Road signs, also known as road markings, are traffic safety facilities consisting of various lines, arrows, text, patterns, and vertical markings painted or installed on roads.
Their function is to convey information such as road traffic rules, warnings, and guidance to road users. They are mainly divided into three categories according to function: directional markings, prohibitory markings, and warning markings. Common types include white dashed/solid lines, yellow dashed/solid lines, speed reduction markings, and lane dividers.
The concept of standardized traffic signs was proposed at the 1908 International Road Commission meeting. China promulgated its first "Land Traffic Management Regulations" in 1934 and issued its first national standard, "Road Traffic Signs and Markings" (GB 5768-1986), in 1986, which has been revised several times in 1999, 2009, 2019, and 2021. Three new mandatory national standards, including "Road Traffic Signs and Markings Part 1: General Provisions", will be released in 2025 and will be implemented from November 1, 2025.
