What does the red background with a white bar symbol mean?
2 Answers
The red background with a white bar is a 'No Entry' sign, indicating that motor vehicles are prohibited from entering. This sign serves as a warning. If there is a small supplementary sign below it, it may specify prohibited time periods or vehicle types. Outside these periods, motor vehicles may enter, or certain types of vehicles (typically buses) may be exempt from the restriction. Traffic signs are usually placed at the entrance of no-entry zones or at the exits of one-way streets. Article 38 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law' stipulates that vehicles and pedestrians must obey traffic signals. Traffic signs and markings that comply with the 'Road Traffic Signs and Markings' standards have legal authority, and both vehicles and pedestrians must adhere to them. These requirements cover shape, color, size, pattern types, and installation locations. When both traffic police instructions and prohibitory signs are present, drivers should follow the traffic police's directions. A blank red circle prohibits all motor vehicles, non-motor vehicles, and pedestrians from passing. A white horizontal bar inside a red circle specifically prohibits motor vehicles from entering, while a white cross inside a red circle may convey different meanings depending on the pattern. The differences between 'No Passing' and 'No Entry' are as follows: Meaning: 'No Passing' warns vehicles and pedestrians not to proceed further to prevent accidents. 'No Entry' prohibits specified motor vehicles from entering and is placed at the entrance of restricted road sections. Sign Design: 'No Passing' features a red circle with a blank interior, whereas 'No Entry' has a red circle with a white horizontal bar. Target Audience: 'No Passing' applies to all road users, including pedestrians, non-motor vehicles, and motor vehicles, while 'No Entry' targets only specified motor vehicles.
Throughout my driving career, I've encountered this situation many times—the red circle with a white horizontal bar is a common traffic prohibition sign, indicating no entry for vehicles. It's typically seen at parking lot entrances, construction zones, or closed streets. The red background is highly conspicuous by design, instantly alerting drivers to exercise caution, while the white bar is simple and easily recognizable to prevent accidental entry and potential accidents. Whenever I spot it, I slow down and find an alternative route to bypass the restricted area. This sign is universally recognized across many countries, originating from international traffic regulations to ensure road safety. Ignoring it may result in fines or penalty points, or worse—collisions with pedestrians or obstacles, making compliance a crucial habit. Early in my driving days, I learned to identify it, and now it serves as a daily reminder, an essential basic for both novice and elderly drivers. Remember: safety first—when you see the red circle with a white bar, simply steer clear.
