IRC Code 67: A Complete Guide to the Placement and Orientation of Road Signs in India

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Properly placed and clearly visible road signs are crucial for maintaining road safety and ensuring smooth traffic flow. To maintain consistency across the country, the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) introduced a set of standardized rules under IRC Code 67. This code, officially titled “IRC:67-2012 – Code of Practice for Road Signs”, outlines detailed guidelines for the placement, orientation, and materials of road signs across all categories of roads in India.

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This blog provides an in-depth, easy-to-understand breakdown of the essential provisions of IRC Code 67 and how they help shape better road infrastructure.

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Introduction to IRC Code 67

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The IRC Code 67 serves as the national standard for the design and installation of road signage. It harmonizes Indian signage with global standards like the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals (1968). First published in 1978 and revised in 2012, the code addresses the need for uniformity, safety, and clarity in road signage across rural roads, highways, city roads, and expressways.

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Key Objectives of the Code

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The main purpose of IRC Code 67 is to:

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• Promote safe and efficient movement of traffic

• Offer consistent design and placement of signs

• Reduce ambiguity by ensuring uniformity

• Aid in better communication between road infrastructure and road users

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Placement of Road Signs: What the Code Says

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1. General Placement Principles

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• Signs should be clearly visible and installed within the direct line of sight of approaching drivers.

• As a general rule, signs are placed on the left-hand side of the road.

• On two-lane roads, signs may also be installed on the right-hand side for added visibility.

• On multi-lane roads or divided highways, signs must be placed on both sides.

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2. Height and Clearance Requirements

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• The bottom edge of the sign should be at least 2.1 meters above kerbs or 2.0 meters above roads without kerbs.

• For overhead signs, the minimum vertical clearance must be 5.5 meters above the road surface.

• Where pedestrians are expected (such as footpaths), at least 2.1 meters of headroom should be provided.

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3. Median and Overhead Placement

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When signs on the left shoulder may not be effective (e.g., on divided roads), they can be placed on the median. In case of high-speed roads, closely spaced interchanges, or heavy commercial traffic, overhead signs are recommended for better visibility.

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Orientation of Road Signs

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Orientation plays a vital role in ensuring that signs are not just present but also legible and effective.

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• General rule: Signs should be oriented at right angles to the direction of approaching traffic.

• Parking signs: Should be installed at a 15° angle to the road for enhanced visibility.

• On curves or gradients, the signs should be tilted slightly to maintain optimal line of sight and reduce glare from headlights.

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Materials and Construction Standards

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IRC Code 67 specifies strict material and fabrication requirements to ensure durability and performance.

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1. Materials Used

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• Aluminium or Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) is preferred for signboards due to their corrosion resistance and strength.

• Posts can be made of galvanized iron (GI), steel, or concrete.

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2. Retro-Reflective Sheeting

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Reflective sheeting enhances night-time visibility and is classified into:

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• Class A – Engineering Grade

• Class B – High Intensity Prismatic

• Class C – Micro Prismatic (used for expressways and overhead signs)

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Each class has different reflectivity standards and lifespans, with Class C offering up to 10 years of durability.

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3. Posts and Mountings

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• Signs up to 0.9 m² area are mounted on single posts.

• Larger signs require two or more supports.

• Foundations are designed to withstand storm winds and prevent vandalism or shifting.

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Letter Size and Legibility

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• The x-height of letters (height of lowercase letters) is calculated based on the design speed of the road.

• Higher speed roads demand larger fonts to ensure readability from longer distances.

• Regulatory messages like “STOP” or “NO PARKING” must be prominently sized and placed for maximum visibility.

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Maintenance of Road Signs

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Maintenance is critical to retain effectiveness. IRC Code 67 specifies:

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• Twice yearly inspection in both daytime and nighttime conditions

• Annual inspection during rain

• Immediate replacement of faded, damaged, or obscured signs

• Cleaning cycles based on the environment (e.g., signs under trees may need frequent cleaning)

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Additionally, each sign must carry a reference number and installation date (on the back) for easy tracking.

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Legal and Safety Implications

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Mandatory and regulatory signs are backed by the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Any deviation from these can lead to legal non-compliance. Signs like STOP, GIVE WAY, SPEED LIMIT, and NO ENTRY are legally enforceable and must be placed in strict accordance with the code.

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Proper signage helps in:

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• Reducing accidents

• Enhancing driver compliance

• Facilitating law enforcement

• Supporting traffic flow during emergencies and diversions

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Why Consistency Matters

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One of the foundational pillars of IRC Code 67 is uniformity. Whether you're in Delhi or a village in Maharashtra, the design, placement, and purpose of signs should be predictable and easy to understand. This:

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• Reduces reaction time

• Increases driver confidence

• Improves overall road experience

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Conclusion

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IRC Code 67 offers a detailed roadmap for ensuring that road signs are not only present but also purposeful. By following the placement and orientation guidelines laid out in this standard, traffic authorities, engineers, and city planners can significantly improve road safety and usability.

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Implementing the code effectively helps create a seamless, standardized road signage system that serves every road user—from pedestrians to high-speed vehicle operators.

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