Manuel S.

Enverga University Foundation

Lucena City, Philippines
Granted Autonomous Status
CHED CEB Res. 076-2009

SVCP 313- PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

MODULE 1 WEEK 3

CHAPTER 2- TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

TRAFFIC SIGNS AND MARKINGS

Traffic signs are employed more frequently than any other devices to regulate, warn, or guide road
users. Traffic markings normally consist of lines, patterns, words, symbols, reflectors, etc. They may be
considered as specialized types of traffic signs in which the message is in contrast with the color and
brightness of the pavement or other background.
Philippine traffic signs conform to the 1968 Vienna Conventions of the United Nations on Road
Traffic and Road Signs, which the country officially adopted on June 6, 1973.
Traffic signs are necessary to give information as to routes, directions, destinations, etc. Their
function becomes more relevant when used to warn road users of hazards and regulate any prohibitive
action at specific places and/or at specified times.
To ensure uniformity, traffic signs shall be installed only by a duly authorized public body or
official for the purpose of guiding, regulating, and warning traffic. In case of temporary construction work,
however, special permission is given to contractors or utility companies to install signs to protect the public
provided that such signs conform to the set standards.
Traffic signs are normally of fixed/permanent type although some variable signs have been
employed and have become useful in locations where traffic and environment conditions often change.
Traffic signs are classified depending on their intended uses:
a. INFORMATIVE: the signs are intended to guide users while they are traveling.

b. REGULATORY: the signs are intended to inform users of special obligations, restrictions, or
prohibitions with which they must comply.

c. WARNING: these signs are intended to warn users of a danger on the road and to inform them of its
nature,

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

Uniformity in design includes shape, color, dimension, symbols, wording, lettering, and illumination or
reflectorizing.

Shape
Shapes of signs are standardized as follows:

a) Equilateral triangular shape with one side horizontal shall be used for danger warning signs.
b) Round shape shall be used for regulating traffic.
c) Rectangular shape shall be used for informative signs.
d) Octagonal shape shall be used for STOP signs only.
e) Inverted equilateral triangle shall be used for YIELD signs only.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

Telefax No. (042) 710-3151; E-Mail: engg.dept_mseuf@yahoo.com.ph

WJRN 08/31/22
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
Lucena City, Philippines
Granted Autonomous Status
CHED CEB Res. 076-2009

Color
❑ Danger warning signs shall have a yellow or white background with black symbols and red border.
❑ Prohibitory signs and restrictive signs shall have a white background with black symbols and red
border.
❑ Mandatory signs with the exception of STOP and YIELD signs shall have a blue background and
white symbols.
❑ STOP signs shall have a red background and white symbols.
❑ YIELD signs shall have a yellow background and red border.
❑ Informative signs shall have a white or light-colored symbol on a dark-colored (blue or black)
background or a blue or dark-colored symbol on a white or light-colored background.
Size
The minimum dimensions of signs depend upon the intended applications. Larger sizes are necessary at
wider roadways and on high-speed highways. According to section 2.5 of DPWH Highway Safety Design
Standards Part 2: Road Signs and Pavement Markings Manual, regulatory signs are of four sizes based on
the speed of the facility as follows:
a. A for urban low-speed roads
b. B for rural roads with speed limits between 60 kph and 70 kph
c. C for high-speed rural highways
d. D for expressways

PAVEMENT MARKINGS

A system of clear and effective pavement markings is essential for the guidance and control of vehicles and
pedestrians. They take the form of lines, symbols, messages, or numerals, and may be set into the surface
of, applied upon, or attached to the pavement. In some cases, pavement markings are used as a supplement
to other traffic control devices such as traffic signals and road signs. In other instances, they may simply
guide traffic regulations. Pavement markings have some definite limitations:
a. They are subject to traffic wear and require proper maintenance.

b. They may not be clearly visible if the road is wet or dusty (e.g., near shoulder edge or median).

c. They may be obscured by traffic.

d. Their effect on skid resistance requires careful choice of materials.

e. They cannot be applied on unsealed roads.

Despite these limitations, they have the advantage under favorable conditions of conveying warning
message or information to drivers without diverting their attention from the road.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

Telefax No. (042) 710-3151; E-Mail: engg.dept_mseuf@yahoo.com.ph

WJRN 08/31/22
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
Lucena City, Philippines
Granted Autonomous Status
CHED CEB Res. 076-2009

Types of Markings
Markings are classified into the following groups:
❑ PAVEMENT AND CURB MARKINGS
a. Longitudinal lines are those laid in the direction of travel. These include Center Line, Lane Line, Double
Yellow Line, “No-Passing” Zone Markings, Pavement Edge Line, Continuity Lines, and Transition Line.

b. Transverse lines are those laid across the direction of travel. These include Stop Line, Yield (Give Way)
Lines, and Pedestrian Crossing Markings.

c. Other lines, which include Turn Lines, Parking Bays, Painted Median Islands, and Bus & PUJ Lane
Lines.

d. Other markings, which include Approach Markings to Islands and Obstructions, Chevron Markings,
Diagonal Markings, Markings on Exit and Entrance Ramps, Curb Markings for Parking Restrictions,
Approach to Railroad Crossings, Messages, and Symbols and Pavement Arrows.

❑ OBJECT MARKINGS

a. Object within the roadway

b. Object adjacent to the roadway

❑ REFLECTOR MARKINGS

a. Retro-reflector raised pavement markers

b. Hazard markers
c. Delineators

TO DO: RESEARCH ACTIVITY 2

1. Most international signs consist mainly of symbols with minimum or almost no words in them.
Would you suggest putting words in Tagalog or in any dialects in order to convey their
meaning? Why or why not?

2. Nowadays, many local government units have been able to get support from private companies
in fabricating and installing traffic signs at locations under their jurisdiction, provided that the
company’s logo or identification is indicated in a certain area of the sign (one-eighth to one-
fifth of the total surface area). Would you agree to this? Why or why not?

3. In the town or city where you are residing, identify the different traffic signs and see if they
conform to the Vienna Convention as to color and shape. Would you agree if these signs do
not conform to the international standards because they were fabricated at lower cost in your
locality?

Submission is on September 05, 2022 (Monday) in hand-written form. Discuss it briefly.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

Telefax No. (042) 710-3151; E-Mail: engg.dept_mseuf@yahoo.com.ph

WJRN 08/31/22
 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
Lucena City, Philippines
Granted Autonomous Status
CHED CEB Res. 076-2009

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

Telefax No. (042) 710-3151; E-Mail: engg.dept_mseuf@yahoo.com.ph

WJRN 08/31/22