South African road signs use structured codes that help engineers, contractors, municipalities, mines and road users identify a sign’s purpose. If you already know a code such as R1, TR15 or TW336, searching by that code is usually the fastest way to find the correct sign.
This guide explains the main road-sign series used in the SA Road Signs catalogue and how to select the correct product for a permanent installation or temporary traffic-management project.
What do South African road sign codes mean?
The letters at the beginning of a sign code identify the broad sign family. The number identifies the individual sign within that family. For example, the familiar permanent STOP sign is coded R1, while temporary roadworks signs normally carry a T prefix.
Codes are important because a common description can refer to more than one sign. Providing the official code, intended application, required size, reflective grade and substrate helps prevent uncertainty when requesting a quotation.
R-series: regulatory road signs
R-series signs communicate rules, restrictions and legally enforceable instructions. Familiar examples include the R1 STOP sign, R2 YIELD sign and speed-limit signs.
When requesting a regulatory sign, specify:
- The sign code and description
- Permanent or temporary application
- Required sign size
- Reflective sheeting grade
- Substrate and thickness
- Quantity and delivery location
Browse the R-series regulatory signs or use the store search to enter an exact code.
W-series: warning road signs
W-series signs warn road users about hazards or changing road conditions ahead. These include curves, intersections, pedestrian activity, animals, changes in road width and other conditions requiring additional caution.
A buyer searching for a “gentle curve sign” may be looking for a specific left- or right-hand warning sign. The sign code and direction should therefore be confirmed before manufacture.
Browse the warning road signs collection to compare available codes and sign faces.
TR-series: temporary regulatory signs
TR-series signs apply regulatory instructions in temporary traffic-management environments. These signs may be used during roadworks, maintenance activities, lane restrictions, temporary closures and other controlled operations.
One commonly searched example is TR15 Road Closed. Temporary signs must be selected as part of the approved traffic-accommodation arrangement rather than treated as isolated products.
Browse temporary road signs for regulatory, warning and guidance options.
TW-series: temporary warning signs
TW-series signs warn drivers about temporary hazards and roadwork conditions. An example is the TW336 Roadworks Ahead sign.
Temporary warning signs should be selected according to the approved project design, approach conditions, operating environment and applicable contract requirements. SA Road Signs can supply sign faces or temporary signs with purpose-manufactured reusable frames where specified.
How to search the SA Road Signs catalogue
You can search using either an official code or a plain-language description. For the most accurate results:
- Enter the exact code, such as R1 or TW336.
- Use the filters to narrow results by sign type, size, reflective grade and Chromadek thickness.
- Open the relevant product page and select the required configuration.
- Add the configured product to your quotation request.
The online catalogue is quotation-only. Products are manufactured or supplied according to the selected specification, quantity and delivery requirements; displayed zero values do not represent retail selling prices.
Information needed for an accurate quotation
To help us prepare an accurate quotation, provide the sign code, description, dimensions, reflective grade, substrate, thickness, quantity, project location and delivery destination. For project or BOQ enquiries, include the relevant drawings or sign schedule where available.
Browse the complete Road Signs collection or use the store search to locate a specific code.
Manufactured and supplied by SA Road Signs
SA Road Signs manufactures and supplies road traffic signs, mining safety signs, temporary traffic-management products, road studs and road-restraint components for projects in South Africa and selected African export markets. Installation is managed separately by the appointed contractor.