What is the difference between a regulatory sign and a warning sign?

The distinction between regulatory signs and warning signs is fundamental to understanding road safety and proper driving behavior. Regulatory signs are designed to control traffic and communicate laws that drivers must follow. They dictate what drivers can and cannot do, such as speed limits, stop signs, and yield signs. Compliance with these signs is mandatory; failure to adhere to them can result in legal penalties or accidents.

On the other hand, warning signs serve a different purpose. They alert drivers to potential hazards that may not be immediately visible or that require heightened awareness, such as sharp turns, pedestrian crossings, or changes in road conditions. These signs often indicate risks that drivers should prepare for but do not impose mandatory actions.

Understanding this difference helps drivers react appropriately to varying situations on the road, ensuring their safety and that of others. Recognizing that regulatory signs enforce rules while warning signs provide cautionary information supports safe driving practices.