IRC Code 67: Essential Specifications for Traffic Signs and Safety Markers

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In a country like India where millions of vehicles ply every day, the role of standardized traffic signs cannot be overlooked. IRC Code 67 serves as a comprehensive guideline that defines how road signs should be designed, placed, and maintained to ensure safety and uniformity. Whether you're a civil engineer, contractor, road safety auditor, or government official, understanding IRC Code 67 is crucial for effective road infrastructure planning and execution.

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What is IRC Code 67?

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IRC Code 67, officially known as IRC:67-2012 - Code of Practice for Road Signs (Third Revision), is a publication by the Indian Roads Congress. It lays down the complete standard for all aspects of road signage in India. This includes the classification of signs, their dimensions, placement, materials, colors, and maintenance requirements.

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This code aligns with international guidelines such as the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals, ensuring that Indian road signage maintains global compatibility.

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Purpose and Objectives of IRC Code 67

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The primary purpose of IRC Code 67 is to enhance road safety and promote consistent traffic movement. It achieves this by ensuring that:

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• Road signs are uniform across all states and cities

• Drivers get enough time to understand and respond to signs

• Signs are visible during the day and at night

• Road users are guided properly, reducing chances of accidents

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The code covers all roads, including national highways, expressways, state roads, district roads, village roads, and urban roads.

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Types of Road Signs Under IRC Code 67

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1. Mandatory or Regulatory Signs

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These signs are used to enforce legal obligations on road users. They are usually circular in shape and come in two types:

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• Prohibitory signs such as ‘No Entry’, ‘No Parking’, and ‘No U-turn’

• Mandatory action signs like ‘Turn Left’, ‘Keep Left’, or ‘Cycle Track Only’

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These signs must be obeyed by all road users. Violating them is a punishable offense under the Motor Vehicles Act.

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2. Cautionary or Warning Signs

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These signs are triangular and used to alert drivers of potential hazards ahead. Examples include:

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• Sharp Curve
• Narrow Bridge
• School Ahead
• Pedestrian Crossing

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Their role is to give drivers adequate warning to adjust their driving behavior accordingly.

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3. Informatory Signs

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Informatory signs are rectangular and are meant to guide or provide information to road users. They include:

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• Direction boards
• Distance markers
• Facility indicators such as petrol pumps, hospitals, and restaurants

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These signs help make travel efficient and user-friendly.

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Guidelines for Placement of Traffic Signs

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Correct placement of signs is critical for visibility and safety. IRC Code 67 provides precise recommendations for siting road signs:

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• Signs should ideally be placed on the left side of the road.

• For multi-lane roads, overhead signs may be used for better visibility.

• Signs must be placed at a distance that provides adequate reaction time for drivers.

• Minimum vertical clearance for overhead signs should be 5.5 meters.

• Lateral distance from the edge of the road should be between 600 mm to 3 meters.

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These specifications ensure that signs are placed strategically without obstructing traffic or pedestrians.

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Sign Sizes and Visibility Standards

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Sign dimensions and letter sizes are determined based on the design speed of the road. Higher speeds require larger signs and letters for improved readability. IRC Code 67 ensures that:

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• Lettering is sized to match driving speeds

• Visibility is maintained both day and night

• Signs are not too large to cause distraction

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The code recommends using retro-reflective sheeting so that signs remain visible in low light or night-time conditions.

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Materials and Fabrication Standards

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Durability is key when it comes to road signs, and IRC Code 67 specifies the materials to be used:

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• Aluminum sheeting or Aluminum Composite Materials (ACM) are preferred for the sign panels.

• Retro-reflective sheeting must meet the standards set by ASTM D 4956-09.

• Sign posts should be made of galvanized iron, mild steel, or reinforced concrete.

• High-strength adhesives are to be used for applying reflective sheeting.

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All materials must withstand harsh weather, pollution, and regular wear and tear.

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Color Coding of Road Signs

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IRC Code 67 defines a standardized color scheme for various types of signs to ensure instant recognition. For example:

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• Red is used for prohibitory or warning signs

• Blue is used for informatory signs on expressways and city roads

• Green is used for direction signs on highways

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Uniform color usage helps in creating consistency across road networks and makes signs easily identifiable.

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Maintenance and Inspection of Road Signs

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For signs to remain effective, regular maintenance is crucial. IRC Code 67 recommends that:

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• Signs be inspected at least twice a year, both during the day and night

• Any damaged or faded signs be replaced immediately

• A reference number and installation date be stamped on the back of each sign

• Signs be cleaned periodically to ensure legibility

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This proactive maintenance helps ensure that signs continue to guide drivers effectively and safely.

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Supplementary and Definition Plates

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Sometimes, road signs are accompanied by definition plates to provide additional context. These are rectangular boards placed below the main sign and include:

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• Textual information in English and/or regional languages

• Time restrictions or vehicle type limitations

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These help clarify the scope or application of the main sign.

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Conclusion

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IRC Code 67 is a fundamental framework that ensures traffic signs in India are safe, effective, and universally understood. By standardizing everything from materials to placement techniques, the code plays a vital role in reducing accidents and promoting smoother traffic flow. Every stakeholder involved in road design, construction, or maintenance must adhere to the guidelines of this code to ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

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