Tema 13: temporary signage and delineation in the DGT exam
The signage that changes with the traffic. It ranks second in precedence, ahead of traffic lights, and temporarily overrides the fixed signs.
Reviewed on 6 October 2026 · sources: BOE and DGT
This is the signage that changes with the traffic. It ranks second in precedence and temporarily overrides the fixed signs.
- Temporary signage regulates traffic to fit changing circumstances, and it prevails over vertical signs and road markings.
- Its changes end when that signage says so, or when the cause that imposed them ends.
- Delineation elements come in four families: delimiting devices, guidance devices, other elements and beacon signs.
- On works stretches signs carry a yellow background; temporary signage for non-works causes uses orange.
- Variable-message panels show messages from a closed list fixed by the Regulation itself.
Watch out: Cones and beacons are not decorative: a delimiting device bans entry just as a sign does.
In DrivingLingo: practise with the road signs, review the roadworks signage topic and the signage and precedence one, and do .
Source: RGC arts. 142.1, 133.1.b), 142.4 and 142.3; RGC anexo I, apdos. 2, 2.5, 2.6 and 3.1.
Key rules of topic 13
It beats the fixed signs
Temporary signage regulates traffic to fit changing circumstances, and it prevails over vertical signs and road markings.
- Its changes end when that signage says so, or when the cause that imposed them ends.
- At that moment the ordinary signage takes effect again.
Source: RGC art. 142.1; RGC art. 133.1.b)
The four delineation families
Delineation elements come in four families: delimiting devices, guidance devices, other elements and beacon signs.
- Delimiting devices ban access to the part of the road they enclose.
- A luminous beacon on the carriageway may only be crossed when it shows green.
Source: RGC art. 142.4; RGC anexo I, apdo. 3.1
Yellow and orange
On works stretches signs carry a yellow background; temporary signage for non-works causes uses orange.
- Fixed signs that do not apply during the works must be covered with black adhesive material.
- New road markings painted for the works are yellow.
Source: RGC anexo I, catálogo tomo I, apdos. 2.5 y 2.6
Restraint systems
Restraint systems soften the consequences of leaving the road, but they neither prevent it nor are they risk-free.
- Safety barriers on verges and central reservations; parapets on bridges and walls.
- Motorcyclist protection systems, designed for two-wheeled vehicles.
- Impact attenuators at the start of a fork.
Source: RGC art. 142.5
Variable messages
Variable-message panels use the official listed messages; any other needs the express approval of the traffic authority.
- Some inform: slow traffic, reduced visibility, journey times.
- Others are binding: temporary speed limit, no overtaking, compulsory diversion.
- There are also pollution-episode messages, with a speed limit or a ban by environmental label.
Source: RGC art. 142.1 y 142.3; RGC anexo I, apdo. 2
Learn the rule, then practise it
Study topic 13 step by step: the rule, its citation and exam-style questions.
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