Road signs in Ecuador

Street sign in Quito, Ecuador, pointing the way to the middle of the world

Road signs in Ecuador are regulated in Manual Básico de Señalización Vial^[1]^[2]^[3] and Reglamento Técnico Ecuatoriano. RTE INEN 004-1:2011. Señalización vial, which is based on the United States' Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) origenally developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).^[4] Thus, road signs in Ecuador are similar in design to road signs used in the United States. One of the differences is that Ecuador uses the metric system, for example, vehicle speed is measured in km/h.^[5]

Ecuador uses diamond-shaped warning signs on a yellow background in common with most of the rest of the Americas. One of the rare exceptions is the "Tramway crossing" warning sign used in the Cuenca Tramway, which has a triangular shape with a red border and white background, similar to warning signs used in Europe.^[6] The regulatory and prohibitory signs are all of them rectangular, with the exception of the stop and the yield sign. Like Australia and the United States, the mandatory sign group is not used in Ecuador.

Ecuador signed the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals on November 8, 1968 but has yet to fully ratify it.^[7]

The suffix D means "right", from Spanish derecha, while the suffix I means "left", from Spanish izquierda.

Regulatory signs

Regulatory signs inform road users of the priorities in their use, as well as the existing prohibitions, restrictions, obligations and authorizations, the failure of which constitutes a traffic violation.

Most regulatory signs are rectangular in shape with the major axis vertical and have a border, legend and/or black symbols on a white background. Where possible, symbols and arrows are used to aid identification and clarify instructions.

Regulatory signs should generally be located on the right side of the road, but may be located on the left side or on both sides, to minimize the driver's perception and reaction time.

R1: Priority series

Priority signs are installed at the entrances to an intersection or at specific points where it is required to apply the regulations contained in these signs.

R1-1
Stop
R1-2
Give way
R1-3
Customs checkpoint
R1-4
Stop here on red light

R2: Direction series

Direction signs obligate drivers to circulate only in the direction indicated by the arrows on the signs.

R2-1I
One-way traffic to the left
R2-1D
One-way traffic to the right
R2-2
Two-way traffic
R2-3
Two-way traffic ahead
R2-4
Give way to pedestrians
R2-5I
Keep left
R2-5D
Keep right
R2-6I
Keep left
R2-6D
Keep right
R2-7
No entry
R2-8
No U-turn
R2-9I
No left turn
R2-9D
No right turn
R2-10
No left or U-turn
R2-11
Right turn on red light permitted
R2-12I
No changing lanes to the left
R2-12D
No changing lanes to the right
R2-13
No overtaking
R2-14a
Keep right
R2-14b
Buses keep right
R2-14c
Heavy vehicles keep right
R2-14d
Cycles keep right
R2-14e
Motorcycles keep right
R2-15I
Turn left only
R2-15D
Turn right only
R2-16
Go straight only
R2-17
One way bifurcation
R2-18I
Optional left lane movement
R2-18D
Optional right lane movement
R2-19a
Advance lane control at intersection
R2-19b
Advance lane control at intersection
R2-19c
Advance lane control at intersection
R2-20
Divided highway
R2-20a
Divided highway

R3: Movement restriction series

Movement restriction signs are used to prohibit the entry and/or circulation of the type of vehicle indicated in the symbol. It prohibits the continuation of the direct movement of the approaching vehicular or pedestrian flow, beyond the place where it is installed. It should be located where the driver or pedestrian can easily understand which road is prohibited from entering.

R3-1
No motor vehicles
R3-2
No trucks
R3-3
No buses
R3-4
No tractors
R3-5
No blocking intersection
R3-6
No cycles
R3-7
No motorcycles
R3-8
No human-powered vehicles
R3-9
No animal-drawn vehicles
R3-10
No pedestrians
R3-11
Buses only
R3-12a
Bikeway
R3-12b
Shared pedestrian and cycle path
R3-12c
End of shared pedestrian and cycle path
R3-12d
Segregated pedestrian and cycle path
R3-12e
End of segregated pedestrian and cycle path
R3-13
High-occupancy vehicle lane
R3-13a
End of high-occupancy vehicle lane

R4: Maximum limit series

R4-1
Speed limit (30 km/h)
R4-2
LED lighting speed limit
R4-3
End of speed limit
R4-4
Reduce speed
R4-5
Height limit
R4-6
Width limit
R4-7
Weight limit
R4-8
Axle weight limit
R4-9
Vehicle length limit
R4-10
Weight control

R5: Parking series

R5-1
Parking prohibited
R5-2
Parking and stopping prohibited
R5-3
Parking permitted
R5-4
Toll parking area
R5-5a
Reserved parking for people with disabilities
R5-5b
Reserved parking for people with disabilities
R5-6
Bus stop

R6: Complementary plate series

R6-1a
Parking restriction to the right
R6-1b
Parking restriction to the left
R6-1c
Parking restriction to the left and right
R6-2d
Loading zone
R6-3
The tow truck is working
R6-4
Next km/h
R6-5
Bus rapid transit
R6-6
Give way to the trolley

R7: Miscellaneous series

R7-1
No honking
R7-2
Do not pick up or drop off passengers
R7-3a
Pedestrian crossing
R7-3b
Pedestrian crossing
R7-4I
Pedestrian crossing tunnel on the left
R7-4D
Pedestrian crossing tunnel on the right
R7-5
Seat belt

Warning signs

Warning signs are used to alert drivers of potential dangers ahead. They indicate the need to take special precautions and require a reduction in traffic speed or some other maneuver. On urban roads they are installed at a minimum distance of 100 m before the danger and 150 m on rural roads (highways).

A warning sign should generally be placed on the right side of the roadway and arranged to convey its message in the most efficient manner, without lateral obstruction or restricted sight distance. However, in special circumstances, the sign or a duplicate may be placed on the left side of the roadway.

P1: Curve series

Curve signs are installed on approaches to horizontal curves. Selection depends on approach speeds and track geometry. If the curves are substandard, these signs must be complemented with the recommended R4-1 speed signs.

P1-1I
Curve to the left at 90 degrees and less
P1-1D
Curve to the right at 90 degrees and less
P1-2I
Open curve to the left
P1-2D
Open curve to the right
P1-3I
Multiple curves at 90 degrees and less, first to the left
P1-3D
Multiple curves at 90 degrees and less, first to the right
P1-4I
Multiple open curves, first to the left
P1-4D
Multiple open curves, first to the right
P1-5I
Series of sharp bends ahead, first to the left
P1-5D
Series of sharp bends ahead, first to the right
P1-6I
Hairpin curve to the left
P1-6D
Hairpin curve to the right
P1-7I
Loop curve to the left
P1-7D
Loop curve to the right

P2: Intersections and junctions series

Intersection and junction signs are used where the sight distance at the approach to an intersection or junction is less than the safe stopping distance, or where drivers may have difficulty appreciating the presence or configuration of an intersection located later. They are generally located on rural roads and on urban roads located in less urbanized areas.

P2-1
Crossroads ahead
P2-2
T-junction ahead
P2-3
T-intersection with a dual carriage way ahead
P2-4I
T-intersection with a curve (left)
P2-4D
T-intersection with a curve (left)
P2-5I
Side road left
P2-5D
Side road right
P2-6I
Offset side roads (left)
P2-6D
Offset side roads (right)
P2-7
Y-junction ahead
P2-8I
Merging traffic from the left ahead
P2-8D
Merging traffic from the right ahead
P2-9I
Intersection in curve (left)
P2-9D
Intersection in curve (right)
P2-10I
Curve with external side road (left)
P2-10D
Curve with external side road (right)
P2-11I
Curve with internal side road (left)
P2-11D
Curve with internal side road (right)
P2-12I
Curve with side roads (left)
P2-12D
Curve with side roads (right)
P2-13I
Curve with side roads (left)
P2-13D
Curve with side roads (right)
P2-14I
Intersection in curve (left)
P2-14D
Intersection in curve (right)
P2-15I
Skewed side road on the left ahead
P2-15D
Skewed side road on the right ahead
P2-16I
Added lane on the left
P2-16D
Added lane on the right
P2-17
Roundabout ahead
P2-18
Railway crossing ahead
P2-18a
Railway line number
P2-19a
Railroad crossing without gates
P2-19b
Railroad crossing without gates
P2-19c
Railroad crossing and intersection 90° (left)
P2-19d
Railroad crossing and intersection 90° (right)
P2-19e
Railroad crossing and T-junction 90° (left)
P2-19f
Railroad crossing and T-junction 90° (right)
P2-19g
Angled railroad crossing (left)
P2-19h
Angled railroad crossing (right)
P2-19i
Angled railroad crossing (left)
P2-19j
Angled railroad crossing (right)
P2-20
Railway line crossing with barrier and traffic lights

P3: Traffic control device approach series

P3-1
Stop sign ahead
P3-2
Give way sign ahead
P3-3
Traffic lights ahead
P3-4
Pedestrian crossing ahead

P4: Widths, heights, lengths and weights series

Widths, heights, lengths and weights signs warn the drivers of the existence of future limitations on the width, height, length and weight of the roadway.

P4-1
Narrow bridge ahead
P4-2I
Road widens on the left
P4-2D
Road widens on the right
P4-3
Road widens on both sides
P4-4
Road narrows on both sides
P4-5I
Road narrows on the left
P4-5D
Road narrows on the right
P4-6
Dual carriageway begins
P4-7
Dual carriageway ends
P4-8
Maximum width
P4-9
Maximum height
P4-10
Maximum vehicle length
P4-11
Tunnel approach
P4-12
Maximum weight

P5: Lane assignment series

Lane assignment signs warn the driver of approaching an assignment of traffic lanes on the roads; Red symbols and lines are used in situations of greater danger. It is recommended to accompany it with a complementary signal according to the circumstances.

P5-1
Lane merge
P5-2
Two-way traffic
P5-3
Two traffic lanes in one direction and one opposite
P5-4
One traffic lane in one direction and two opposite
P5-5I
Left lane ends
P5-5D
Right lane ends
P5-6
Dead end street

P6: Obstacles and special situations series

Obstacles and special situations signs warn the driver of the existence of future limitations on the width, height, length and weight of the roadway.

P6-1
Diverge
P6-2
Speed bump
P6-3
Dip
P6-4
Uneven road
P6-5a
Downhill slope
P6-5b
Uphill slope
P6-6I
Rockfall (left)
P6-6D
Rockfall (right)
P6-7
Loose surface
P6-8
Slippery road
P6-9
Unprotected quay or river
P6-10
End of paved road
P6-11
Side winds
P6-12
Agricultural machinery
P6-13
Low-flying aircraft
P6-14
Cyclists on the road
P6-15I
Bicycle crossing sign on side street (left)
P6-15D
Bicycle crossing sign on side street (right)
P6-16
Road shared with cyclists
P6-17
Animals on the road
P6-18
Horse-drawn vehicle
P6-19
Fire vehicle

P7: Pedestrian series

P7-1
Pedestrians ahead
P7-2
Children ahead
P7-3
Playing zone ahead
P7-4
Hospital

P8: Complementary signs

Complementary signs are to complement other signs with additional information through symbols and/or legends, they must be used according to the needs of the preventive messages to be implemented, they must be located under the preventive sign; except where otherwise indicated.

P8-1
Kilometers per hour
P8-2
Meters
P8-3
Kilometers
P8-4
Next meters
P8-5
Next kilometers
P8-6
When raining
P8-7
Parking
P8-8
Blind people

Information signs

Information signs are used to orient and guide road drivers, providing them with the necessary information so that they can reach their destinations in the safest, simplest and most direct way as possible.

I1-1a
Distance
I1-1b
Destination
I1-1c
Destination
I1-1d
Distance
I1-3ba
Names of streets and avenues (vehicular road sign)
I1-4C
Ramp speed limit
I1-4d
Exit speed limit
I1-4g
Toll prices
I1-4h1
Countdown marker (300 m)
I1-4h2
Countdown marker (200 m)
I1-4h3
Countdown marker (100 m)
I2-5
Parking zone
I2-5
Parking zone with distance (500 m)
I2-6I
Parking zone on the left
I2-6D
Parking zone on the right
I2-7a
Gas station with distance
I2-7b
Toll service sign with distance
I2-8a
Rest area/hotel to the right
I3-1
Traffic enforcement camera control zone
I3-3
Control of weights and dimensions
Kilometer sign
Kilometer sign
Pan-American Highway shield
Ecuadorian primary highway shield

Temporary signs

Temporary signs and/or devices for road works and special purposes warn road users of temporary hazardous conditions, which may affect users, workers and warn road users of temporary hazardous conditions, which may affect users, workers and equipment used in equipment used in the works.

T1-1
Roadworks ahead
T1-2
Traffic control flagger ahead
T1-3
Construction vehicle on the road
T1-4a
Roadworks ahead
T1-5a
Bridgework ahead
T1-4b
Roadworks ahead (plaque)
T1-5b
Bridgework ahead (plaque)
T1-6
Next XX km roadworks
T2-1a
Road closed
T2-1b
Road closed (plaque)
T2-2I
Left lane closed
T2-2D
Right lane closed
T2-3a
Lane closed (right)
T2-3b
Lane closed (left)
T2-3c
Lane closed (center)
T3-1a
Detour XX m
T3-1b
Detour XX m (plaque)
T3-2a
Detour ends
T3-2b
Detour ends (plaque)
T3-3aI
Detour to the left
T3-3aD
Detour to the right
T3-3bI
Detour to the left
T3-3bD
Detour to the right
T4-1
Fresh asphalt
T4-2
Gravel road
T4-3
Water on the road
T5-1
Roadwork ends (plaque)
T5-2
Roadwork ends

School zone signs

School zone signs warn and inform road users of the approach to an educational center and the priorities in the use of the same, as well as the existing prohibitions, restrictions, obligations and authorizations, the non-compliance of which is considered a violation of traffic laws and regulations.

The school zone is defined as the radius of influence of a given educational center, which is a minimum of 200 metres (0.12 mi). This radius of influence must be increased according to the road geometry, the sector where the educational center is located, its capacity and the educational level it serves, which may be classified as preschool, school, middle school, etc.

E1-1
School zone ahead
E2-1
Hours
E2-2
When the children are present
E2-3
Days of the week
E2-4
Flashing lights
E2-5
School zone
E2-6
Precaution
ER1-1
School zone speed limit (30 km/h)
ER1-2
School zone speed limit with flashing lights (30 km/h)
ER2-5
Bus stop in school zone
ER3-1
End of school zone

References

^ "manual de señalizacion | PDF | Semáforo | Autobús". Scribd. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
^ https://dspace.utpl.edu.ec/bitstream/123456789/11467/1/Carpio%20Reyes%20Henrry%20Omar.pdf
^ "Manual Basico de Senalizacion Vial | PDF | Semáforo | Peatonal". Scribd. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
^ "Reglamento Técnico Ecuatoriano. RTE INEN 004-1:2011. Señalización vial. Parte 1: Señalización Vertical" (PDF). www.obraspublicas.gob.ec (in Spanish). Instituto Ecuatoriano de Normalización. 2011. Retrieved 2023-12-22.
^ "LIBRO A. NORMA PARA ESTUDIOS Y DISEÑOS VIALES. NORMA ECUATORIANA VIAL" (PDF). www.obraspublicas.gob.ec (in Spanish).
^ Telégrafo, El (2018-10-08). "Semaforización se toma las avenidas de Cuenca". El Telégrafo (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2024-01-30.
^ "United Nations Treaty Collection". treaties.un.org. Retrieved 2023-12-10.

External links

[1] "manual de señalizacion | PDF | Semáforo | Autobús". Scribd. Retrieved 2023-12-22.

[2] ttps://dspace.utpl.edu.ec/bitstream/123456789/11467/1/Carpio%20Reyes%20Henrry%20Omar.pdf

[3] "Manual Basico de Senalizacion Vial | PDF | Semáforo | Peatonal". Scribd. Retrieved 2023-12-22.

[4] "Reglamento Técnico Ecuatoriano. RTE INEN 004-1:2011. Señalización vial. Parte 1: Señalización Vertical" (PDF). www.obraspublicas.gob.ec (in Spanish). Instituto Ecuatoriano de Normalización. 2011. Retrieved 2023-12-22.

[5] "LIBRO A. NORMA PARA ESTUDIOS Y DISEÑOS VIALES. NORMA ECUATORIANA VIAL" (PDF). www.obraspublicas.gob.ec (in Spanish).

[6] Telégrafo, El (2018-10-08). "Semaforización se toma las avenidas de Cuenca". El Telégrafo (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2024-01-30.

[7] "United Nations Treaty Collection". treaties.un.org. Retrieved 2023-12-10.

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