A traffic sign is a graphic symbol, an image inscribed in a geometric figure. Each pattern and color has its own meaning, indicates the direction to the road user, brings to his attention information that is useful in this section of the road. Signs are carried out in accordance with certain standards and have the same meaning throughout the world.
Traffic signs play a very important role in ensuring road safety. There are symbols warning the driver about a dangerous turn or narrowing of the road, prohibiting overtaking in some places, recommending a decrease in speed, informing which settlement the car drove. All this helps to navigate the terrain in unfamiliar cities, prevents chaos on the roads.
Recent changes in the standards for the appearance of road signs and markings entered into force on January 1, 2006. They are updated in accordance with the requirements of the UN and European canons. Before dwelling on the meaning of the “Recommended Speed” sign in detail, consider what road signs generally exist.
Varieties of signs
There are eight types of graphic symbols in total, each fulfilling its important function:
- Warning signs alert the driver of dangerous situations on the road. The sign is inscribed in black in a white triangle with a red canvas.
- Signs of advantage show the order of movement of vehicles on corners, on narrow roads, on a circular marking.
- Prohibitory symbols are placed on a white circle with a red canvas, the picture is black. The role of such symbols is to restrict or completely prohibit traffic in a particular place.
- Information signs are a blue rectangle, telling the traffic participants about the characteristic features of the road marking, the location of the lanes, the presence of gas stations or service of cars.
- Directional symbols indicate the direction of movement.
- Additional plates (white rectangles, edging and black inscription) are used only in conjunction with the main symbols.
- Signs of special requirements.
Recommended Speed ​​Sign
This symbol stands apart from other traffic signs that drivers must follow strictly. It is a blue square with a white strip along the edge. On it are written numbers indicating the speed in kilometers per hour. For example, if the sign Recommended speed is 50, then the driver can reduce the speed to this level in this place. But this speed is not a prerequisite for the participant in the movement.
The decision to reduce the speed to such a mark must be made by the driver, at his discretion. Hence the name: “Recommended Speed” sign. Consider when such a sign is placed on the roadway.
Use mark
Along many kilometers of roads around the world is a huge number of road symbols. Drivers, receiving knowledge on driving courses, study their meaning in detail. Some are quite common and people remember them well, others are rare, but thanks to the drawing on the tablet, its meaning is clear. But the “Recommended Speed” sign has only two digits and not every driver remembers the meaning and use of such characters.
Many people confuse this sign with a restrictive symbol, which obliges the driver to forcibly reduce the speed to the desired mark on the speedometer. Distinguishing characters with such different meanings is actually quite simple. The “Recommended Speed” road sign is white numbers on a blue background, and the “Speed ​​limit” road sign is red numbers on a white background. The blue sign is square, the white sign is round.
Reasons for installing such a sign
This sign is used as good advice to drivers to protect them from erroneous actions. For example, before a steep descent there may be a sign “Recommended speed” of movement 40. Usually, an additional sign is put on top or bottom explaining the reason for setting such a figure. In our case, it will be a plate with a painted slope and the inscription 40 degrees. This means that the descent is steep, and it would be desirable for the driver to reduce the speed.
We give one more example. The number 50 is written on the blue square, and a cloud with rain flaunts additionally on a white background from the bottom. This means that the road is wet after precipitation and it is advisable to drive at a speed of 50 km. Above the entrance to the autobahn, digits above indicate which lanes are recommended, what speed is recommended.
Fines
On the Internet, people often describe cases where traffic police officers tried to make a complaint to the driver in non-compliance with the prescription of traffic signs. People who did not know the rules and the meaning of the symbolism of road drawings were fined. Others, who understand the semantic meaning of graphic and color symbols along the road, complained and were acquitted.
All drivers must remember that the speed recommended by the sign is not required. If the driver believes that he will cope with driving in a dangerous place, then he can continue to move the vehicle in its normal mode. For non-compliance with the recommendations of such a sign, a fine is not provided.