Signs, signals and markings in Western Australia

By the end of this topic you can

• You can sort signs into regulatory, warning, guide and roadworks types.
• You can respond correctly to every combination of traffic light and arrow.
• You can tell which road lines you may cross and which you may not.
• You can recognise no stopping and keep clear markings.
• You can obey traffic controllers and temporary signals at roadworks.

What you need to know and understand

• Regulatory signs control traffic and must be obeyed.
• Warning signs are generally yellow with black symbols; pedestrian warning signs are usually red-orange. When an advisory speed is shown, slow to at least that speed.
• Guide signs give directions, distances and services.
• Roadworks signs and speed limits are enforceable, and breaking them can bring fines and demerit points.
• A single yellow edge line means no stopping, unless you are held up by traffic.
• A clearway is marked by a white C on a red shield; you cannot stop there during the times shown.
• You cannot U-turn at traffic lights unless a U TURN PERMITTED sign is shown.

Reading traffic lights and arrows

• Red: stop behind the stop line. If a LEFT TURN ON RED PERMITTED AFTER STOPPING sign is shown, you may turn left after stopping and giving way.
• Yellow: stop if you can do so safely.
• Green: go if it is safe, watching for pedestrians still crossing and red-light runners.
• Red light with green arrow: you may turn in the arrow's direction but not go straight; give way to pedestrians.
• Green light with red arrow: you may go straight but not turn that way.
• Flashing yellow at a pelican crossing: proceed with caution, giving way to any pedestrians.
• Flashing yellow or dark signals at an intersection: treat as a GIVE WAY sign.

Lines on the road

Broken white lines may be crossed to overtake or change lanes when safe. A single continuous dividing line must not be crossed except to enter or leave the road, turn at an intersection or make a U-turn. Double continuous lines must not be crossed to overtake. Where a continuous line and a broken line run together, you may cross only if the broken line is on your side.

A continuous lane line means no lane changing. Arrows painted in your lane show the direction you must take. Zigzag lines warn of a pedestrian crossing ahead, and KEEP CLEAR painted on the road means you must not stop on that section.

Roadworks and traffic controllers

At roadworks, stop when a traffic controller shows a STOP bat, when a boom gate is down or when temporary signals are red. Proceed with caution on a SLOW bat. Worker signs warn that people may be on or near the road even if you cannot see them. Temporary speed limits apply until the next speed sign.

Common mistakes

• Turning left on red at any intersection. You may only do so where a sign permits it, and only after stopping.
• Crossing a continuous line to overtake a slow vehicle. Wait for a broken line on your side.
• Speeding up on a yellow light. Stop if you safely can.
• Stopping briefly on a single yellow line to drop someone off. That is still stopping and is not allowed.
• Ignoring roadworks limits when no workers are visible. The limit still applies.

Test yourself: Signs, signals and markings in Western Australia

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Learning to Drive in WA
• Moving to WA