Warning Signs – Print Warning & Safety Signs Online

06, May. 2024

 

Warning Signs – Print Warning & Safety Signs Online

Display safety and warning signs to ensure the public’s safety. Print handwashing instructions in bathrooms or provide specific guidelines for social distancing in manufacturing facilities. Provide accurate information about COVID-19 symptoms and protective measures through to inform customers at the clinic, pharmacy, or grocery. Create handwashing signs that will effectively assure everyone of their safety and remind them how they can contribute to protecting themselves and others. Choose from a variety of sizes and materials so all the necessary information is displayed clearly and correctly.

The company is the world’s best speed warning signs supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

How to Follow the Correct Format for Safety Signs

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requires three standards for all accident prevention signs. They need to contain the following elements:
1. Signal words and safety headers
Some examples include danger, caution, notice, and safety instructions. These word headers are classified according to the potential hazard’s seriousness.

Direct statements quickly and directly inform every one of the hazard involved.

2. Safety symbols
Symbols or pictograms show the necessary precaution or hazard quickly and visually. It does not depend on a specific language to get the point across. The four symbol types are:
  • Prohibition – Red circle with a diagonal bar
  • Informational – Square or rectangle with a specific color. Green to inform about a safe condition, red to communicate fire safety.
  • Hazard alert or warning – An equilateral yellow triangle with a black contrast.
  • Mandatory action is in the shape of a blue circle with a white contrast.

After identifying the correct symbol type, your warning sign must clearly identify the hazard, a means to avoid the said hazard or the consequences of not avoiding the hazard. This ensures compliance to your safety sign.

3. Sign Legends
To alert readers of the hazard or policy displayed in the sign. The legends ensure accuracy in communicating the said alert.

Below is a sign format based on the ANSI standards:


Have specific questions about



OSHA-Compliant Safety and Warning Signs

Manufacturing facilities need different signs to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulation requirements. These are necessary to keep employees and visitors protected and equipped with the correct information for their safety.

First aid signs show the location of first aid equipment and supplies. Other signs include where to go to wash your eyes, conduct safety showers, and seek first aid.

Personal protection signs remind both visitors and employees they are required to wear the correct PPE to enter a danger zone. You can create PPE reminder signs to show the necessary protection for eyes, ears, and feet.

Hazardous area signs are normally displayed with your facility’s personal protection signs. Warn individuals about which areas have potential hazards and the necessary safety practices for their protection. Some warning examples are hot signs to indicate extreme heat or radiation signs for said sectors.

Machine and equipment signs inform and alert employees of any danger when operating machinery in your facility. For their protection, these signs inform your staff about broken equipment that can’t be used or potential resulting injuries.

Notice signs are essential for keeping the public informed about important instructions in your store or kitchen facility. Use signs to communicate specific social distancing instructions, how or when to wash hands, and other important safety procedures.

Restricted area signs prevent unauthorized individuals from entering a private section of your facility.

Looking for informational posters you can easily display in your store or production facility? Download these


Warning and Safety Signs FAQs

Q: What do the colors on the warning signs mean?
A: The following colors are used to indicate specific meanings on warning signs:
  1. Red refers to prohibition signs such as “Danger,” “Emergency”, and fire signs.
  2. Yellow indicates warning signs such as “Caution” or to warn about a specific hazard or risk.
  3. Blue is used to communicate mandatory instructions. Works best on designs for custom hand-washing signs.
  4. Green indicates a safe condition such as “No Danger” and “Safe.”
  5. Black is used to communicate general information.

Q: What are the standard sizes for warning signs?
A: Yes. Medium sized signs are printed in 18” x 24” dimensions. This size is suitable for lengthier text or graphic-centric safety or warning signs.

The 16” x 20” is normally used for smaller sizes. Perfect for straightforward warning signs around your facility.

The 24” x 36” is the go-to size for larger posters.

Q: What materials are the warning signs made of?
A: You can print poster signs in white PVC board or 20 mil. styrene.

White PVC board has a thickness of 1/8” and a rigidity that adds to its durability. It is waterproof and resists fading when displayed outdoors.

The 20 mil. styrene material is also durable but more lightweight compared to PVC board. It can be rolled easily for storage and future use. While 20 mil. styrene is also waterproof it is

Q: How durable are the safety signs?
A: White PVC board is thick and rigid enough to withstand various weather conditions and exposure to water.

Among the 16 pt. cardstock is the thickest and sturdiest option available. You can also add protective matte to make the text readable or gloss coating, so colors come out bright from afar.


Free COVID-19 Design Templates

Need to display safety posters around your office, production site or kitchen ASAP? Download any of these


For more ready-to-print designs, visit our


The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) requires three standards for all accident prevention signs. They need to contain the following elements:Some examples include danger, caution, notice, and safety instructions. These word headers are classified according to the potential hazard’s seriousness.Direct statements quickly and directly inform every one of the hazard involved.Symbols or pictograms show the necessary precaution or hazard quickly and visually. It does not depend on a specific language to get the point across. The four symbol types are:After identifying the correct symbol type, your warning sign must clearly identify the hazard, a means to avoid the said hazard or the consequences of not avoiding the hazard. This ensures compliance to your safety sign.To alert readers of the hazard or policy displayed in the sign. The legends ensure accuracy in communicating the said alert.Below is a sign format based on the ANSI standards:Have specific questions about poster printing for warning and safety guidelines? Contact our print experts today. They’ll be glad to answer all your questions, walk you through other safety sign options, such as banners and aluminum warning signs.Manufacturing facilities need different signs to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulation requirements. These are necessary to keep employees and visitors protected and equipped with the correct information for their safety.show the location of first aid equipment and supplies. Other signs include where to go to wash your eyes, conduct safety showers, and seek first aid.remind both visitors and employees they are required to wear the correct PPE to enter a danger zone. You can create PPE reminder signs to show the necessary protection for eyes, ears, and feet.are normally displayed with your facility’s personal protection signs. Warn individuals about which areas have potential hazards and the necessary safety practices for their protection. Some warning examples are hot signs to indicate extreme heat or radiation signs for said sectors.inform and alert employees of any danger when operating machinery in your facility. For their protection, these signs inform your staff about broken equipment that can’t be used or potential resulting injuries.are essential for keeping the public informed about important instructions in your store or kitchen facility. Use signs to communicate specific social distancing instructions, how or when to wash hands, and other important safety procedures.prevent unauthorized individuals from entering a private section of your facility.Looking for informational posters you can easily display in your store or production facility? Download these free COVID-19 design templates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The posters include accurate information about the virus, its symptoms, and preventive measures such as hand-washing instructions. Upload your selected files and we’ll print warning signs on the same business day.The following colors are used to indicate specific meanings on warning signs:Yes. Medium sized signs are printed indimensions. This size is suitable for lengthier text or graphic-centric safety or warning signs.Theis normally used for smaller sizes. Perfect for straightforward warning signs around your facility.Theis the go-to size for larger posters.You can print poster signs inorWhite PVC board has a thickness of 1/8” and a rigidity that adds to its durability. It is waterproof and resists fading when displayed outdoors.The 20 mil. styrene material is also durable but more lightweight compared to PVC board. It can be rolled easily for storage and future use. While 20 mil. styrene is also waterproof it is recommended for indoor use . But it can be displayed temporarily outdoors.is thick and rigid enough to withstand various weather conditions and exposure to water.Among the bulk poster printing options is the thickest and sturdiest option available. You can also add protective matte to make the text readable or gloss coating, so colors come out bright from afar.Need to display safety posters around your office, production site or kitchen ASAP? Download any of these free communication resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . These informative posters can remind staff about the symptoms of COVID-19, how to prevent the spread of germs, and other important guidelines about the disease. Check out this page for more information.For more ready-to-print designs, visit our Design Templates page

Warning sign

Sign that warns people for a risk or danger

For a sign on a boat or building relating to it or its contents, see Placard . For non-traffic warning signs, see Safety sign

Exhibit mostly of warning signs (with some regulatory signs like Do Not Enter) at the Turin Automobile Museum

Shape and colors of road warning sign used:

 

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A warning sign is a type of sign which indicates a potential hazard, obstacle, or condition requiring special attention. Some are traffic signs that indicate hazards on roads that may not be readily apparent to a driver.[1]

While warning traffic sign designs vary, they usually take the shape of an equilateral triangle with a white background and thick red border. In the People's Republic of China (except for Macau and Hong Kong), they appear with a black border and a yellow background. In Sweden, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Finland, Iceland, North Macedonia and Poland, they have a red border with an amber background. The polar bear warning sign in Svalbard recently changed from displaying a black bear on white background to a white bear on black background (both signs are triangular with a red border). Some countries (like France, Norway and Spain) that normally use a white background have adopted an orange or amber background for road work or construction signs.

Warning signs in some countries have a diamond shape in place of the standard triangular shape. In the United States, Canada, Mexico, Thailand, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand,[2] most of South America, and also Ireland (diverging from the standards of the rest of Europe) warning signs are black on a yellow background and usually diamond-shaped, while temporary signs (which are typically construction signs) are black on an orange background. Some other countries also use these standards for some signage.

The warning signs usually contain a symbol. In Europe they are based on the UNECE Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals. In the United States they are based on the MUTCD standard and often contain text only.

History

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17th-century sign along Salvador Street in Alfama, Lisbon says "Year of 1686. His Majesty commands all coaches, seges and litters coming from Salvador's entrance to back up to the same part"British specimen, c.

 1860s

.Early Czechoslovak warning signs defined by a 1935 law. The blue signs were later supplanted with red-white-black signs.Pre-standardization British School Zone with metal-cutout generic Warning symbol embellished with red glass reflector-spheres.

Some of the first roadside signs—ancient milestones—merely gave distance measures. Hazard warnings were rare though occasional specimens appeared, such as the specific warning about horse-drawn vehicles backing up which was carved in stone in Lisbon's Alfama neighborhood in 1686. The early signs did not have high-contrast lettering and their messages might have been easily overlooked. Signs were written in the local language (example); symbolic signs, though long used on certain tradesmen's signs (like the pawnbrokers' tri-ball symbol) were to be used for traffic only much later in history.

Complex signage systems emerged with the appearance of motorcars. In 1908 the automobile association in West London erected some warning signs. In 1909, nine European governments agreed on the use of four pictorial symbols, indicating bump, curve, intersection, and railroad crossing. The intensive work on international road signs that took place between 1926 and 1949 eventually led to the development of the European road sign system.

As the 20th century progressed, and traffic volume and vehicle speeds increased, so did the importance of road sign visibility. Earlier flat-painted signs gave way to signs with embossed letters, which in turn gave way to button copy signs— round retroreflective "buttons" helped to achieve greater night visibility. Flat metal signs reappeared in the 1980s with the widespread use of surfaces covered with retroflective sheeting materials like Scotchlite.

In Europe, 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals (which became effective in 1978) tried, among other things, to standardize important signs. After the fall of the Iron Curtain and greater ease of country-to-country driving in the EU, European countries moved toward lessening the regional differences in warning signs.

In modern regulations, U.S. warning signs are classified as Series W signs, such as W1 Series (curves and turns), W10 Series (railroads), et cetera, ending with the W25 Series (concerning extended green traffic lights). Some U.S. warning signs are without category while others like the warning stripes at tunnel portals or plain red End of Roadway signs are classified as Object Markers (OM Series). In the U.S., Stop and speed limit signs fall under the R Series (Regulatory). Modern U.S. signs are widely standardized; unless they are antique holdovers from an earlier era, oddities like a yellow Stop sign or a red Slippery When Wet sign would typically appear only on private property—perhaps at a hospital campus or in a shopping mall parking lot.

Street sign theft by pranksters, souvenir hunters, and scrappers has become problematic: removal of warning signs costs municipalities money to replace lost signs, and can contribute to traffic collisions. Some authorities affix theft-deterrence stickers to the back sides of signs. Some jurisdictions have criminalized unauthorized possession of road signs or have outlawed their resale to scrap metal dealers. In some cases, thieves whose sign-removal lead to road fatalities have been charged with manslaughter.[3][4][5] Artistically inclined vandals sometimes paint additional details onto warning signs: a beer bottle, a handgun, or a boom box added to the outstretched hand of the Pedestrian Crossing person, for example.

Modern traffic warning sign shapes and colors

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Warning signs can indicate any potential hazard, obstacle or condition requiring special attention. Some of the most common warning signs are the following.

General caution

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Yellow diamond with black symbolWhite background red triangle with black symbol Amber background red triangle with black symbol

General warning signs are used in instances in which the particular hazard, obstacle or condition is not covered by a standard sign. In Europe, they usually comprise an exclamation mark on the standard triangular sign (Unicode U+26A0 ⚠ WARNING SIGN) with an auxiliary sign below in the local language identifying the hazard, obstacle or condition. In Sweden, the general warning sign has only a vertical line instead of exclamation mark; this model was used also in many other European countries until the 1990s. In the United States and other countries using diamond-shaped signs, the explanatory language is often written directly on the diamond-shaped sign, although it may contain only a general warning such as "Caution", and pictograms may also be used.

Obstacles

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Warning signs can be placed in advance of, next to or on a specific obstacle. Obstacles such as railway level crossings may have several warning signs beforehand, while bridge ramparts typically have reflective signs placed directly on them on either side. These signs can be specific to the shape requirements of the obstacle, for example, bridge rampart signs are often tall and skinny so as not to intrude into the lane.

Curves and corners

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Vienna Convention dangerous bends sign (diamond-shaped)

These signs indicate that dangerous or unexpected bends in the road are ahead. Signs typically indicate whether the curves are to the right or to the left, the angle of the curve and whether it is one curve or a series of curves.

Chevrons and arrows

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Philippines curve chevron

Chevron-shaped symbols or arrows on rectangular signs may be placed at the actual location of the bend or curve to further mark the location of the curve and to assist in the negotiation of the curve. They may also be used to indicate "merge" with other traffic, as for an on-ramp of a limited-access highway.
An unusual occurrence of the rectangular arrow sign appears on the eastbound approach to Dead Man's Curve in Cleveland, Ohio, US, a curve so sharp that in places an arrow's stem is printed on one sign and the arrow's point is printed on another larger sign further down the road; from the driver's perspective at a distance, the two signs visually blend together to form one large arrow image.

Steep hills

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10% down grade sign (white triangle)

Truck drivers will need to pay attention to "Steep grade" warnings (or "Down grade, use lower gear"), sometimes posted with the percent grade (e.g., 5%). Steep hills may also feature "Runaway truck escape" or "Emergency stop" areas with corresponding signs. The UK has a sign warning of "Adverse camber" on a curve.

Lane starts and ends

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Vienna Convention carriageway narrows sign (yellow diamond)

These signs indicate when a multilane highway is being narrowed, when a passing lane is ending, or where the road is widening or a passing lane starting. Another type of sign is used to indicate central "two-way" left turning lane in center of roadway. Warning signs may also warn of "Highway ends", where the road changes class or type.

Merge to stay with through traffic

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Vienna Convention merging traffic sign (yellow diamond)

In the United States and Canada, there is special signage for lanes that are about to exit, so that drivers who wish to remain on the main road have adequate time to merge. Such lanes are sometimes indicated by special striping ("alligator stripes") and the sign, "Through Traffic Merge Left" (or right). On freeways, the green directions sign for the exit ramp may have the additional notation, "Exit Only", and should have black letters on a yellow background for emphasis.

Bridges

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Vienna Convention drawbridge ahead sign (white triangle)

These signs are used where traffic may be constricted to a narrow bridge, or where the bridge may have a movable span closed to vehicles while boats pass (e.g., drawbridge). They may also be used for underpass to indicate low overhead clearance.

Tunnels

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United States (California)

These signs are used to indicate tunnels, where lights are usually required, and a general change in the light level. May also indicate low ceiling clearance. Truck drivers should also watch for prohibited cargo signs (e.g., propane) upon approach to tunnels.

Road conditions

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Vienna Convention slippery road because ice or snow (white triangle)

Warns road users of severe road conditions ("Icy road", "Bump", etc). Also "Loose gravel", "Soft shoulder", "Speed hump", and "Watch for ice".

Falling rocks

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Vienna Convention falling rocks sign (white triangle)

These signs may be used to indicate the hazards of fallen or falling rocks on the road ahead. They are usually pictographs, but may also include wording, such as "falling rocks". In Italy the words may be "caduta sassi" or "caduta massi"; in France "chute de pierres"; in Mexico "derrumbes".

Pedestrian crossings

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Contact us to discuss your requirements of traffic lights leds. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Vienna Convention pedestrian crossing sign (white triangle)

These signs are used to warn drivers of people walking in the street. They may also be used to warn of children playing, playgrounds, bicycle area, deaf child, blind pedestrians, and thickly settled zones where pedestrians may enter the road.

In California, United States near the Mexican border, there were warning signs showing a running family. This was to warn motorists to look out for illegal immigrants who try to escape authorities by running through freeway traffic. The symbol was created by California Department of Transportation employee John Hood in the late 1980s.[6]

Schools

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Vienna Convention school crossing ahead (yellow diamond, LHT version)

These signs mark school zones (in which lower speed limits may be in place), student crossings, crossing guards or signals ahead. In the U.S. and Canada, pentagon-shaped signs are used in place of the usual diamond-shaped signs. The shape of the U.S. school zone resembles a one-room schoolhouse and is the only U.S. sign shaped this way. Some Canadian provinces use an identical sign.

Bicycles

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Vienna Convention bicycle crossing ahead (white triangle)

Bicycle crossing signs warn that bicycles will cross at their location.

Animals crossing the roadway

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Vienna Convention wild animal crossing (yellow diamond, LHT version)

These signs warn of wild animals (deer, etc.) or farm animals (cows, horses, ducks, sheep) that may stray onto the road. In the United States, a "share the road" plaque is sometimes placed below these warning signs when used in this manner.

Unusual vehicles in roadway

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United Kingdom: military vehicles crossing.

These signs are found where road users could encounter slow, large or non-typical vehicles such as forklifts, handcarts and military vehicles. They are more common around quarries, airports, industrial zones, military installations and rural areas.

Road work or construction

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New Zealand road work sign

These signs are often temporary in nature and used to indicate road work (construction), poor roads, or temporary conditions ahead on the road including flagmen, uneven pavement, etc. (Note that some "high water" signs are posted to alert drivers of a flood-prone area and do not actually mean that there is a flooded section of road ahead.) In France, Italy, Spain, Norway etc., warning (and speed limit) signs connected with road work have a yellow background in place of the usual white background on signs. In North America and Ireland, signs connected with road work have an orange background.

Traffic signals

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Vienna Convention traffic signal ahead (white triangle)

These warning signs indicate that traffic lights are ahead, and are often used when it is difficult to see that a traffic light may already be showing red, to warn a driver to prepare to slow down. They may be supplemented with flashing light or lighted sign when light is red or turning red. Some countries also have signs warning of signals for ramp meters, fire stations, and airfields.

Intersections

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Vienna Convention intersection sign (diamond-shaped)

These signs warn of road crossings at crossroads, T-intersections, roundabouts, or Y-intersections. They may also indicate "hidden driveway" intersecting the road ahead. (Compare with bridges, overpasses, viaducts).

Warning signs for regulatory signs

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Vienna Convention stop ahead sign (white triangle)

Like for traffic signals, some "stop" or "yield" signs may require additional warning or reminder, especially in dense areas or where the sign has been added recently.

Oncoming traffic

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Vienna Convention two-way traffic sign (white triangle)

These signs may be used to warn people of oncoming traffic; shown when a motorway becomes a dual carriageway or a normal road without a central reservation or median.

Level crossing (railway crossing)

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Vienna Convention protected level crossing sign (yellow diamond)

These signs are used to warn of level crossings ahead. In most countries, a red triangle warning sign is used, with various pictograms for unguarded crossings, crossings with manual gates, and automatic level crossings. In most of Europe, an old-style gate is used for a crossing with gates, and a steam locomotive for a crossing without gates. Germany uses an electric train. Similar pictograms are also used in Ireland, albeit on an amber diamond sign. In the United States the warning of all types of railway crossings is made using a circular yellow sign. The actual crossing is also marked with crossed "railroad crossing" crossbuck signs (stop, look, listen) and possibly lights, bells, and barriers.

Low flying aircraft

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Vienna Convention low flying aircraft (White triangle)

A warning sign with the image of an aircraft in the middle of it indicates an airport or airfield, where drivers should be prepared for low-flying aircraft.

Crosswinds or side winds

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Vienna Convention side winds sign (amber triangle)

Flying socks, as indicated in Poland by a windsock on red triangle or yellow diamond signs, indicate locations where a strong side wind may cause the trajectory of the moving vehicle to change drastically, perhaps even "flying" across lanes, causing an accident.

Roads with one entry point

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Canada: pictorial no exit sign

Roadways that only have one entry/exit point - "dead end", "not a through street" or "no outlet".

End of roadway

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U.S. (New York City): roadway ends.

Signs indicating the end point of a roadway.

Fire stations

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Texas emergency vehicles sign.

These signs warn of approach to where firefighters may be entering the road with fire engines or other emergency apparatus, where other drivers will have to stop and wait until they pass.

Traffic warning signs with lights

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Some warning signs have flashing lights to alert drivers of conditions ahead or remind drivers to slow down. In Britain, they are called warning lights. Flashing lights can be dangerous for people with certain forms of epilepsy and/or sensory processing disorder.

See also

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A sign warning of no further warning signs.

References

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  • Warning signs at Wikimedia Commons

For more information, please visit lane signs.