used with a plate stating the safe height. Other common signs warn of traffic accident blackspots, pedestrian accident blackspots, road humps, uneven road surfaces, and red light or speed cameras.

Merging traffic from a slip road should give priority to main traffic on an expressway. Drivers should also distinguish warning signs about a bus lane, tram lane or light rail vehicle lane ahead or on a major road from the order signs that mark such lanes.

Hazard markers face drivers to show the edge of a carriageway or an obstruction near that edge. Red markers are on the left edge of a road, white markers are on the right edge of a single carriageway, and amber markers are on the right edge of the central reservation of a dual carriageway.

Temporary Signs and Road Markings 臨時標誌及道路標記

Temporary signs are as important as permanent signs, so look out for them even on a familiar road. They can be regulatory, warning or informatory, and are used for temporary traffic arrangements for major events, sections of road closed because of an emergency or road works, temporary road conditions, or short-term traffic control by the police. They are usually mounted on portable stands but may also be found on posts.

Some regulatory signs, such as 'Stop' and 'Go', may be manually operated. On signs warning of lane closures ahead, red bars show which lanes are closed. A sign used with temporary traffic signals requires vehicles not to proceed beyond it when the red light shows. Another sign shows that vehicles may pass on either side to reach the same destination.

Diversion signs guide you along an alternative route that rejoins the normal route after the closed road or obstruction. Diversion signs and temporary direction signs have a yellow background. A worded warning sign may be used where no suitable standard sign exists; these signs are usually rectangular with a red background. Temporary road markings may mark carriageway edges or divide a carriageway into traffic lanes.