In mountainous areas before a tunnel. Switch on your vehicle’s headlights in…

Regulatory SignK53 syllabusSouth Africa

What this sign means

In mountainous areas before a tunnel. Switch on your vehicle’s headlights in the dipped position.

This is a regulatory sign — it gives a legal instruction that you must obey, not a suggestion. When you see it, work out what it changes about your driving — your speed, your position on the road, or what you are allowed to do next — and act early rather than late.

Where you will usually find it

Regulatory signs stand at the exact point where the rule begins — at intersections, at the start of a speed zone, next to parking bays or where a manoeuvre is prohibited. Disobeying a regulatory sign is an offence, which is why the exam tests them so heavily.

How it comes up in the exam

This sign appears in 2 practice questions on this site. Test yourself:

• Where could you expect to find this sign and how should you respond?
• How should you react to this sign?

More road signs to learn

A temporary sign warning that the upcoming traffic…Drive in a clockwise direction at the junctionVery sharp, U-shaped curve ahead to the rightA bike trailUnless otherwise indicated by supplementary sign, you may…Animal-drawn vehiclesPainted island where you are not allowed to…It is the end of the toll route