Warning signs alert you that there may be dangers or changed road conditions ahead. The signs are usually diamond-shaped with pictures, diagrams, symbols or words in black on a yellow background.
These are some of the most common warning signs.
Intersection and side road signs
Crossroads ahead.
You’re approaching a T-intersection where the road you’re driving on ends. You must give way to all vehicles.
Side road ahead. A side road meets the road you’re driving on.
Curves, bends and turns signs
Road ahead curves to the right.
Sharp right turn ahead.
Sharp bend to the left ahead.
Winding road ahead.
'Divided' road signs
Road divides ahead.
Divided road ends ahead.
'Narrow' road or bridge signs
Road narrows ahead.
Narrow bridge.
You’re approaching a narrow bridge – slow down and prepare to stop.
Give way and Stop sign ahead signs
‘Give way’ sign ahead.
‘Stop’ sign ahead.
Pedestrian and bicycle signs
Pedestrian crossing ahead
Pedestrians may be crossing ahead.
Children may be crossing ahead.
Look out for bicycles.
Changing road conditions signs
The road dips ahead (a sudden slope down, then up).
As you approach the top of the hill ahead, you cannot see a safe distance in front of you. Drive carefully.
Steep descent (down grade) ahead.
Hump ahead (a sudden slope up, then down).
Grid ahead (a row of metal bars across the road).
Changing traffic conditions signs
Road conditions are changing to two lanes of oncoming traffic.
Beware of slow moving vehicles crossing or entering traffic.
Temporary emergency situation ahead, such as an oil spill, fallen tree, snow or landslide.
Weather and water signs
Road is slippery when wet.
Road ahead is under water (for example, a stream).
Causeway ahead may be covered in water (a causeway is a raised road across a low or wet area or a body of water).
Road ahead may be covered by water.
A measure showing the depth of floodwater across a road.
Animals and livestock signs
Look out for kangaroos.
Livestock may be crossing ahead.
Advisory speed sign
Sometimes an advisory speed sign is used with a warning sign. For example, to show the maximum speed that’s safe in good conditions, or how long you should look out for a particular hazard.
Road ahead curves to the right. 55km/h maximum speed in good conditions.
Variable message sign
Some roads have large electronic signs (called variable message signs). These signs warn you of changes in traffic conditions ahead – for example, fog, a crash, roadworks, congestion, road closures or police operations.
