The Signing System
Traffic signs follow an international system of shapes and colours so that drivers can recognise their meaning instantly, even at speed.
The Bahamian Highway Code uses the same conventions as most countries, based on the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals.
There are three basic types of traffic sign:
- Signs that give orders (what you must or must not do)
- Signs that warn (hazards ahead)
- Signs that give information (directions, facilities, services)
Each type has its own shape and colour rules.
Shapes and Meanings
Circles → Give orders.
- Red circle / ring: What you must not do (e.g., No Entry, No U-turn, No vehicles over 3m high, Speed limits).
- Blue circle: What you must do (a mandatory instruction such as Turn left, Keep right, or a reserved route for buses/cycles).
Triangles (red border) → Warn of hazards (e.g., bends, junctions, animals, schools).
Rectangles → Give information (e.g., directions, parking, services).
- Blue rectangles: Information signs (except on motorways, where they give directions).
- Green rectangles: Direction signs on primary routes.
- White rectangles: Direction signs on local roads, or used as plates with other signs.
- Brown rectangles: Tourist information and attractions.
Special cases:
- STOP = red octagon (unique worldwide, instantly recognised).
- YIELD (Give Way) = red inverted triangle.
Colours and Their Meaning
| Colour | Primary use | Supplementary |
|---|---|---|
| RED | STOP, YIELD, Do Not Enter, Wrong Way | prohibitions and regulatory symbols |
| BLACK | ONE WAY, night speed limits | text on light backgrounds |
| WHITE | Background for route markers, guide signs, some regulatory | text on dark backgrounds |
| ORANGE | Construction and maintenance signs | |
| YELLOW | General warning and school signs (except construction) | |
| BROWN | Recreational and cultural information | |
| GREEN | Guide signs, mileposts | parking and permissive regulation text |
| BLUE | Traveller services, general information | evacuation routes; also mandatory instructions when circular |
Flourescents
| Colour | Primary use | Supplementary |
|---|---|---|
| YELLOW-GREEN | Pedestrian, bicycle, and school crossing warnings |
Supplementary Plates
Plates mounted under a main sign provide extra details:
- Time limits: “7–9 am, Mon–Fri”
- Distance/length: “200 m” or “Next 2 km”
- Vehicle classes: “Except buses” / “Goods vehicles only”
These plates modify the meaning of the sign above them and are legally part of the instruction.
Temporary Signs
Temporary signs are often yellow or orange.
They are used for roadworks, detours, or emergencies and carry the same legal force as permanent signs.