New Road Signage Guidelines Mandated on National Highways to Enhance Safety
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced new guidelines mandating the placement of larger speed limit signs, vehicle logos, and emergency helpline numbers every 10 kilometers on expressways and National Highways (NHs). These measures, designed to enhance driver awareness and reduce accidents, will come into effect from February 2025.
Speed and lane violations are among the primary causes of accidents on Indian highways. With high-speed travel often resulting in devastating crashes, the government is focusing on ensuring that drivers are constantly reminded of speed limits and other crucial safety information. One of the key features of these new guidelines is the requirement for speed limit signs to be placed on the pavement every 10 kilometers. This will make it easier for drivers to stay aware of the speed limits over long stretches of road, especially in areas where they may miss smaller or infrequent signage. Additionally, vehicle logos indicating speed limits will be painted directly onto the road, providing another visual cue to help drivers adjust their speeds accordingly.
The new rules also specify that signage must be larger and more prominent. Commuters often miss critical road signs such as speed limits, exit points, and directions due to their size or location. To address this, the MoRTH has mandated the placement of larger signage at more frequent intervals. For instance, the speed limit signage must now be placed every 5 kilometers, ensuring drivers are regularly reminded of the limits. This move aims to reduce the number of speed-related violations, which often lead to accidents, especially on long stretches of road where drivers may forget to adjust their speed or fail to notice smaller signs.
In addition to speed signs, the guidelines also require “No Parking” signs to be placed every 5 kilometers. These signs are intended to ensure that drivers are constantly aware of parking regulations and avoid causing congestion or accidents by parking on the side of the road. Another crucial safety feature included in the new guidelines is the mandatory display of emergency helpline numbers every 5 kilometers. In the event of an accident or breakdown, having immediate access to emergency contacts could save lives. This ensures that no matter where a driver is, they will be able to reach emergency services without delay. The road transport ministry’s guidelines are expected to significantly improve driving conditions and safety on National Highways and expressways. By providing clearer, more frequent, and larger signage, drivers will have a better understanding of the rules and regulations they need to follow, which could reduce accidents caused by misinterpretation of signs. The move also highlights the importance of well-designed infrastructure in preventing road accidents. With the new guidelines in place, highway authorities will be required to prioritise these changes and ensure that the signage is not only compliant with the new rules but also effective in improving safety.
