TRIANGULAR traffic signs alert drivers to upcoming hazards.

Here, we explore the meaning of an exclamation mark on such a sign.

What does an exclamation mark in a red triangle mean?

The exclamation mark sign is housed in a red bordered triangle.

It alerts the motorist to a hazard ahead.

The symbol comes with an additional sign beneath which will warn of the hazard, for example a hidden dip.

According to the RAC, many drivers believe an exclamation mark in a red triangle is solely used to warn of a hidden dip in the road.

However, the sign can indicate any temporary and permanent hazards that aren’t easily represented using symbols. 

It is important to drive more cautiously when you spot the hazard sign.

What does a red triangle road sign mean?

Triangular signs with a red border are warning signs.

Triangles warn, whereas circles give orders and rectangles inform.

They will usually point upwards and feature an image of the hazard such as merging traffic, a junction on a bend, a slippery road or a zebra crossing.

The downward pointing triangle with the words “give way” is one of the most frequently seen on UK roads and is used to warn you of a junction ahead. 

Traffic on the road you will be joining has priority, so you must wait for a safe gap before continuing.

There are two types of Give Way sign – either with distance in yards to the junction under the sign, or with the words written in the middle of the sign.

You'll notice that the triangle is inverted compared to other warning signs. 

That’s so it remains recognisable even if obscured by elements like snow.

What hazard would be shown in a red triangle?

There are a variety of pictures and words that appear in hazard signs.

For example they warn when the road goes from two lanes to one; crossroads or a staggered junction; double bend; and roundabout.

Pictures on the signs can also warn of two way traffic, narrow road ahead, and steep hill, with the gradient of the slope written on it.

It can also have a picture of a parent and child crossing the road, which denotes a school crossing.

Words written on the signs include try your brakes, which tells you to do this after crossing a ford or before descending a steep hill, in order to make sure your brakes are safe to continue.

Others could include "ford" which denotes that there is an upcoming shallow bed of water.

Inverted triangles are used to warn the driver that they will need to slow down or stop as other traffic has priority, such as a give way sign.

How many road signs are used?

There are millions of road signs used across the UK.

However, there are three primary signs used that inform the road user of the next actions to take when driving.

Circular signs give orders, triangular signs warn and rectangular signs inform.

The colour of these signs denote a difference in the message.

Not all warnings are triangular. 

Red rectangles contain warnings, too – so watch out for these particularly if you're in an area you don't know well.

Blue rectangular signs give information on motorways, green signs direct you on primary roads, while white signs give directions on minor roads. 

Rectangular signs can also signal bus lanes and congestion charge zones.

Circular road signs such as red circles give instructions that you must follow, like speed limits.

The blank sign with a red border means that all vehicles are prohibited except for pedal cycles - and even they must be pushed rather than ridden.