Tema 10: vertical signs, warning, regulatory and information, in the DGT exam

The biggest tema in the exam. Three families, one shape each: triangle warns, circle orders, square informs. Learn the family first, the pictogram second.

Reviewed on 11 October 2026 · sources: BOE and DGT

It is the biggest tema in the exam. Three families of vertical signs, and you learn the family first.

Vertical signs come in three classes: warning (code P), regulation (R) and information (S).
On its own a warning sign bans nothing: it obliges you to apply the rule that fits that hazard.
The rectangular panel under a sign sharpens its meaning, and can narrow it to certain vehicles or certain hours.
A regulatory sign applies from the transverse section where it stands.
Advance direction signs stand, as a general rule, 500 metres out on motorways (autopistas) and dual carriageways (autovías); in town that can drop to around 50 metres.

Watch out: 'A warning sign forces you down to 50' is false: it carries no limit.

In DrivingLingo: practise with the warning signs, review the signage and precedence topic and the road markings one, and start .

Source: RGC arts. 137, 144, 145.3, 145.4 and 146.

Key rules of topic 10

The three families

Vertical signs come in three classes: warning of danger, regulation and information.

Warning: alerts you to a hazard that is hard to notice in time. P-1 also grants priority at the signposted junction.
Regulation: imposes duties, limits or bans. Code R.
Information: gives you useful facts. Code S.

Source: RGC arts. 144, 145, 146 y 56.4; anexo I ap. 5.1, Catálogo tomo I, P-1

Warning signs

A warning sign shows the nearness and the nature of a hazard hard to spot in time, so you can adapt.

On its own it bans nothing: it obliges you to apply the rule that fits that hazard.

Source: RGC art. 144; RGC art. 46

The supplementary panel

A rectangular panel below a sign clarifies its meaning. S-870a/b limits it to the exit slip road whose direction approximately matches the arrow.

Under an information sign it usually states the distance to the place signposted.
A panel reading EXCEPTO flips the scope: the sign binds everyone except what the panel names.

Source: RGC art. 137.2; anexo I ap. 5.1, Catálogo tomo I, 3.17, S-870a y S-870b; RGC art. 146.2.e) y 146.3

Bends and crests

On bends and crests with reduced visibility you must leave the oncoming half of the carriageway completely clear.

The bend sign warns you; the duty to keep to your half exists with or without it.
On those stretches overtaking is banned and stopping is banned too.

Source: RGC art. 29.1; RGC art. 87.1.a); RGC art. 94.1.a)

The six R classes

Regulatory signs split into priority, no-entry, restricted access, other bans, mandatory and end-of-ban.

No entry: bars access to whoever meets it head-on, from the point where it stands.
Restricted access: prohibits or limits access according to mass, height, width or length.

Source: RGC art. 145.2.b y c; anexo I ap. 5.1, Catálogo tomo I, 3.3, R-107

Where it starts to bite

A regulatory sign applies from the transverse section where it stands.

Unless a supplementary panel beneath it states the distance at which it begins.
An R sign beside the town-name board applies to the whole built-up area.

Source: RGC art. 145.3 y 145.4

Information signs

Information signs give you useful facts; by themselves they impose no new duty.

Its types: general information, lane signs, services, direction, supplementary panels and others.
Lane signs do impose a special regime on one or more lanes.

Source: RGC art. 146

Advance direction signs

Advance direction signs stand far enough from the junction to give you time to decide.

In town that distance can drop to around 50 metres.
On motorways and dual carriageways it is, as a general rule, 500 metres.

Source: RGC art. 146.2.d).1.ª

Priority signs

Priority signs tell you the special priority rules at junctions or at narrow passing places.

Give way and Stop take your priority away; priority road gives it to you.

Source: RGC art. 145.2.a); RGC art. 56

Pedestrians, children and animals

Warning signs for pedestrians, children and animals tell you they may step onto the road; they ask you to slow down.

The children sign marks a place they frequent, such as a school or a play area.
Under the domestic-animals sign, a «cañada» panel marks a livestock crossing where they have priority.

Source: RGC art. 144.1; RGC art. 46.1.a); RGC art. 66; RGC anexo I, ap. 5 (Catálogo RD 465/2025), señales P-20, P-21 y P-23

No overtaking

The no-overtaking sign bars you from overtaking motor vehicles, motorcycles included, if you would enter the opposing lane.

The lorry version bars those over 3,500 kg from overtaking motor vehicles even without entering the opposing lane.
It applies until a sign ending the prohibition, or ending all prohibitions.

Source: RGC art. 145.2.d); RGC anexo I, ap. 5 (Catálogo RD 465/2025), señales R-305 y R-306

Stopping and parking

The no stopping and parking sign bars both on its side of the carriageway; the no parking sign still lets you stop.

Unless stated otherwise, the ban runs from the sign to the nearest junction.
A panel with hours limits it to those hours; an arrow shows which way it extends.

Source: RGC art. 145.2.d); RGC art. 137.2; RGC anexo I, ap. 5 (Catálogo RD 465/2025), señales R-307 y R-308

Learn the rule, then practise it

Study topic 10 step by step: the rule, its citation and exam-style questions.

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