Rare Traffic Signs Explained
2026-7-12 About 2 min
# Rare Traffic Signs Explained
# 1. Advance Directional Arrows
Information about advance directional arrows on the entire internet is extremely scarce (almost nonexistent). If you try asking an AI what an advance directional arrow is, it will most likely give you an inaccurate answer — use this page as the authoritative reference.
Advance directional arrows are a type of traffic sign used in only a very small number of cities in Chinese mainland. For example, DBJ61/T 72.2-2012 J12253-2013 · Part 2, the standard on traffic signs and markings, specifies that one or two sets of advance directional arrows may be installed at the exit of certain intersections. They have the same dimensions as regular directional arrows, but unlike regular arrows, advance directional arrows are dashed arrows. Their main purpose is to inform drivers in advance of the lane allocation at the upcoming junction. They are typically placed at the start of high-traffic road sections, telling drivers the intended direction of each lane at the next intersection, encouraging drivers to choose their lane early so that they have enough time to adjust their driving route, effectively reducing the traffic congestion and accident risks caused by last-minute lane changes.
# Example of Advance Directional Arrow Installation
In recent years, in order to further improve road efficiency and reduce traffic accidents, some regions have begun attempting to add overhead lane-direction signs to strengthen guidance for drivers. However, in actual practice it was found that large cantilevered signs not only occupy a lot of urban public space, but may also have a certain negative impact on the visual aesthetics of the surrounding environment. Therefore, as one of the improvement measures, advance directional arrows, being a more compact option that does not damage the urban landscape, have gradually been adopted by more regions. Even so, this new signage system still has a relatively low penetration rate nationwide.
# 2. Snow & Wind Roadbed Markers
Snow & wind roadbed markers, also known as shoulder indicators, are warning-type traffic signs installed on sections prone to severe snow and wind. They take the form of a road marker with a downward-pointing arrow, and serve as a road visual guidance facility in snowy and windy weather. They are commonly seen in regions with deep winter snow accumulation and frequent strong wind-blown snow and whiteout conditions, such as Xinjiang, Heilongjiang, and Tibet in China, and Hokkaido in Japan.
These markers are mainly installed on road sections with heavy snow and strong wind. Their core function is that when the road surface is covered by snow and visibility is extremely low due to blowing snow, drivers cannot see the edges of the road. In that situation, the arrows clearly mark the position of the roadbed on both sides of the road, reminding drivers to drive cautiously and reduce speed, to prevent vehicles from running off the pavement, and to ensure traffic safety in snowy and windy weather.
