Stop, except when it cannot be done safely

Traffic SignalK53 syllabusSouth Africa

What this sign means

Stop, except when it cannot be done safely.

This is a traffic signal — a light-based control that tells you when you may go, must stop, or should proceed with caution. 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

Traffic signals appear at intersections, pedestrian crossings, level crossings and lane-control points. They manage conflicting streams of traffic — and remember the golden K53 rule: a traffic officer's hand signals override any signal or sign.

How it comes up in the exam

This sign appears in 4 practice questions on this site. Test yourself:

• What should you do when you approach an intersection and the traffic light changes to a steady amber (orange) colour?
• When you approach this traffic sign and the Green light is displayed…
• When you approach this traffic sign and the yellow light is displayed…
• When you approach this traffic sign and the yellow light is displayed…

More road signs to learn

Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 125 cc…Slowdown and prepare for a sharp hairpin bendIt informs you that the accompanying regulatory sign…There is a national park in the areaYou need to pay the parking fee and…To indicate the presence of a raised sidewalk…The maximum speed for the current road is…An alternative route