Comparison of MUTCD-Influenced Traffic Signs

Most road signs used by countries in the Americas are generally influenced by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), first released in 1935, reflecting the influence of the United States throughout the region.^[1] Other non-American countries using road signs similar to the MUTCD include Australia, Indonesia, Ireland, Japan, and New Zealand. They are also the only countries listed here which drive on the left.

There are also a number of American signatories to the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals: Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Guyana, Mexico, and Venezuela. Of those, only Chile, Cuba, and Guyana have ratified the treaty; nonetheless, nearly all countries in the Americas use MUTCD-style yellow diamond warning signs.

It is also worth noting that, unlike in Europe, considerable variation within road sign designs can exist within nations, especially in multilingual areas. A notable example of this is Quebec, which uses a substantially different symbology than the rest of Canada.

Trilingual stop sign in Mistissini, Quebec, Canada. Languages are Cree, English, and French.

Differences between MUTCD-influenced traffic signs

The main differences between traffic signs influenced by the MUTCD relate to:

Graphic design and symbological details
The use of square-bordered or circular regulatory signs
Local languages (signs may be bilingual or trilingual)
- Most notable is the text on stop signs. Unlike in Europe, the text on stop signs in the Americas varies depending on language, and may be multilingual.

Languages

Below is a table of the main languages used. Note that in non-English speaking countries, English is frequently included on signs near airports and tourist areas.

				Canada
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Anglophone Canada	Quebec	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	United States	Uruguay
Drives on the...	Right	Left	Right	Right	Right	Right	Right	Left	Left	Left	Right	Left	Right	Right	Right	Right
Primary Language	Spanish	English	Portuguese	English	French	Spanish	Spanish	Indonesian	Gaelic and English^[2]	Japanese	Spanish	English	Spanish	Spanish	English	Spanish
Secondary Language(s)				French Alongside English in New Brunswick and other Francophone regions,^[3] as well as on federally administered land. Indigenous languages On Indian reserves and some majority-Native-inhabited lands.	Indigenous languages On Indian reserves and some majority-Native-inhabited lands. English Rare; used in Anglophone regions e.g. Montreal West and Nunavik.			English On guide signs in and around popular tourist areas.		English Especially on guide signs.		Maori Used for bilingual place names, as defined by the New Zealand Geographic Board.^[4]			Spanish In Puerto Rico.
Typical typeface(s)	Helvetica	FHWA	FHWA (modified)	Clearview, FHWA (varies by province)	Clearview, formerly FHWA	FHWA	Helvetica	Clearview, formerly FHWA	Transport	新ゴ (Shingo) (Japanese), Vialog (English)	FHWA	FHWA	Helvetica	FHWA (modified)	FHWA, Clearview (varies by state)	Helvetica

Differences in units

Road sign used in British Columbia, Canada, near the American border to remind drivers that Canada uses the metric system.
Note that the imperial speed limit (left) is shown using a Canadian-style sign, rather than an MUTCD-standard one as would be used in the US

All countries, with the exception of the United States, use the metric system. Some countries mark this fact by using units on various signs.
- Brazil, Indonesia, Ireland, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and parts of Canada (British Columbia, Ontario, and Yukon) list units (km/h or kph) on their maximum speed limit signs. In Canada and Ireland, this is a reflection of (somewhat) recent transitions from Imperial to metric.
- Advisory speed limit signs in most countries list units, although New Zealand does not. The US lists units in mph.
- Height, weight, and width restrictions are almost always accompanied by units (tonnes or metres); in the US, the imperial ton is used with no distinction from metric tonnes.
- Signs in Canada and Mexico near the US border often include both metric and Imperial units, to remind American drivers that they are entering metric countries. No such equivalent exists in the US.^[5]
The US was, at one time, planning a transition to the metric system. The Metric Conversion Act of 1975 started the process, but it was halted in 1982. Nevertheless, the MUTCD specifies metric versions of speed limit signs. Furthermore, Interstate 19 in Arizona is partially signed in metric.

Color differences

Warning signs

Countries in yellow use MUTCD-style diamond warning signs. Click for large image and detailed info key.

Nearly all MUTCD-influenced warning signs are diamond-shaped and yellow; some warning signs may be fluorescent yellow-green in order to draw extra attention. There are a few exceptions to this:
- Pentagonal signs are used in school zones in the United States and many areas in Canada.
- Canada and Japan use some pentagonal white-on-blue signs, although Canada is replacing these with black-on-fluorescent yellow-green signs of the same shape.
- Argentina employs European-style red-bordered triangular warning signs in certain instances where extra attention is required.
Warning signs may be text-only.

Road works and construction

Most countries use orange or yellow diamond-shaped signs for construction zones. Australia uses rectangular signs that fit into temporary casings.

Regulatory signs

Prohibitory and restrictive signs are classified as regulatory signs, as per the MUTCD.
Almost all prohibitory signs use a red circle with a slash. Restrictive signs typically use a red circle, as in Europe. Some may be seated on a rectangular white background.
- The original MUTCD prohibitory and restrictive signs were text-only (i.e. NO LEFT TURN).^[6] Some of these signs continue to be used in the US.
The No Entry / Do Not Enter sign may or may not feature text. In some Latin American countries, an upwards-pointing arrow contained within a slashed red circle is used instead.
- The Latin American-style do not proceed straight sign may take a different meaning in countries with standard No Entry signs. Typically, it indicates an intersection where traffic cannot continue straight ahead, but where cross-traffic may enter the street from the right (or left). Thus, it is distinguished from a No Entry (for all vehicles) sign.

Mandatory or permitted-action signs

Various color schemes for mandatory signs. Click for large image and detailed info key.

The design of mandatory signs varies widely, since the MUTCD does not specify their use.^[1] Rather, the MUTCD's equivalent are classified as regulatory signs.
- Some countries use simple arrows with the text "ONLY" or its equivalent underneath. This is the MUTCD standard.
- Some countries use European-style white-on-blue circular signs. These are "Type A Mandatory Signs" as prescribed by the Vienna Convention.
- Some Latin American countries use red-bordered circular signs, in the same style as regulatory signs. These are "Type B Mandatory Signs" as prescribed by the Vienna Convention. In cases relating to particular types of vehicle traffic (e.g. buses), these signs are identical to some European prohibitory signs.
- Canada uses a unique style of mandatory sign that features a green circle.

Highway and wayfinding signs

Most countries use white-on-green signs on highways and to indicate location, etc.
- The exact style of these signs varies widely, although many are influenced by the MUTCD standard.
- Ireland, Japan, New Zealand and Chile use both white-on-green and white-on-blue signs, as does the Northwest Territories in Canada.
- White-on-blue signs are sometimes used at airports and for rest areas.
- White-on-brown signs are sometimes used to indicate park areas.

Gallery of Guide Signs

Argentina
Australia (Queensland)
Brazil (São Paulo)
Canada (British Columbia)
Canada (Quebec)
Chile
Colombia
Indonesia
Ireland
Japan
Mexico (Veracruz)
New Zealand
Panama
Peru
United States (New Jersey)

Table of traffic signs comparison

Warning

	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada - Ontario	Canada - Quebec	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA (Graphical and textual— used interchangeably)	Uruguay
Stop ahead											Not Used
Yield ahead											Not Used
Traffic signals ahead
Roundabout ahead										or						^{[lower-alpha 1]}
Two-way traffic ahead
Uncontrolled railroad crossing ahead											or
Level railroad crossing with barriers ahead	^{[lower-alpha 2]}			^{[lower-alpha 2]}	^{[lower-alpha 2]}	^{[lower-alpha 2]}				or	or ^{[lower-alpha 2]}	^{[lower-alpha 2]}				^{[lower-alpha 2]}
Tram / streetcar crossing ahead				Not Used	Not Used	N/A ^{[lower-alpha 3]}	N/A ^{[lower-alpha 3]}	N/A ^{[lower-alpha 3]}	Not Used		Not Used			N/A ^{[lower-alpha 3]}	N/A ^{[lower-alpha 3]}	^{[lower-alpha 4]}
Railroad Crossbuck										Not Used
Level crossing (multiple tracks)										Not Used
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada (Ontario)	Canada (Quebec)	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay
Crossroads ahead
Junction with a side road ahead
Traffic merges ahead
Divided road ahead											Not Used
Divided road ends ahead											Not Used
Lane ends ahead
Road narrows ahead
Narrow bridge ahead											Not Used
Dangerous crosswinds																^{[lower-alpha 5]}
Low-flying aircraft											Not Used
Steep hill downwards
Steep hill upwards					Not Used	Not Used		Not Used				Not Used			Not Used	Not Used
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada (Ontario)	Canada (Quebec)	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay
Uneven road
Bump in road
Dip in road											Not Used
Slippery road surface
Loose road surface				^{[lower-alpha 6]}	^{[lower-alpha 6]}	^{[lower-alpha 6]}				^{[lower-alpha 6]}	Not Used
Pavement ends											Not Used
Gentle curve ahead
Sharp curve ahead
Double curve ahead
Series of curves ahead
Hairpin curve ahead				(B.C.)							Not Used
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada (Ontario)	Canada (Quebec)	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay
School zone				or	or												or
Children / playground ahead											Not Used
Pedestrians / crossing ahead		or			or						Not Used		or
Pedestrian crossing										or	or
Cyclists crossing
Falling rocks or debris																^{[lower-alpha 5]}
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada (Ontario)	Canada (Quebec)	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay
Opening or swing bridge											Not Used
Emergency vehicles											Not Used
Farm vehicles											Not Used
Domestic animals
Equestrians											Not Used
Wild animals
Tunnel ahead											Not Used
Height restriction ahead											Not Used
Width restriction ahead		Not Used		Not Used	Not Used	^{[lower-alpha 6]}					Not Used		Not Used			Not Used
Weight restriction ahead		Not Used		Not Used					Not Used		Not Used		Not Used
Roadworks ^{[lower-alpha 6]}				or	or	or
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada (Ontario)	Canada (Quebec)	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay

Regulatory

	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada - Ontario	Canada - Quebec	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay
Stop
Yield / Give Way										or
Yield to oncoming traffic										Not Used	Not Used
No entry		or												or	or		or
Road closed		or								Not Used
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada (Ontario)	Canada (Quebec)	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay
No motor vehicles
No motorcycles										Not Used
No bicycles
No pedestrians
No heavy goods vehicles
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada (Ontario)	Canada (Quebec)	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay
Maximum speed limit				(B.C., Yukon)		(rest of Canada)										^{[lower-alpha 7]}
Minimum speed limit					Not Used					Not Used			Not Used			^{[lower-alpha 7]}
Speed restriction ends			Not Used		Not Used	Not Used	Not Used	Not Used				Not Used
Maximum height		Not Used
Maximum width		Not Used		Not Used	Not Used	Not Used							Not Used			Not Used
Maximum weight
Maximum weight per axle											Not Used
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada (Ontario)	Canada (Quebec)	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay
No left turn											Not Used ^{[lower-alpha 8]}
No right turn											Not Used ^{[lower-alpha 8]}
No U-turn
No Parking
No stopping
No overtaking														and ^{[lower-alpha 9]}	and ^{[lower-alpha 9]}	^{[lower-alpha 9]}
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada (Ontario)	Canada (Quebec)	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay

Mandatory or permitted actions

	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada - Ontario	Canada - Quebec	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay
Proceed straight (no turns)					Not Used ^{[lower-alpha 10]}		Not Used			Not Used
Turn right ahead					Not Used ^{[lower-alpha 10]}		Not Used				Not Used
Proceed straight or right		Not Used			Not Used		Not Used	Not Used	Not Used	Not Used				Not Used	Not Used		Not Used
Turn right
Keep right (or left)
Pass on either side											Not Used
Roundabout entrance															Not Used
Overtaking permitted
Shared use path
Bicycles only
Transit only
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada (Ontario)	Canada (Quebec)	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay

Other (indication)

	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada - Ontario	Canada - Quebec	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay
One-way street										Not Used
Two-way traffic									Not Used	Not Used	Not Used		Not Used			Not Used
Freeway begins				Not Used	Not Used	Not Used					Not Used
Freeway ends											Not Used
Dead end				or							Not Used
Parking zone	or										or	or		or	or		or
Bus stop
Train station
Airport											Not Used
Hospital											Not Used
Customs post		N/A ^{[lower-alpha 11]}		Not Used	Not Used					Not Used	N/A ^{[lower-alpha 11]}		N/A ^{[lower-alpha 11]}			Not Used
National highway shield(s)
	Argentina	Australia	Brazil	Canada	Canada (Ontario)	Canada (Quebec)	Chile	Colombia	Indonesia	Ireland	Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Panama	Peru	USA	Uruguay

Notes

↑ In the US, "roundabout" and "traffic circle" are used interchangeably, along with "rotary". See Roundabout terminology.
↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 No distinction between controlled and uncontrolled railroad crossings is made.
↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 There are no operating tram or streetcar systems in this jurisdiction.
↑ Used in California only. Shared grade tram or streetcar crossings are typically unsigned in other jurisdictions.
↑ 5.0 5.1 Text varies.
↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Temporary use only.
↑ 7.0 7.1 The metric version of the sign is not in general use—it is included to show the use of the more internationally recognized circle used in speed limit signs. One example of use is on the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge, north of the Canadian border but south of Canada Customs.
↑ 8.0 8.1 Japan only uses mandatory signs to indicate movement:
↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Pennant signs are placed facing traffic in the passing lane, i.e. on the left side of the road for right-hand driving countries. They are used in conjunction with standard-shaped signs placed facing traffic in the travel lane, i.e. on the right side of the road.
↑ 10.0 10.1 Ontario only uses prohibitory signs to indicate movement:
↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 This country has no land borders.

References

Traffic signs

Signs	Warning sign Regulatory sign Prohibitory traffic sign Mandatory sign Special regulation sign Stop sign Yield sign Crossbuck Dead End sign One-way traffic Speed limit (by country) Advisory speed limit Information sign Direction, position, or indication sign Variable-message sign Bilingual sign Driver location signs Logo sign Priority to the right

By comparison	Comparison of European road signs Comparison of MUTCD-Influenced Traffic Signs Comparison of road signs of English-speaking countries

By country	Argentina Australia Austria Botswana Brazil Brunei Canada Chile China Colombia Czech Republic Estonia Finland Germany Greece Hong Kong Iceland India Indonesia Iran Ireland Israel Italy Japan Malaysia Mauritius Mexico Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Norway Pakistan Poland Singapore South Africa South Korea Sri Lanka Sweden Switzerland Thailand Ukraine United Kingdom Scotland Wales United States Zimbabwe

Lights	Traffic light Traffic-light signalling and operation Traffic light control and coordination

Typefaces	Alfabeto Normale (IT) Austria (AT) Caractères (FR) Clarendon (US) Clearview (MX/US/CA/ID) DIN 1451 (DE) Drogowskaz (PL) Highway Gothic (global) Frutiger (Europe) Hangil (KR) Motorway (Europe) NPS Rawlinson Roadway (US) Panno (KR) SNV (CH) Tern (Europe) Trafikkalfabetet (NO) Transport (UK) Tratex (SE)

Conventions	Geneva Convention on Road Traffic Vienna Convention on Road Traffic Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (US) Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions (UK)