Types of Road Signs in Queensland

When travelling, it is important to be vigilant of the road signs presented along your travel route. Their purpose is to help you navigate the path ahead, to advise you of what you are required to do, warn of hazardous situations, and to ultimately assist you with driving to the conditions of the road.

Within Queensland, there are five main categories for road signage and they include regulatory signs, warning signs, guide signs, temporary signs, and hazard markers.

For your reference, we have provided details below to help you in understanding the signs displayed along Queensland's roads. International travellers please take note of this information and, if required, please review the current road rules available from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.



Regulatory signs encompass rules that provide drivers with specific instructions. We see them every day and we need to obey them to ensure our safety, the safety of our passengers, and fellow motorists.

There are four distinct shapes used within the regulatory sign category - the octagon, rectangle, circle, and equilateral triangle.

Here are a few regulatory sign examples:

Reference: Information Sourced from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

Dismissing or not adhering to roads signs can result in fines and loss of demerit points. Also, your lack of vigilance and respect may result in a serious accident. Take care and be on the look out for all road signs.



Warning signs offer advice to drivers regarding permanent hazardous conditions ahead. Drivers should heed the advice of such signs and be vigilant upon approach. Examples of warning signs are illustrated below:

Reference: Information Sourced from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

Don't overlook the details outlined on a warning sign. Time and care was taken to advise you of hazards on the road ahead and your failure to acknowledge such information may result in a costly accident.



When travelling, you will come across signs that provide advice and information on the destination, approaching locations, routes, distances, key locations / points of interest, and other key information.

Here is an example below:

Reference: Information Sourced from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads



Temporary road signs illustrate instructions on temporary hazards ahead. The information detailed is designed to help motorists to safely and correctly navigate the changed driving conditions. Please take note of the details presented. In many instances, temporary signs are not only used as a safety measure for drivers but are also designed to aid individuals conducting work on or near the road - for example, road workers performing maintenance or upgrades.

Keep a look out for signs such as:

Reference: Information Sourced from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads



Hazard markers are implemented to illustrate to drivers that a change in traffic direction is required ahead. The direction of the depicted pattern is significant in outlining the new direction you must take.

The following provides examples of the type of hazard signs visible on the roads within Queensland.

Reference: Information Sourced from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

If you are planning to drive in an unfamiliar location, road signs will be significant in helping you to correctly and safely navigate to your required destination. Be extra vigilant and always adhere to the information detailed within the displayed road signs.

Take care when travelling and always drive to the conditions of the road.